A barndominium is a growing trend that combines the functionality of a barn with the livability of a home. Essentially a barn that has been converted into a luxury living space, barndominiums offer all the rustic charm of a country barn with high-end amenities and finishes for comfortable living. But how much does it actually cost to build one of these unique home structures? The cost can vary quite a bit based on factors like size, materials, and custom features, but here is an overview of the typical price range and key costs to consider when budgeting for your barndominium build.

Key Factors That Influence Barndominium Costs

Several variables play into the overall expense of constructing a barndominium. The major factors that impact the total cost include:

Size of the Structure

Like any home build, the total square footage is a key determinant of the final price tag. Barndominiums can range from as small as 300 square feet up to 5,000+ square feet. The larger the floorplan, the more materials and labor will be required during construction.

Materials Used

Wood, steel, and brick are common barndominium building materials. Wood is generally the most affordable option, while steel and brick will increase costs but also durability. Using repurposed barn wood can offer cost savings as well. High-end finishes and features will also drive up materials expenses.

Location of the Build

Construction costs can vary significantly based on where you are building your barndominium, with rural areas being more affordable than urban locations in most cases. Regional labor rates also impact the overall budget.

Custom Features and Amenities

Adding high-end touches like stone accents, professional landscaping, top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, and luxurious bathroom and kitchen elements will increase the total price but also enhance the finished product.

Degree of DIY Work

Completing some aspects of the build yourself can lead to notable cost savings, but this requires carpentry skills and general construction know-how. Hiring out all work to professionals will be more expensive but can streamline the process.

Typical Barndominium Cost Per Square Foot

Looking at cost per square foot is a useful way to estimate a total budget range for your barndominium build. On average, you can expect to spend:

• Base Structure: $100 – $200 per square foot for the base barn structure including the foundation, framing, roofing, siding, etc.
• Interior Finishes: $100 – $300 per square foot for drywall, flooring, painting, trim, bathrooms, kitchen, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, and all interior elements.
• Total Turnkey Cost: $200 – $500 per square foot for a completely finished barndominium with all materials, fixtures, appliances, labor, permitting, and site preparation included.

So for example, a 1,500 square foot barndominium would cost roughly $300,000 to $750,000 to construct fully turnkey.

These per square foot averages can fluctuate based on if you are using any repurposed materials, your level of DIY involvement, and the types of finishes and features selected. High-end custom barndominiums with imported materials and luxury amenities can exceed $500 per square foot.

Itemized Costs Breakdown

Looking at specific line items can give you a better sense of where the costs are allocated for a barndominium build. Here are some of the major components to factor into your budget:

Land Preparation: $5,000 – $15,000

Site clearing, grading, excavation, demolition of existing structures, access roads, septic system, and utilities installation.

Foundation: $15,000 – $30,000

Concrete slab, pier and beam, or crawl space foundation for the structure.

Framing and Roofing: $25,000 – $60,000

Framing materials, structural beams and poles, roof trusses, sheathing, and metal roofing installation.

Exterior Siding and Details: $15,000 – $30,000

Siding, rolling barn doors, garage doors, exterior lighting, porches, and decks.

Insulation, Drywall, and Paint: $10,000 – $25,000

Insulating walls, ceilings, and floors, hanging drywall, interior wall finishes, and interior/exterior painting.

Flooring: $10,000 – $30,000

Wood, tile, stone, or polished concrete floor installation.

Bathroom(s): $10,000 – $30,000

Plumbing, toilets, custom showers, vanities, lighting, tile, exhaust fans, etc.

Kitchen: $15,000 – $60,000

Cabinetry, countertops, sink, high-end appliances, plumbing, and electrical.

Interior Doors and Trim: $5,000 – $15,000

Interior doors, door hardware, baseboards, casings, crown molding.

Electrical and Lighting: $10,000 – $25,000

Wiring, light fixtures, outlets, switches, generator, solar power system.

HVAC System: $10,000 – $30,000

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment and ductwork.

General Finishing and Details: $10,000 – $25,000

Interior railings, built-in shelves, window treatments, closet systems, and finishing touches.

Permits and Fees: $5,000 – $15,000

Building permits, plans, inspection fees, utility hookup fees, and impact fees.

Total Turnkey Cost: $200,000 – $500,000+

This covers the full spectrum, from basic barndominium builds to high-end custom projects. Get multiple bids from reputable contractors once your plans are complete.

How to Save on Your Barndominium Build

If your budget is tight, there are ways to reduce the overall cost of your barndominium construction:

• Opt for a simple rectangular or square floorplan, which is cheaper to frame and roof than complex designs.
• Use repurposed barn wood or lower cost siding like metal panels versus brick or stone.
• Purchase used materials from salvage companies and reuse sites to cut down on material expenses.
• Complete basic interior finishes yourself like painting, installing trim and lights, and flooring.
• Install mid-range appliances, fixtures, and finishes instead of high-end upgrades.
• Reduce the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the floorplan to save on finishes and plumbing costs.
• Build in a rural location and use local tradespeople instead of a major metro area.
• Live in the unfinished barndominium while you complete the interior at your own pace.

Financing Your Barndominium

Since most barndominiums are built on rural land, it may be difficult to qualify for traditional construction loans or mortgages. Consider these financing options instead:

• Cash payment from your own funds if money is available.
• Personal loan for construction costs from your bank or credit union.
• Home equity loan against an existing property you own.
• USDA or FHA loan programs if you meet eligibility guidelines.
• Owner financing through the land seller for the purchase and build.
• Crowdfunding or private money loans from investors.

Is a Barndominium Worth the Investment?

For the right owner, a barndominium can absolutely be worth the higher price tag compared to alternatives like manufactured homes. Benefits that offset the costs include:

• Custom design: You can create the ideal layout tailored to your needs and tastes.
• Energy efficiency: Barndos have thick insulated walls and modern HVAC systems to reduce monthly bills.
• Appreciation potential: They can gain value faster than manufactured homes.
• Rustic charm: Barns have character that you cannot replicate.
• Large square footage: Spacious layouts and storageoptions not always feasible with modular homes.
• Durable and long-lasting: Sturdy weather-resistant materials stand the test of time.
• Land ownership: Most barndos allow land ownership unlike mobile homes.

For someone who prioritizes custom design, long-term flexibility, energy efficiency, and rustic style over budget, investing in a barndominium can be smart choice despite the higher upfront costs. But they are certainly more expensive than basic manufactured housing. Weigh your must-have features against your total budget to decide if building a barndo is right for your goals and finances.

Final Thoughts

Constructing a barndominium ranges from $200-$500 per square foot depending on your specifications, with most coming in between $200,000-$500,000 for a completely finished turnkey build. Size, materials, location, customization, and financing options all contribute to your final costs. While not cheap, barndos provide flexible custom spaces with bespoke finishes that appreciate over time – a worthwhile investment for the right owner. Carefully weigh your must-have features, total budget, and financing plan to decide if building a barndominium is the best choice for your rural property.

How Much Does It Cost for the Foundation?

The foundation is a critical structural component of any barndominium build, and typically makes up 10-15% of the total construction budget. Here is an overview of typical barndominium foundation costs:

Types of Foundations for Barndominiums

Slab Foundation: A slab foundation is a single concrete pad poured on prepared ground at the building site. Slabs are the most affordable foundation option for barndominiums, with costs starting around $15,000 for a basic structure.

Pier and Beam: This type of foundation uses concrete piers sunk into the ground, connected by horizontal beams and floor joists. Wood or concrete blocks are then used to enclose the space under the structure. Pier and beam foundations are common for barndominiums and usually cost between $20,000-$30,000.

Crawl Space: A crawl space involves short perimeter foundation walls no more than 4 feet high, with footings below the frost line. The space under the structure is accessible but not occupied. Crawl space foundations range from $20,000-$35,000 for most barndominium builds.

Basement: Excavating and building full-height poured concrete basement walls allows for a usable lower level but is more complex and costly for a barndo. Expect to spend $30,000-$50,000+ for a barndominium basement foundation.

Main Factors Impacting Cost

The primary factors that influence the cost for a barndominium foundation include:

• Soil conditions – Poor soil may require more site preparation and a reinforced foundation.
• Foundation design – More complex designs with a basement or pier and beam cost more.
• Square footage – Bigger foundations require more materials, labor, and equipment.
• Access issues – Difficult rural sites can drive up prep and construction costs.
• Local labor rates – Hiring foundation crews in high cost areas raises prices.
• Materials used – Concrete, wood, stone, blocks all have different price points.

Average Costs for a Barndominium Foundation

Here are typical price ranges for barndominium foundations based on the most common sizes:

• 1,000 sq ft barn: $15,000 – $25,000
• 1,500 sq ft barn: $18,000 – $35,000
• 2,000 sq ft barn: $22,000 – $45,000
• 3,000 sq ft barn: $30,000 – $60,000
• 4,000+ sq ft barn: $40,000 – $80,000+

As you can see, foundation costs rise steadily for larger buildings that require more foundation materials and excavation work.

Get multiple bids from reputable local foundation contractors to determine accurate pricing for your specific barndominium site and design. Allocate at least 10-15% of your total construction budget for the foundation. This critical base for your barndo affects the safety, structural integrity, and functionality of the building for decades to come.

Ways to Save on Your Barndominium Foundation

If budget is a concern, here are some ways to reduce foundation costs:

• Opt for a simple slab foundation instead of a costlier basement or pier design.
• Use precast concrete piers instead of poured piers if soil conditions permit.
• See if blocks or wood can be substituted for portions instead of full concrete.
• Get quotes from various foundation companies to find the best rate.
• Size the foundation footprint as small as feasible for your layout.
• Complete basic site clearing and prep work yourself before the crew arrives.

Key Takeaways on Barndominium Foundation Costs

• Expect to spend 10-15% of the total build cost on the foundation.
• The most budget-friendly option is typically a basic slab foundation.
• Soil stability, foundation design, size, and accessibility impact the costs.
• Carefully vet and compare bids from foundation contractors.
• Reduce costs where possible, but don’t sacrifice structural integrity.

Investing in a quality foundation is crucial for any barndominium build to stand the test of time. View the foundation as a long-term asset that adds value and provides critical support for your rural dream home.

What Does the Framing and Roofing Cost for a Barndominium?

After the foundation is established, framing and roofing are the next major construction steps for a barndominium build. This involves installing the structural framework to give the building its shape as well as adding exterior roofing material. Here is an overview of typical costs for barndominium framing and roofing:

Barndominium Framing

Framing establishes the structural bones of the barndominium using posts, beams, and joists. Most barndos utilize a post and beam framing approach:

• Posts – Large vertical posts, often 8×8 or bigger, anchored to the foundation.
• Beams – Horizontal beams connecting the posts at the top and bottom.
• Joists – Horizontal joists made from dimensional lumber or engineered I-beams that rest on the beams to support the floors and ceilings.

Cost Breakdown

For a basic barndominium framing package, expect costs around:

• Materials: $15,000 – $30,000
• Labor: $15,000 – $35,000
• Total framing: $30,000 – $65,000

Framing materials are a key cost, with large timbers and heavy structural beams being expensive. Labor is also intensive to properly install the frame.

Cost Factors

Elements that affect framing costs include:

• Number of floors/height
• Span lengths between posts
• Dimensional lumber vs engineered beams
• Amount of interior partition walls
• Labor rates in your region

Barndominium Roofing

Popular roofing options include:

• Metal – Most common and affordable option. Often costs $6-$12 per sq ft installed.
• Asphalt shingles – Budget Asphalt shingles can be used but offer less durability. $4-$8 per sq ft installed.
• Wood shake or shingle – Natural option but requires more maintenance. $8-$16 sq ft installed.

Roofing costs for a basic rectangular barndominium typically range from $15,000 – $30,000 depending on materials and size.

Cost Factors

Roofing costs depend on:

• Roof pitch, complexity, and framing
• Type of roofing material and thickness/quality
• Size of the roof
• Any skylights, vents, or specialty installation work
• Accessibility factors that complicate installation

Total Framing and Roofing Costs

For a complete framing and roofing package on a barndominium build, expect to pay:

• 1,500 sq ft barn: $40,000 – $70,000
• 3,000 sq ft barn: $55,000 – $90,000
• 5,000 sq ft barn: $75,000 – $120,000

As a rule of thumb, this phase typically makes up 15-25% of the total barndominium construction budget, but can reach 30-35% for complex roof designs.

Proper framing and roofing are crucial to create a sound structure that stands the test of time and sheds rain, snow, and wind as intended. View these investments as long-term assets that pay dividends through sturdiness, safety, and energy efficiency for decades to come.

What Does Siding Cost for a Barndominium?

The exterior siding of your barndominium has a major impact on the aesthetics and weather-resistance of your rural home. Here is an overview of typical siding costs for a barndominium project:

Common Barndominium Siding Options

Wood or Composite Wood

• Barn wood – Varies based on amount of reclaimed wood vs new wood
• Cedar shingles/planks – $3-$7 per sq ft installed
• Hardie Board lap siding – $5-$8 per sq ft installed

Metal

• Corrugated metal panels – $4-$7 per sq ft installed
• Standing seam metal siding – $6-$10 per sq ft installed

Masonry

• Real stone veneer – $20-$50 per sq ft installed
• Manufactured stone – $8-$15 per sq ft installed
• Brick – $12-$25 per sq ft installed

Fiber Cement

• James Hardie Lap siding – $5-$8 per sq ft installed

Vinyl

• Clapboard or shake style vinyl