Foundation and Site Preparation

It is important that your site is prepared and the foundation is properly set before building your barndominium. Site preparation includes:

• Clearing vegetation
• Testing the soil
• Grading for proper drainage
• Locating utilities
• Ensure heavy equipment access
• Preparing the foundation pad with compacted gravel
• And more

Preparation costs vary depending on the type of land, foundation, and drainage system. 

It is important to do the necessary prep work beforehand to avoid costly construction mistakes while building your barndominium.

Interior Build-Out and Finishes

When it comes to residential finishes, the more you add, the more it costs compared to a shop-style build. Some features to consider include:

• Drywall: Cost varies due to ceiling height, size, finish level, and labor rates.
• Insulation: Affordable options are available, with fiberglass being the least expensive and foam boards the most expensive.
• Flooring: Costs vary widely, but there are many budget-friendly options, such as luxury vinyl plank or concrete. Some higher-end options are hardwood.
• Cabinetry: It may account for a large share of your interior finishing costs, depending on the kitchen size and number of bathrooms.
• Fixtures: These include countertops, sinks, faucets, lighting, and appliances, and, when luxury choices are considered, can drastically increase your overall expenses.

3 Design Choices That Have the Biggest Impact on Price

#1: Size, Layout, and Ceiling Height

When it comes to size, layout, and ceiling height, there are some important factors that determine the expenses involved. A simple single-story barndominium will be less expensive and less complex than additional levels or heightened ceilings. Let’s take a look at some common branding designs to see how they affect the build cost. 

• Open spans are large, unobstructed spaces that require longer, stronger beams and additional foundation reinforcement. This installation includes specialized equipment and skilled laborers, which increases costs. 
• Second stories can add distinct living zones that separate common spaces from private spaces. They require more complex flooring systems, stair installations, and additional framing, which can increase build time and costs. 
• Vaulted ceilings are high-angle ceilings that follow the roof line, creating an open feel. This project requires specialized trusses, rafters, insulation, and finishing materials. It requires complex framing and is difficult to install, thereby increasing labor costs. 

#2: Roof Style, Overhangs, and Exterior Features

Adding exterior details can be a priority and a great way to show your sense of style. Porches, lean-tos, and dormers can add luxurious details, but they are more complex designs that are more expensive. Adding details such as a lean-to or porch is also more expensive due to increased supply and labor costs.

Gable roofs are simple and cost-effective, but dormers tend to increase costs due to greater material requirements and additional features, such as windows. 

#3: Energy Efficiency and Insulation Options

If done correctly, barndominiums can be very energy-efficient. Different insulation and materials can impact energy efficiency. For example:

• Spray foam offers excellent energy efficiency in a build because it insulates cavities, voids, and cracks. 
• Batt insulation comes in rolls or sheets, is widely available and cost-effective, but is less energy-efficient. 

Location-Specific Factors That Influence Pricing

Local Labor and Material Availability

In a tight labor market, prices will be higher. Construction booms, a shortage of skilled traders, and strong unions can all push prices up.

In areas with loose markets, slower population growth, or seasonal slowdowns, these factors can lead to more competitive bids, faster build times, and lower labor costs.

Permits, Codes, and Engineering Requirements

When building any structure, it is important to adhere to local and state guidelines, which typically include permits, codes, and engineering requirements. Each state will have different permits required for construction, and it is important to follow residential codes if turning this build into a residence.

Some permits to consider include:

• Zoning
• Building
• County and city specifics

Some code to follow includes:

• International building codes
• Energy codes
• Fire codesUltities codes

Some engineering requirements to consider include:

• Structural engineer stamps
• Foundations
• Load calculations

If you have questions or concerns about staying in compliance with your barndominium build, use professional, trusted barndominium teams like Pacific Pole Buildings. We’re experts in specific barndominium specifications.

Are Barndominiums Cheaper To Build Than a House?

Building a barndominium is often cheaper than building a custom home, with prices ranging from $62 to $136 per square foot for barndominiums and $100 to $150 per square foot for custom homes.

In many cases, barndominiums offer a more cost-effective path to homeownership because of their simpler design and faster turnaround times. Metal framing in open concept layouts typically reduces labor costs. With fewer interior low-bearing walls, there will be less material expense. 

However, the final price depends heavily on the finishes, location, and whether you’re hiring a contractor or doing a DIY project. High interiors, custom layouts, and changing site work can narrow the gap between a barn, dominium, and traditional home.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Small Barndominium?

While smaller can mean cheaper, the factors discussed throughout this guide can cause prices to fluctuate. For example, the average cost for a 1,000-square-foot barndominium is $65,000-$160,000, a wide range that depends on location, labor, and supply costs.

Smaller builds often require less material and labor. Still, they don’t always scale down as much as expected. Fixed costs like permits, utility hook-ups, foundations, kitchens, and bathrooms still make up a significant portion of the budget, even in a small design. Choices, such as slab thickness, insulation quality, roof style, and interior finishes, can quickly shift the numbers higher or lower in some regions; limited contractor availability or higher material costs can push costs toward the upper end of the range. 

That is why the small barndominium still requires careful budgeting, alignment of goals with the structure, and realistic expectations before breaking ground.

Is a Barndominium the Right Investment for You?

Whether a barndominium makes sense as an investment depends on how you plan to use it and what you expect to get out of it in the long term. 

For owner-occupants, the lower cost and reduced maintenance can save money compared to a traditional home for investors. Barndominiums can perform well as long-term rentals or short-term vacation stays. It is important to consider zoning, regulations, financing options, and local resale demand before leaping into construction. 

A clear exit strategy and realistic income projections are key to determining if a barndominium aligns with your financial objectives.

Start Your Barndominium Project With Pacific Pole Buildings

At Pacific Pole Buildings, we are experts in barndominium construction. We sell complete plans and custom builds, ensuring our clients are set up for success. 

Our quality structures and experienced steel construction professionals specialize in creating barndominium kits that meet all standards. These homes are visually appealing, functional, energy efficient, and made just for you. We are also one of the few companies that engineer buildings that meet or exceed California Title 24 Energy Standards. 

Our barndominiums offer:

• Flexible designs that can adapt to your needs
• Budget-friendly options
• Quality, strength, and safety with steel framing and metal siding
• Quick and efficient build times
• Adaptability for multiple uses
• Contemporary, energy-saving amenities

We serve clients in:

• California
• Idaho
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Washington

If you are ready to begin your barndominium build, request a quote, and our team will contact you to review your plans and answer any questions.