What is a Barndominum?
Does the concept of a "barndo" sound a bit bizarre to you, like you're going to forsake a comfortable living space for a cheap, makeshift barn-turned-house and maybe live off-grid somewhere? Surprisingly, barndominiums, otherwise known as shop houses, are rising in popularity! They are far from makeshift, though they can be substantially cheaper than traditional home, and can be spacious, homey and modern. A barndominium is perfect for rural living. It's made of durable steel and can be used as a multi-purpose building for housing, a garage, and maybe even to store equipment or for an office space or warehouse type area. Barndominium kits are available if you have some experience and want to tackle a huge project, but we would like to offer our skills as general contractors to make your barndominium dream a reality. Check out our project gallery for some pictures of barndominiums we've built, a breakdown of barndo pros and cons, and some other essential information you'll want to consider if you think this might be an option for you.
Barndominum Pros & Cons:
Pros:
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Affordability: Choosing a barndominium over a traditional home could cut your cost per square foot by almost half.
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Spacious, Open Floor Plan: Many people choose to go with big open rooms, lofts, and cathedral ceilings, which can create a modern, spacious look.
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Durability: Steel frame buildings can withstand almost any type of weather conditions and are usually more fire-resistant.
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Lower Maintenance Cost: Because they are durable steel buildings with metal siding, barndominiums are simpler to maintain than traditional homes.
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Build a Multi-Purpose Structure: Many people are loving the efficiency of having a barndo where they can live and also work - creating a multi-purpose space with a shop or office attached to their house.
Cons:
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Smaller Resale Market: While barndominiums are rising in popularity, they still appeal to a smaller group of buyers than a traditionally built home.
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Limitations in Exterior Design: Some people might not want to sacrifice wood siding and the traditional shingled roof look, though we think shop houses can still be very attractive.
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Single Story Structures: Most barndominiums are single story, though you do have the option to go with a loft.
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Zoning Issues: Some cities' building codes may not allow you to build a barndominium on your property.
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Difficulty Financing: In some cases it can be more difficult to get a loan to build a bardnominium than a traditional house.
REAL LIFE BARNDOS...
