In recent years, building a custom-made home has become prevalent, leading to an upsurge of non-traditional houses such as prefabricated homes, barndominiums, tiny homes etc. Most homeowners tend to lean more towards having a unique design. Those who can afford enough space have opted for a barndominium instead of a traditional house design.
So, is it cheaper to build a house or barndominium? On average, making a barndominium is more cost-effective than a traditional house, by almost half the cost. Looking at the structural design of a barndominium, it takes less material than a typical modern house.
When building a home, the cost is a critical factor that you cannot ignore. In this article, we take a look at the difference between building a house and a barndominium. We crunch down the numbers to determine which one is cheaper in terms of project expenses and maintenance costs. Keep reading to find out more.
Difference between a House and Barndominium
Before we go any further, let’s first understand what makes the difference between these two structures. A barndominium, also known as a “barn” or “barndo”, were large houses built in farms where the upper part was used as living space while the ground was used for livestock and poultry. This is a native Texas design, where farmers lived inside their barns to keep an eye on their livestock. It was a cost-effective, low maintenance, and convenient way of living.
While a traditional house is made of brick and mortar or wood with a complicated design, a barndo is made of metal with an open, simple design. Traditional houses require digging a deep foundation, barndominiums on the other hand, they do not need a foundation. Barns are often built with raised roofs with vaulted ceilings, while traditional houses have no ceiling height limitations.
Here is a quick comparison chart:
| Traditional House | Barndominium |
| Complicated design | Simple design |
| Resemble a traditional house | It’s a living space created in a barn |
| Dedicated to living only | Has enough room for various purposes |
| It has a gable roofing style | It has an open barn aesthetic style |
| Made of brick or wood with dip foundation | Usually made of metal with no foundation |
Is it Cheaper to Build a House or Barndominium?
It is cheaper to build a barndominium than a traditional house, as mentioned above. Looking at the estimate of building cost per square foot, the barn’s figures are much lower than building a house. If you want to get a combination of unique design and cost-effectiveness, a barndominium will be your perfect choice. Its simple architectural design makes it cheaper than a traditional house.
Most traditional houses are constructed using wooden frames, barndominiums on the other hand, are built using steel frames. Steel frames offer more design flexibility, lower building and maintenance costs. While wood may rot and needs regular repainting, steel is durable and resistant to rot, mold, and termites.
Cost of Building Traditional House vs. Barndominium
Cost calculation of building a house versus a barndominium can be a challenging task. It requires putting together a lot of data, and some vary depending on location and materials. However, there is a standard approximation that constructors generally use when calculating cost—the estimate of building a house or barndominium cost per square foot.
A simple barndominium with only essential amenities costs approximately $30 to $40 per square foot to construct. While a standard house, on the other hand, will cost about $100 to $200 to make. The difference in cost might not be a big deal if you are constructing small structures of about 900 square feet. However, if you are working on massive projects, let’s say more than 2500 square feet, the cost difference becomes significant.
Keep in mind that these estimates are for basic structures; and can go higher when constructing a high-end barndominium or house with top-notch features. Such features include sliding glass doors, granite countertops, ceramic finishes etc. considering such substantial variation in fixtures, amenities and features, comparing the cost of building a house vs. a barndominium can be difficult.
Other Factors That Affect Building Cost
There are some other factors that affect building costs and cannot be ignored. They include:
● Labor Costs
Labor costs can significantly affect the general cost of construction. In this case, the simple design and siding panels that securely lock together does not require much labor compared to the brick-and-mortar siding of a traditional house.
● Location
Geographical location dramatically impacts the cost of construction regarding the availability of building materials, price of land, permits, etc. The cost of building a house in California cannot be the same as that of Ohio.
Advantages of a Barndominium Over a Traditional House
If you’re stuck between building a traditional house or a barndominium, here are some benefits of having a barndominium over a conventional house you may want to look at:
- Easy and quick construction – Unlike a traditional house which takes several months to complete, a barndominium takes a shorter period, about three weeks, to complete. A house takes longer due to its complicated design and the procedures involved. For a barndo, most of the job is already done once the frame is erected.
- Energy-efficient – Most barndominium constructors adapt environmentally-friendly building materials and with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems installed, they are energy efficient. It lets you save more money on heating and cooling bills.
- Versatility – Barndominiums provides a versatile living option with a customizable and open design. If you work from home, a barndominium is perfect for multi-purpose living. You can maximize space by creating a home office.
- Durability – Barndos are made from metal; this provides maximum protection against external elements and harsh weather conditions. Wood can rot or be destroyed by termites and mold; as for metal, it can last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions
● Is the barndominium safe in storms?
Yes. A barndominium is an exceptionally safe structure. In fact, it’s in many ways safer than a traditional house. Its steel framework and metal siding provide superior protection against extreme weather.
● Why is a barndominium better than a traditional house?
A barndominium is more energy-efficient than a traditional house and often has low maintenance costs. It offers versatility and plenty of customization options.
● How is a house different from a barndominium?
A traditional house is often constructed using wood or brick and mortar; it has a ceiling height restricted to about 8ft to 9ft. In contrast, a barndominium is usually built of a steel frame and metal siding, with a vast vaulted ceiling of up to 14ft or more.
Conclusion
On average, the cost of building a barndominium is approximately 30% to 45% cheaper compared to a traditional house. However, this depends on the level of customization. A barndominium with luxury and high-end finishing will be more expensive. Generally, besides being cost-effective, building a barndominium has more advantages than a traditional house.
Remember, depending on your construction location and the size of the structure; there might not be a substantial difference in cost between the two. We hope you found this article informative, and at this point, you can easily make a choice between a house and a barndo.
