High-quality barns have consistently been a significant focus for horse enthusiasts, but nowadays, trendy shelters and stables frequently include lavish spaces designed for humans too. This concept has earned itself a term: the barndominium. These rustic architectural styles might be familiar from your social media feeds like Instagram and Pinterest; you may have noticed them due to their serene pastoral environments, characteristic slanted rooftops, spacious open layouts, natural unfinished touches, plentiful window installations, and more.
pretty porches
.
Nevertheless, the term “barndominium” can have various interpretations for different individuals. For some, it represents a mixed-use space where part of it functions as an operational area such as stables, workshops, or businesses, while the rest serves recreational purposes like dining and sleeping—all within a single building. However, increasingly nowadays, it refers to a completely habitable structure that simply adopts the aesthetic appearance of a functional workspace typically used for agricultural activities.
Regardless of whether you plan to work, relax, or do both in your new space, certain distinctive features set a barndominium apart from traditional homes. Let’s explore these characteristics together with some suggestions for building your very own barndominium. After all, shouldn’t you have a place that provides endless, unrestrained happiness for you and your loved ones?
What precisely defines a barndominium?
Whether you believe it or not, a barndominium lives up to its name. Essentially, this term merges “barn” with “condominium.” Typically, these are completely habitable buildings that retain the rustic appeal of an old-fashioned barn yet offer every comfort associated with modern living within them. Most frequently, they come as metal or steel constructed units; however, several constructors such as those based out of Montana specialize in their creation.
Back Forty Buildings
That includes both stick-built and post-frame barns. (Actually, you can browse through plans on the Back Forty website or Instagram page, click to select one, and then customize it further or collaborate with them to develop an entirely bespoke design.)
What Are the Internal Features of a Barndominium?
Similar to how there isn’t a universal design for barndominium exteriors, interior designs also differ greatly. While some opt for ultra-modern aesthetics, others prefer classic rustic touches. One thing you won’t see often are cramped, dimly lit spaces separated by numerous doorways. Instead, barndominiums are renowned for their expansive open areas that seamlessly blend together.
living
, dining and
kitchen spaces
;
soaring ceilings
; visible rafters; expansive windows; extensive
porches
; and single-sloped rooflines.
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What Makes Barndominiums So Popular?
Although the word “barndominium” originated in the 1980s,
recent
New York Times
article
noted that the appeal of home-style buildings has increased since the pandemic. Actually, these structures made their debut in a builder survey in 2024, with 7% of respondents stating they had built a barndominium within the past year. This trend isn’t confined to just one region; a representative mentioned
Back Forty
mentions they have designs that were implemented across 47 states within the past one or two years.
What’s behind this increase? Partly, it’s due to barn doors being trendy! You can see stylish instances popping up across various design blogs, magazines (including
Country Living
!), and people are noticing all the opportunities (such as the potential for hosting incredible gatherings!) that arise from residing in one of these units.
In terms of practicality, steel constructions exhibit remarkable durability and energy efficiency, particularly when equipped with reflective roofing systems and solar panels. Financial considerations often play a significant role as well. The cost-effectiveness varies based on your location and the materials selected; constructing a barndominium may turn out to be less expensive compared to erecting a conventional style house.
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What Steps Are Needed to Obtain a Barndominium?
Due to the increased popularity of barndominiums over the past five years, you might try searching “barndominium for sale in Alabama” (or another state) on Zillow or similar property websites, where you could discover a fully completed model listed for sale and prepared for immediate occupancy.
However, if you’re determined to construct one yourself, begin by locating an ideal piece of land. (Ensure it has proper zoning if you intend to reside and operate a business from the same location.) Next, conduct thorough research. Seek advice from acquaintances and explore Instagram for inspiration. The encouraging part is that numerous businesses provide kit options, often at a lower cost compared to fully customized builds.
Metal building makers like
Texas Barndominiums
provide several basic floor plan options, after which customers can select various elements such as flooring, paint colors, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and so forth. After all selections have been finalized, inhabitants often opt for functional yet stylish furniture designed to endure natural conditions and the wear and tear associated with families having small kids.
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Another Texas-based company,
The Barndominium Company
offers an impressive selection of “luxurious barndos” with both post-frame and steel-frame options. You can browse these plans and filter them based on the preferred number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or levels, plus special amenities such as fireplaces, secure rooms, and workout areas. Additionally, this company provides customized design services for one-of-a-kind barndominiums, alongside structures like event pavilions, separate living quarters, small modular homes, and places of worship.
Before signing anything with any firm, make sure to request referrals and inquire whether you can visit some of their completed works. Check if they maintain relationships with specific lists of general contractors and suppliers regularly. Additionally, feel free to bombard them with numerous queries, including
realistic
Price estimates should be provided so that constructing your ideal barndominium on the range does not lead to unnecessary stress and unpleasant surprises.
