Are you considering building a home? Do you watch renovation and home buying shows on HGTV religiously? If so, you’ve probably heard of barndominiums. If you’re not familiar with it, barndominiums are basically like homes, but they are a combination of a barn and a home. They are essentially barns that have been converted into homes or barn-like homes that have been built from scratch.

These cozy farm-like houses are more cost-friendly than building a regular home from the ground up. Being cost effective is definitely a perk, but what about other factors such as interior design and style? The best part about building these types of homes is that you are free to play around with different styles. Barndominiums are a combination of both rural and modern styles, meaning you can make the space as modern or rural as you desire.

These style homes can also range in size depending on how large you want to build them. Of course, factors like number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the size of rooms like the living room and kitchen should be considered.

With the popularity of home renovation and decor shows, this style has gained popularity over the years, but it’s been recognized since the late 1980s. Let’s take a deep dive into why Barndominiums are cheaper to build than other home styles.

Why Are Barndominiums Cheaper To Build?

In today’s economy, buying a home can be upwards of $400,000. While this all depends on where in the country you decide to live, places like larger cities tend to be more expensive than smaller states and cities.

Barndominiums can offer a cheaper alternative for the same amount or less square footage. While cost varies depending on the square footage, they can cost anywhere from $120,000 to $400,000. The average price is typically around $100 per square footage.

Benefits of a Barndominium Home

Barndominium homes are also pretty durable, typically held up with metal and wood, making it a strong structure. Because there is flexibility in how you design this home, you can choose to add rooms for an office, exercise or zen meditation rooms, game rooms and more. Extra bedrooms and bathrooms are always a plus if it’s within your budget, but you can figure out the size of the kitchen and living room with this home style.

Barndominiums are also quick builds and have more flexible layouts than other home styles. It typically only takes about nine months to a year and a half to build these models, as opposed to a house which can take a year or longer. They also offer more room for personalization and for the home interior to reflect the owner’s lifestyle.

Not only are they cheaper to build, but they are easier to build too. You start off by purchasing a plot of land and essentially build the home from the ground up using a concrete foundation. Steel is typically used for the foundation, and then comes insulation, framing, HVAC and electrical work. Of course, there’s also foundation planning involved, which typically includes roofing and plumbing.

Interior Elements of Barndominiums

The great thing about Barndominium homes is that different interior design styles work well with them. Both a modern interior design or a farmhouse style pair perfectly with this type of home. Shades of black, white and grey look nice with a modern design, along with features like granite countertops and wood.

If you’re opting for a modern design, an open floor plan with a clean and minimalist style is the way to go. For a farmhouse-style design, neutral colors like beige and grey are perfect. Use barn details like pine furniture, vintage furniture and decor, and wood and rustic interiors to incorporate the farmhouse look in your home.