If you’re looking for a house with plenty of room, space to work, and an opportunity to get creative with interior design, you might want to consider barndominiums. Barndominiums, derived from the classic barn design, are architectural gems that have blurred the lines between tradition and modernity. These structures are recently gaining popularity for their many benefits that cater to modern homeowners looking for that incredible balance of form and function. Get ready to blow your mind with the new modern home: barndominiums; and discover why getting one could be an excellent investment for your family.
What Are Barndominiums?
Generally, a barndominium, more commonly known as a barndo, is an open-concept structure that tastefully combines basic living quarters and workspaces. The name “barndominium” is a mix of the terms “barn” and “condominium,” emphasizing the unique concept of repurposing traditional buildings, like barns, into something modern, like a condo.
These structures typically involve elements like metal or wooden siding, exposed beams, and a barn-style roof. However, instead of livestock and hay, you’ll find a comfortable living space with amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and working areas like home offices and studios. Some homeowners build barndominiums from scratch, while others convert existing barns or similar buildings.
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Advantages of Getting One
The best part about barndominiums is that they provide various benefits to homeowners. Besides the rustic aesthetic, these structures offer versatility, efficiency, and durability. Here are a few benefits you’ll want to consider when it comes to owning a barndominium.
Energy efficiency
Generally, barndominiums feature open floor plans with minimal interior walls. This finish allows for better airflow throughout the area, reducing the reliance on air conditioning, especially in hot climates. That means homeowners can lower their energy consumption by minimizing the need for such an appliance.
Additionally, barndominiums often feature large windows that bring more natural light into the living space. Utilizing sunlight throughout the day also reduces the reliance on artificial lighting. Doing so contributes to the overall energy efficiency of such structures. Plus, natural lighting creates a pleasant and inviting ambiance, boosting the livability of the building.
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Design and space versatility
Traditional homes often have fixed room configurations. That means there are designated spaces for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Meanwhile, barndominiums don’t have such restrictions. With this structure’s flexibility, homeowners can freely create their desired living or working spaces. Besides having bedrooms and common areas, you can have a gym, an art studio, or a home theater setup to host watch parties with family and friends.
The best part about barndominiums is that they can adapt to any lifestyle or design changes and requirements you may have over time. Homeowners can quickly transform them for specific needs, like hosting big family events. Plus, they can adjust to any expansions and modifications with ease. Because of their build, adding rooms or extending areas is easy. That means they can adapt to a family’s growth without significant structural restraints.
Meanwhile, the versatility of these structures also extends beyond their interiors. They may follow the same barn look, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with their details. For instance, black barndominiums have recently taken the spotlight with their modern-meets-farmhouse aesthetic. You can play with color and other design elements to match your preferences.
Durability and longevity
As mentioned above, barndominiums are often built with sturdy materials like steel or metal frames. Because of such robust materials, these buildings receive exceptional strength and durability throughout their lifetime. They also ensure the structure can withstand harsh conditions, including strong winds, heavy snow, and earthquakes.
In addition, barndominiums also feature minimal wood components in their bases. Because of that, they have little risk of pest infestations, mildew, and rot, unlike traditional homes that are primarily made of wood. That also means it’s unlikely that they catch fire quickly or at all.
All in all, these buildings are more secure than a traditional home. Plus, their structural integrity makes them last longer with low maintenance requirements.
Cheaper cost
Much like a traditional home, the cost of a barndominium varies depending on various factors. Apart from size, you must also factor in materials, labor, custom features, construction materials, and location. The good news is that homeowners can be their own contractors and purchase a plan online, which helps save around 15 to 20 percent of the overall budget.
In addition, barndominiums offer excellent value on a per-square-foot basis. These structures may range from $70 to $90 per square foot, while traditional homes cost around $145. It’s also worth noting that barndominiums have lower insurance rates and taxes.
Quick turnaround time
Generally, barndominiums take around three to six months to build. However, construction time will depend on various factors, particularly the level of customization the homeowner requires.
Still, these structures have a more straightforward construction process because of their design and materials. Plus, they often require pre-engineered components and clear structural plans. Because of that, building one is often quicker than building a traditional home.
Lastly, building a barndominium is less susceptible to weather delays than traditional homes. Using steel frames and metal siding enables workers to continue even in inclement weather conditions. Because of that, the process minimizes weather-related delays and ensures that the structure gets finished on the agreed schedule.
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Issues You Might Encounter
Barndominiums offer various benefits for potential owners. However, before committing to such an investment, it’s best to know some of its limitations before you go all in.
Barndominiums are generally constructed out of metal or wood and may require more maintenance than a regular house. The interior layout of many barndominiums is limited, making it difficult to accommodate multiple bedrooms and. Due to their unique construction methods, they may not comply with local building regulations or insurance requirements. Additionally, heating and cooling costs for such homes
Limited financing
While there’s an increased interest in barndominiums throughout the country, finding a loan for one is still more difficult than getting a mortgage for a traditional home, but it’s not entirely impossible. These structures can generally be financed through farm credit lenders. However, before looking into this option, gathering as much information as possible about the project is best to make a strong case.
Difficulty in resale
Despite the current boom in barndominiums, they’re still not finding success in the mass market. These structures cater to a niche market or specific homeowners that require a floor plan that can adapt to various customizations or expansions. Reselling it will be difficult unless it’s for someone with the exact requirements.
Zoning restrictions
Unfortunately, barndominiums are limited to rural areas where the building code is more relaxed for such structures. Usually, they’re not allowed in cities and towns because of various regulations. Currently, Texas is the most popular state for these buildings because of its land abundance and flexible zoning laws.
Your Next Dream Home
Barndominiums are incredible structures that seamlessly blend the charms of rustic style with the functionalities of contemporary living. With benefits like energy efficiency, versatility, durability, and affordability, barndominiums offer various opportunities for imaginative homeowners looking for ways to channel their preferences without sacrificing too much money. Despite certain constraints they face today, these flexible and cost-efficient structures are still worth considering.
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