Ever wondered about the average cost to build a barndominium?
A barndominium or ‘barndo’ is a modern part-barn part-condominium hybrid that offers a unique and rustic living experience.
They’re gaining popularity but budgeting can be a challenge due to the unique architecture and materials used in construction.
The question is can you afford your dream barndo?
Table of Contents
Average Cost Per Square Foot
The cost to build a barndominium can range from $65 to $160 per square foot on average with the total price driving from $130000 to $320000 for a 2000 square foot home. The budget will encompass expenses such as land acquisition excavation concrete foundation laying plumbing permits and connections to local utilities.
Keep in mind these costs could be higher or lower depending on factors such as size location and the level of customization.
Barndominium Materials Cost
Barndominium materials play a pivotal role in the total cost. Material costs for building barndominium kits can range from $20 to $35 per square foot and this generally includes basic elements like exterior walls roof windows doors siding and steel columns.
A more comprehensive barndominium kit encompassing the shell and on-site assembly can range from $30 to $50 per square foot.
- Stock barndominium plans: $1300 to $2000
- Custom-designed plans: $4500 to $6000 or more
- Standard barndominium kits: $50 to $100 per square foot (excluding interior materials)
These prices signify the materials only and exclude costs such as labor and interior and exterior finishing.
Custom Barndominium Plans
The cost of building a barndominium varies drastically based on customisations. Stock barndominium plans cost approximately $1300 to $2000 while custom-designed plans can range from $4500 to $6000 or more.
These costs cover architectural prints floor plans exterior elevation charts and even mechanical drawings.
When designing your barndominium floor plan factor in your architectural needs. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want and contemplate other features such as great rooms vaulted ceilings fireplaces or even hidden rooms.
Barndominium Assembly Cost
There’s more to consider beyond the design of your barndominium. The average cost to assemble a barndominium ranges from $65 to $160 per square foot encompassing all aspects of construction from site prep and foundation to the final interior and exterior finishes.
Barndominium kit prices – which include the shell and on-site assembly – range from $30 to $50 per square foot.
The breakdown of expenses to build barndominium parts can be broken down into:
- Material costs: Including exterior walls roof windows doors siding and steel columns the costs range from $50 to $100 per square foot
- Labor costs: Depending on the level of sweat equity you’re willing to put in hiring licensed professionals can cost around $85 to $95 per square foot whereas turn-key builders or general contractors may charge $150 to $190 per square foot.
- Additional costs: such as land acquisition excavation concrete foundation plumbing and utility hookups permits and eventually interior and exterior finishes
Ultimately the barndominium bottom line factors in the cost of labor materials and any hidden costs that might arise during construction.
Barndominium Financing Options
One of the key aspects to consider when diving into a barndominium project is financing. Due to their non-traditional nature financing a barndominium can be more difficult compared to a typical country house.
Traditional mortgages might not be available because some lenders perceive too much risk in lending for non-conventional homes. However in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a move out of cities.
People are flocking towards more rural areas looking to pursue the peace and quiet of a rural lifestyle. This rise in demand has led to the development of more flexible financing options for barndominiums.
One potential financing route is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural housing programs. You could also explore financing options via a construction loan which transitions into a regular mortgage after you’ve finished building your barndominium.
Another option could be a barndominium kit where the pricing can include materials and on-site assembly. In some cases you might be able to benefit from sweat equity meaning you participate in the building erection yourself to bring down labor costs.
A significant cost consideration prior to pursuing this financing journey is the land on which you’ll build your barndominium. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Land Values 2021 Summary the average cost for an acre of farmland is around $3380.
Factor in plot size and proximity to urban amenities to calculate your buildable land costs.
It’s also crucial to account for the budgets for the architectural needs of the barndominium such as custom floor plans and separate expense for interior finishes HVAC technicians plumbers and electricians among other construction details. Each of these aspects contributes to the average cost to build a barndominium.
Although it might feel daunting understanding all potential charges can provide a more accurate picture of your barndominium bottom line. This breakdown of expenses can help you budget correctly for your barndominium project.
