3 Ways to Build "Explained"

At BuildMax, our priority is helping you build the right home at the right price—not forcing you into a one-size-fits-all package. That’s why we give you flexible options from the start.

You’re not required to purchase a kit from us. You can choose a stock plan, modify an existing design, or work with our team to create a fully custom home. From there, you can take your plans to multiple local contractors, compare bids, and select the builder that best fits your budget and timeline.

Why this is the most economical way to build:

Real competition drives better pricing
When multiple builders are bidding on your project, it naturally creates competitive pricing—helping you secure the best value for your build.

No bundled markup
By separating plans from materials and labor, you avoid the added margins that often come with packaged or turnkey builds.

Leverage local contractor pricing
Local builders typically have established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, which can translate into lower labor and material costs in your area.

Flexible material sourcing
You or your builder can source materials strategically—shopping locally, taking advantage of seasonal pricing, or phasing purchases to stay on budget.

You stay in control
Instead of being locked into a preset package, you decide where to invest and where to save—giving you full control over your total project cost.

Bottom line: this approach puts you in the driver’s seat. It maximizes competition, eliminates unnecessary markups, and gives you the best opportunity to build your dream home at the lowest possible cost.

Start by purchasing stock plans for instant download, modifying an existing design, or working with the BuildMax team to create a fully custom plan tailored to your needs and timeline.

Plans + Wood Kit (Convenience Upgrade)

Take the next step with a complete wood-framed material package designed to simplify your build and save time. With this option, you’ll receive your full set of plans along with a coordinated kit that typically includes framing lumber, trusses, windows, doors, and exterior materials—delivered directly to your job site and ready for installation.

This approach eliminates the hassle of sourcing materials from multiple suppliers, helps reduce delays, and keeps your project moving efficiently from day one. It’s the perfect balance between cost and convenience—giving you a streamlined building experience while still allowing your local contractor to handle the construction and finish your home your way.

Start by purchasing stock plans for instant download, modifying an existing design, or working with the BuildMax team to create a fully custom plan tailored to your vision.

Plans + Steel Kit (Premium Upgrade)

Upgrade your build with a precision-engineered steel system designed for strength, speed, and long-term performance. With this option, you’ll receive your full set of plans along with a pre-engineered steel package—typically including pre-assembled wall panels, roof trusses, and key structural components—delivered directly to your job site and ready for installation.

For the build, you have flexibility: choose one of our experienced steel crews to handle the framing, or work with your local contractor to assemble the kit and complete the home. This approach helps reduce build time, minimize material waste, and deliver a high-performance structure built to last—making it an ideal solution for those who want durability, efficiency, and control over how their project is completed.

Barndominium Kits

Click below to view our Materials Catalog

Georgia Barndominium under construction

Steel framing process:

LEARN ABOUT: Barndominium Kits

Imagine building the safest and most durable home on the planet for approx. 10% more than wood. Now it is possible with BuildMax Steel. BuildMax provides home building kits using conventional wood frame with metal siding and metal roofing, all steel frame (preassembled) with metal siding and metal roofing. Looking for the quickest and best method? The answer just might be steel.

Metal building kits are popular for a variety of reasons. What are the advantages of steel over wood construction?

ADVANTAGES OF STEEL OVER WOOD

  • STEEL KITS ARE PRE-ASSEMBLED AND WOOD KITS ARE NOT
  • Strength   * Durability    * Sustainability – infinitely recyclable.   * Accelerated timelines·  
  • Streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective construction process (65% of the framing is assembled in our factory and
    hiring a steel erector is the quickest way to install your BuildMax kit.)
  • Steel coils don’t warp, split or crack like wood, ensuring consistent uniformity and accessibility.
  • Better supply chain planning and control – minimizing delays & keeping projects on schedule.
  • Steel is lightweight, has high strength-to-weight ratio — it can be stored & transported easier.
    * Requires significantly less storage footprint compared to wood.
    * Lighter weight also means cheaper and more efficient transportation.
  • No special treatment needed for moisture, pests, or decay.
  • Precise manufacturing techniques enable accurate & custom fabrication of components. This *reduces waste *optimizes material usage *enables faster installation onsite *Corners are perfectly square.
  •  Pre-punched for mechanicals.
  •  Stable, engineered properties and consistent attributes ensure a high standard of finish.
  •  Significantly faster and more efficient framing off-site.
    * This translates into reduced construction costs.
  • Lower labor costs for construction team.
    Requires fewer workers – and they can be less skilled.
    Assembly is straightforward with basic training requirements.
    Steel’s lighter weight reduces the need for heavy equipment at building site.
  •  Steel is exact & straight –contributes to strength and to aesthetics. Also simplifies & speeds up finishing processes
  •  No mold or rot. Resistant to warping, shrinking, or expanding due to changes in moisture levels.
  •  Durable & resilient. Greater structural integrity & resistance to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding & fires. Also mitigates the risk of termite infestation.
  •  Eco-friendly. Less than 1% waste during construction. Contributes to green building practices and certifications.
  •  Lightweight construction system minimizes loads on foundations – saves on substructure costs.
  •  Lightweight nature – excellent solution for sloping or difficult sites.
  •  Easier, more cost-effective code compliance
  •  Improved energy efficiency. Minimized air leakage and thermal bridging.
  •  Easier, cheaper maintenance for homeowner.
  •  Quicker – 65% of framing done at facility
  •  Cleaner and safer construction site.

    Conventional wood framing is another popular building method these days due to the lower cost of wood materials. Another advantage to stick-built barndominiums is you won’t have an issue finding a framer that is familiar with this method of building. 

 

Metal building kits. Conventional wood kits

 

WHAT DOES A BARNDOMINIUM KIT COST FOR YOUR STATE ?

I really wish there was a quick and easy answer to this question but the truth is there are a lot of factors that go into pricing out a home. BuildMax can help you get started with materials but a General Contractor will need to give you a turn key price. Barndominium kits average $40.00 – $45.00* per sq ft depending on the design, wind/snow load and distance from the factory. 

  •  *total under-roof area square footage

Conventional wood framing is another popular building method these days due to the lower cost of wood materials. Another advantage to stick-built barndominiums is you won’t have an issue finding a framer that is familiar with this method of building.

Barndominium Kits in your state