Barndominiums are typically metal buildings with steel frames. The homes are built using post-frame construction, which involves placing large posts about 8 to 12 feet apart. A traditional wood home uses a stud frame with wood studs spaced about 16 to 24 inches apart.
The differences in construction lead to many advantages. Here are a few of the reasons why building a barndominium is worth it:
Barndominiums are increasing in popularity and are found in every state. However, the real estate market does not include a lot of existing barndominiums. If you are thinking about buying a barndominium, you are likely going to need to build one from scratch.
To determine whether building a barndominium is worth it, you should explore the advantages in more detail.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of building a barndominium is $30 to $40 per square foot. Traditional homes cost $100 to $200 per square foot to build. However, the cost varies depending on how much you handle yourself.
For example, if you have experience with construction projects, you may decide to act as the owner-contractor and save money. Hiring a professional builder often costs more but decreases the risk of construction mistakes. Yet, both options are still cheaper compared to building a standard home.
You can also find a wide range of barndominium blueprints online. Instead of hiring an architect, you can shop for premade blueprints that suit your specific needs.
The cheaper cost of construction leads to additional benefits. With lower costs, you may not need to borrow as much from a lender. You may need a smaller down payment and end up with lower mortgage payments compared to building a standard home of the same size.
The lower costs may also allow you to build a bigger home. For example, at $200 per square foot, $200,000 would cover the construction of a 1000 square foot traditional home. At $40 per square foot, you could potentially build a 5000-square-foot barndominium for the same price.
On average, it takes about seven months to build a standard home from start to finish. If you need to hire an architect to draw plans for the house, you may need to add two to three months to the timeframe.
Barndominium construction is often faster, especially when using a barndominium kit. Basic barndominium kits include the steel frame, roof, and exterior walls. You can also find kits with custom fittings and amenities to complete the home.
Without a kit, a barndominium may take five to six months to complete, which is still shorter compared to building a wood home.
Barndominiums are often made with steel frames and metal siding. The metal exterior allows barndominiums to withstand more severe impacts compared to wood homes. A barndominium may even withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires.
Metal homes can withstand winds up to 170 mph. Traditional homes may sustain winds up to 80 mph before the windows shatter and the structure begins to creak.
