Barndominium Floor Plans (2024)

7 TIPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT BARNDOMINIUM PLANS FOR California

If you live in California here are a few things you need to consider before choosing a barndo plan.

1. WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

In other words, write down everything you do not like about your current home and list all the things you would do differently. Maybe you live in a neighborhood and you really would love to live outside the city and have a tract of land. Maybe you have a small pantry and you have always dreamed of a larger walk-in pantry. A larger pantry can help you store all your small appliances in one area. Get inspired by looking at ourLiving room inspirationsin our Dream Center. Either way start making a list of the wants and needs. This will help you better understand what type of house plan to build.Learn house to sell your home For Sale By Owner.

2. WILL YOUR LIFE LOOK DIFFERENT IN THE NEXT 5-7 YEARS?

Here’s what we really mean. Do you plan to add to your family? You may consider building a slightly larger home if you plan to grow your family over the next few years. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money just to realize a couple years later that you really needed that extra bedroom or bath. Remodeling or adding onto a house will be much more expensive in the future. So really put some thought into your future before you choose the plan.

3. WHAT DOES YOUR LOT LOOK LIKE?

If you already purchased land in Californiathen you probably have a good idea how big or how small of a house plan you need to consider. A big mistake that many people make is not considering the “set-backs”. Set backs can be neighborhood or city/county restrictions that regulate how close you can build to your property line. These restrictions can be listed in your neighborhood covenants and restrictions. They can be obtained from your local building department that regulates your area.

Keep in mind that if you live in the county, you may have a planning and zoning office that is separate from the city zoning office. If you are unsure just give them a call. Tell them where your lot is or where you plan to build and ask how to obtain a copy of the “set-back” restrictions. Another consideration on land is the topography. Is it sloped, is it flat or is it near a wet lands. The type of land you purchase can determine the type of foundation you need and will help you choose the right house plan. There is no sense in looking at plans with a basem*nt if your region is not suitable for basem*nt foundations. Also remember that most stock house plans can be modified with different foundations.

4. WHAT STYLE OF HOME DO YOU LOVE?

This is a big one and you do not want to compromise if you can help it. Build what you love. We realize that sometimes you have to compromise and settle for less than your dreams. But try your best to choose something as close to your dream home as you can. We even suggest building a slightly smaller house if it will help you build the style of home you love. There’s nothing worse than having regrets and wishing you had chosen a different house plan than you did. So don’t rush it, and keep searching until you find the perfect plan or you decide to build your own custom plan.

5. ONE STORY OR TWO HOUSE PLAN?

Many families in California love one-story barndominium homes, they are more quiet since there is no foot traffic from the second story. You may notice a lot of ranch style homes in your area, but a ranch style house plan is more expensive to build than a two story house. That’s because it is always cheaper to build up than it is to build out. A single story barndominium house has more roof and more foundation, these two factors add a tremendous about to the building costs. Families with smaller children tend to choose barndo house plans that have a master bedroom on the second floor. This allows them to be near their children’s rooms. Either way, most likely the style of home you choose will dictate if the house will be a one-story home or a two-story house plan.

6. OPEN FLOOR PLAN OR NOT?

An open floor plan simply means there are less walls and more open spaces to enjoy your family. Many people love the idea of an open floor plan in the kitchen and living room area so whoever is preparing meals in the kitchen won’t miss out on the big game or movie that everyone may be watching in the living or gathering room. Open concept floor plans are real popular these days and you should be able to find plenty house plans that match this criteria.

Many families in Californialove their outdoor living spaces.Barndominium floor plansare real popular and some even have large remote doors that open onto a patio, expanding the living space. If you love to live outdoors, consider how easily you can transition from inside to outside. In other words, if you choose a plan that has an outdoor kitchen, think about how close that space is to your indoor kitchen. No one ever wants to walk across the other side of the house to get to the grill. Also having the indoor kitchen close to the outdoor living space can help you stay connected to your family as they are enjoying both spaces. Check out thisbarndominium article on Zillow

Need more advice? Connect with a CaliforniaBarndominium Consultantfor a Free Consultation. Go to ourhomepagefor more exciting information. You can learn about building abarndominium here on BuildMax.com

Barndominium Floor Plans (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build a house or a barndominium? ›

The most common estimate asserts that a new barndominium with basic amenities will cost about $30 to $40 per square foot to build, compared to the cost of building a traditional home is around $100 to $200 per square foot.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

How much is it to build a barndominium in New Jersey? ›

Barndominium kit prices in New Jersey can range from $30.00 to $35.00 per square foot depending on the design, wind/snow load and distance from the factory. Barndominium framing, siding and roofing labor runs around $10.00-$12.00 per sq ft.

How many bedrooms can a barndominium have? ›

It isn't uncommon to see plans that have anywhere between two and four bedrooms. Some particularly spacious barndominiums, like our Cedar 4 plan, have more than four bedrooms.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 200K? ›

How big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.

Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›

Banks require appraisals to determine the property's value, which in turn, informs their lending decisions. Because barndominiums are relatively unique and fewer in number compared to traditional homes, finding comparable sales (comps) necessary for accurate valuation is difficult.

What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? ›

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

Do barndominiums hold their value? ›

Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.

What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›

How Long Do Barndominiums Last? As long as you keep up with the occasional maintenance of the roof and siding, you can expect to enjoy your barndominium for 50 years or possibly even longer.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 300k? ›

Written by HomeAdvisor. Barndominiums cost between $120,000 and $540,000, with an average 2,400-square-foot barndominium costing $300,000 to build. The total cost to build a barndominium can vary significantly depending on the size, how much of the work you do yourself, and the finishes you choose.

Are barndominiums safe in a tornado? ›

Constructed with metal, a barndo offers superior protection from severe weather. The steel structure of a steel barndominium has a higher wind resistance than a conventional wood frame home. While the metal integrity of your home can endure a tornado, the windows and doors may not.

Is a barndominium as strong as a house? ›

Barndominiums have the strength and durability that comes with being made from metal, making them just as safe or even more secure than a traditional home.

Do barndominiums last longer than houses? ›

Durability. Barndos have metal or steel shells which make them resistant to mold, rot, termites, and the elements, which means they'll likely last longer than a typical home made from wood. Open Floor Plan.

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