Building a Barndominium

By D. L Sagnes

Everything you need to know about building a barndominium is here. Right from looking at property, and building your dream barndo ground up. Learn whats involved in building your barnso. .Lots of tips. Alot of information.  Easy to read. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Debbie Sagnes
• Release date: Jun 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201886448

Book preview

Index

Chapter 1: History and common questions

Chapter 2: Land

Chapter 3: Country codes and zone laws

Chapter 4: Cost

Chapter 5: Construction - land

Chapter 6: Foundation

Chapter 7: Shell, insulation, and framing

Chapter 8: Electrical, plumbing and HVAC

Chapter 9: Flooring

Chapter 10: Doors and windows

Chapter 11: Painting, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures

Chapter 12: Roof

Chapter 13: Final touches

Chapter 1

History

The word barndominium was first used by a real estate developer named Karl Nilsen who envisioned a planned community based around horses and equestrian activities in the 1980's. The Silhouette Farm project consisted of 10 homes all built from metal barn shells in Colebrook, Connecticut.

The word was coined to refer to a lot and horse stable that was to be purchased together.

The first instance of the word being used in the media was in a New York Times article about the community published in 1989.

Barndominiums gained popularity in the 2010’s when a barn conversion was featured on the popular HGTV show. Since then, barndominiums have become increasingly common in rural areas and many builders specializing in the conversions have cropped up across the country.

Farmers have been combining their living spaces with barns for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that it has become a trendy, rather than a purely practical, choice. Real estate developer Karl Nilsen coined the term in 1989, initially to describe properties that offer a house (or lot) along with boarding facilities for the residents’ horses.

Today’s barndominiums may be new builds or existing barns that have been retrofitted to make them habitable.

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS a barndominium?

If you’re looking for a home with plenty of room, space to work and get dirty, perhaps it’s time to consider a barndominium, or barndo.

A barndo is just what it sounds like—a barn that has been converted into a living space. Barndos have risen in popularity over the last couple years, especially since the concept was featured on an episode of the HGTV show, Fixer Upper.

If living among farm animals doesn’t appeal to you, just know that’s not always the case. Justin Harries of Barn Pros told the Equine Journal that only about 40 percent of his clients use barndominiums as an agricultural structure. People love the way they look. There’s something romantic about the design, he said.

So, if you have a hobby in which a barn would come in handy, a barndominium can be customized for that very purpose.

Why a Barndominium?

In simple terms, these are metal buildings that have an inside living quarter. These are very affordable, energy-efficient, and low maintenance homes. Many of these homes feature energy-efficient windows, stained concrete floors, engineered concrete slabs, spray foam insulation, efficient plumbing, and high ceilings.

Think of a warehouse that has a beautiful front porch and a little masonry in the front of the building. A warehouse on the outside is normally boring and plain, but as houses, these are very affordable to make. This is the same concept, but when you own a barn home, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, low-cost home that has had the exterior upgraded greatly from what a warehouse would look like.

Are Barndominiums cold?

›  The answer is no. This combination makes an incredibly weather resistant structure that can endure temperature fluctuations, storms, warm and moist climate, as well as cold and windy weather. Backed with spray foam insulation, you'll never have to worry about the durability of your home again

Are Barndominiums good in cold weather?

›  Steel barndominiums are also less likely to shift or settle compared to wood-frame homes. Wood holds more moisture, which allows it to expand in warm weather and shrink in cold weather. While barndominiums offer advantages in cold regions, you also need to pay attention to the following: Sunlight.

HOW BIG IS A TYPICAL barndominium?

›  A 40 x 75 barndominium is a very popular choice for residential applications, because it's the perfect size for multipurpose use within a site plan that's still relatively compact.

What are barndominium walls made of?

›  The most common used structures for Barndominiums are either a metal or wood. The structure provide support for the roof and exterior wall framing of your building.

What is the difference between a house and a barndominium?

›  Basically, a barndominium is a combination of a barn and condominium. While a conventional house is typically made of wood or brick, has a deep foundation, and has restrictions on ceiling height, a barndominium is made of metal, doesn't require a foundation, and has vaulted ceilings.

Can a Barndominium be 2 story?

›  Well, technically they're not truly two story barndominiums — the first floor is given over to stables fit for prizewinning thoroughbreds. But the space can be finished out as a big shop, a garage or even as additional living space

Do barndominiums have basements?

›  So, can a barndominium have a basement? The answer is yes. While it is not a traditional choice, barndominiums can be built over a basement foundation.

Are Barndominiums safe in a tornado?

›  Yes, they are incredibly safe structures. In many ways, the typical barndominium is safer than a regular home. The steel and metal components offer greater protection against severe weather, including tornadoes and lightning strikes. The durability is just one of the many advantages of a barndominium.

Is a barndominium cheaper to build?

›  Barndominium Cost vs. House. At $30 to $40 per square foot for materials and assembly, a barndominium is much cheaper than other methods of construction: Cost to build a modular home: $180,000–$360,000.

How much does a 2000 sq ft Barndominium cost?

›  Barndominium kits cost $5,000 to $70,000, depending on square footage and the style. For example, a 2,000-square-foot barn-style home may have a covered porch or large windows, which runs more. Barndominiums are a popular style among metal houses.

Can you build a barndominium in Canada?

›  One of the main advantages of a barndominium in Canada is the fact that they are so much easier to build than a traditional home. A barndominium can usually be built in around 6 months, which is about half the amount of time it takes to build a stick frame house.

How long does it take to build a Barndominium yourself?

›  Barndominiums take approximately 3-6 months to construct. However, just like with a conventional home, a barndominium's construction time depends on various factors such as the size and customization level. The building process on a simple barn home can be done in just a matter of weeks.

How tall does a steel building need to be for 2 stories?

›  12-20 feet

What are the steps to building a Barndominium?

Design or download a blueprint of your ideal barndo.

Locate some land in the rural counties that appeal to you most.

Choose a barndominium builder or order a DIY kit.

Clear the homesite.

Pour the foundation.

Erect the shell.

Build out the interior.

Move in.

What is a window flashing?

›  Window flashing is a thin continuous piece of material that is installed to