You may have heard the term “barndominium” tossed around lately. The word itself is a combination of “barn” and “condominium”, and it refers to a new style of housing that focuses on providing lots of space in a house with a frame built out of metal. The end result looks — as the name implies — like a cross between a barn and a regular home. All while being more sturdy than the first, and more affordable and spacious than the latter.
Barndominiums have gained popularity over the last few years. If you haven’t yet, here are some of the reasons why you should consider an barndominium for your next home.
1 - They are easier to build
Whether you decide to build an barndominium from scratch or go with a prefabricated kit, putting one together is much easier and faster than building a traditional home. The process typically takes around six months, but it can be slower or faster depending on a variety of factors. If the foundation is already in place, some barndominium kits can be built in just a few weeks, especially if you get specialized help.
The ease of construction of an barndominium kit also means there are few things that can go wrong during the construction. This allows for fewer delays and unexpected expenses during the construction process.
2 - They are more affordable
One of the biggest selling points of barndominiums is just how affordable they can be. Latest estimates put the average cost of building a home at between $100 and $155 per square foot of the house. This amounts to new homes typically costing over $200.000 to build. Barndominiums, on the other hand, can cost as little as $70 per square foot. And the cost savings tend to increase when comparing big barndominiums to comparably large homes.
3 - Easy to expand
The semi-modular construction style of barndominiums make them very easy to modify and expand. Especially if you plan ahead and make the foundation larger than the barndominium itself. This expandability has two main advantages.
The first one is obvious. When you need more space you can make your barndominium larger at a relatively low cost, without damaging the existing structure. The second advantage has to do with the initial cost of a barndominium. If you are having trouble saving up money or finding funding for a big barndominium, you can build a small one first, move in, and expand it later.
4 - Durability
The metal construction of barndominiums makes them incredibly durable, while also greatly reducing the amount of upkeep they require. It also makes them better at handling storms, forest fires, earthquakes, and more. Of course, there is no need to worry about rot in the metal construction.
Barndominiums aren’t indestructible, of course. Great amounts of heat can deform the metal plates, and barndominiums are often built with a wooden frame, which can be susceptible to certain types of damage. Still, barndominiums are much more durable and easier to repair than traditional housing solutions.
