Barndominium houses are all the rage these days, especially in rural properties. They are steel buildings that are quite large. Sometimes it has a horse stable and a garage. They are barns converted to homes. But most builders are making them from scratch as homes for families. These buildings are not as new as most home decorating and improvement shows are making it seem. They have been here for quite some time! This is a simple guide for barndominium builders.
What Is A Barndominium?
Barndos are barn-style steel buildings with added features and finishing that make them function as a home. Keep in mind other people use it as commercial structures. Often when people hear or talk about barndominiums, Texas is the first place that comes to mind because these types of houses exploded in popularity there.
But that is not to say you can’t build a barndo whenever you are. As long as you have the right building materials from MSS, you can make your dream a reality!. It helps you get that unique farmhouse look. Almost all of these buildings have a rectangular foundation so you can customize the floor plan to your liking.
With a barndominium, you get the best of both worlds. They have aesthetical appeal, durability, and functionality. It’s easy to overcome the traditional barn houses’ plumbing, electrical, insulation, and energy efficiency issues with this type of building.
These practical homes are usually considered affordable. You can modernize it and update it however you want. Sometimes a liveable warehouse gives some comfort and homeliness. Get a trusted supplier who can get you cost-effective assembly kits and quality building components. That’s the best way to start your journey to owning a barndominium.
How Much Does A Barndominium Cost?
The amount you pay building a barndominium varies greatly from one property owner to the next. Consult your supplier and explain your plan. We will work with the plan you have and give you an estimate of what the building will likely cost. The final cost depends on various factors, including finish and additional features.
The type of metal you use can also impact the price. The size of the building is an important thing to consider. The total price per square foot depends on how big you want the barndominium to be. The bottom line is that the building is very cost-effective compared to other houses.
You have to specify the function of the building first before you figure out the cost. Also, consider everything from excavation, delivery, and assembly. Allow professionals to take charge of HVAC, insulation, and electrical installations if these are not your areas of expertise. You can easily sum up the cost when you have everything elaborated in your plan.
Barndominium Kits
Assembly kits are usually the first suggestion you get when building a barndominium. These are usually DIY versions with relatively lower average costs. They also have customizable options that will help bring your design to life.
Kits usually come with exterior sheeting, main framings, secondary framing, closers, bolts, trims, and fasteners. The trick is getting your assembly kit from a reputable company. That will ensure you receive high-quality materials. You can add any materials you want to make it a complete home, but the kit should have enough to make the structure stand.
Kits are easier to work with, especially when you are not skilled in making such houses. A readily available guide with instructions will help you put up a barndominium in no time. Companies making such kits are usually flexible and open to your plan. Get a consultation and work something out.
However, a plan is still a great alternative to a kit, but most providers will sell you a plan and a kit to go with it. Make sure when you are planning or remodeling the house, you take everything into account, including the timeline.
You Need the Right Doors and Windows
Windows and doors are particularly crucial to the barndominium. Get big enough windows and doors to allow light into the house. But when the windows are too big, especially single-pane ones, you will lose a lot of heat. Your house will be cold during bad weather or too hot during summer.
That is why you have to get the size of windows and doors right. Heating and cooling are some of the most expensive bills in your home. You must strive to keep the indoors conducive regardless of the weather. Since the windows will be a bit large, consider window film. It reduces glare and adds another layer of UV protection.
Selecting barndominium windows can be overwhelming. Ask an expert to help you get the right size. Windows and doors make the building look like a home instead of a repurposed barn. Full-spectrum lighting makes the building more appealing and friendly. As long as you do the installation and preparations correctly, you can use any type of floor you like.
How you arrange the house matters a lot. Like the bedroom shouldn’t be too close to the high traffic areas of the house like the kitchen or the family room. How you decide the interior is usually up to you and what you had envisioned as your dream home. Get an interior designer to help you put it all together.
You Can Have an Outdoor Living Space Too
Most beginners assume barndominiums don’t allow a lot of customization on the exterior. But you can have some outdoor living space if you want. Adding a patio or a deck is possible. Be sure to communicate your plan to us so that we can customize the building materials.
With the right touches, you can make the building exceptional. There are plenty of pictures online that can inspire your unique plan. Customizing the exterior is tricky, but you can pull it off with the right resources. It may add extra cost to your initial budget, but it’s worth it if you want a great outdoor space.
The end goal for the house should inspire the overall layout and the features you pick. If you are renovating a used barn, try to maintain the original character and look as much as possible. But if you are building a new structure, you can go all out with the design.
Get a Permit
You have to get appropriate paperwork before starting construction on the new site. Any project is subject to local requirements that can hinder construction. A building permit will determine your ability to build the barndominium. Reach out to the local authorities about your plan to be on the safe side. When you get the green light, you can commence building preparations.
When you get your plan from us, present it to the officials for approval. Permits will cost you; prepare some funds to finalize the process. Even if you buy a property with a pre-existing barn, you still have to get a permit. Don’t assume everything is up to code.
Benefits of Barndominiums
Choosing a barndominium as your home comes with a few perks. These are some of the benefits you will enjoy after building the house.
1. Low Maintenance
Traditional homes demand a lot of maintenance to function properly through the years. Barndominiums are low maintenance because the metal exterior and strong base structures have a longer lifespan. It’s quite refreshing, and it will lower maintenance costs significantly. But you have to get the best quality metals to guarantee longevity.
2. Flexible Space
These are some of the most flexible buildings ever. You can make a great home out of it or a commercial area. They come in different sizes to allow people to actualize their plans. There is always that house you dream of creating. With a barndominium, you can make any plan come to life in the interior. There are various ways to include unique features that fit your lifestyle.
3. Easy To Build
There are assembling kits available that make it easy to build a barndominium. All the materials will be pre-engineered. Your work is to assemble all the parts until you have a building. Even if you buy a plan and materials, it will still take less time to build than traditional homes. You won’t have to spend many months waiting for your home to be done. It requires a certain level of skills to assemble the kit. If it’s not part of your expertise, get someone else to help you.
4. Durable
Metal is one of the most durable building materials ever. A house made of metal or steel will serve you for many years. They are resistant to rot, mold, and other elements. You won’t have to worry about wear and tear any time soon.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know a few things about barndominium, you know where to start. MSS guarantees customer satisfaction. Our innovative building solutions are of the best quality and will help you create your perfect home. Contact our team today for a quote!
