Top 20 Barndominium Floor Plans: BM3945

When you think about barndominiums, you may picture a barn house. You imagine something that looks just like a barn and is this large, metal building that has somehow been converted into a living space. This barndominium floor plan will change that perception completely.

The moment you walk up to this house, you are reminded of a modern farmhouse. The wraparound porch and the white siding create a calming ambiance that reminds you of summer days that are warm, but not too hot. You could easily see yourself lounging on the porch with a book while your family plays in the yard.

Flowers along the porch would amplify that farmhouse look, with lights affixed to the posts or hanging overhead. A dining space could be set up on a section of the porch, making it ideal for grilling out. With such an expansive porch, you’d easily be able to entertain guests with plenty of room for all. A fireplace sits on the left of the porch, keeping you warm on those chilly summer nights where you can’t bring yourself to go inside just yet.

When you enter the home, you find yourself in the great room. This open concept floor plan allows you to see straight back to the kitchen, with plenty of room for a dining room and living room near the entrance of the home. A fireplace sits to the right of the space and a set of stairs leading to the second floor is situated on the right of the room. The fireplace shares a chimney with the outdoor fireplace as well.

Imagine decorating the great room for Christmas and having a large tree set in the living room area while a fire crackles in the fireplace. You could sit comfortable on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate while watching a Christmas special. The holidays couldn’t possibly feel more magical.

The kitchen boasts a large island and ample counter space. Bar stools could be set around the island to provide more seating for guests. At the back of the kitchen is a large pantry that will easily host your groceries and any appliances you don’t want to clutter your counters with.

Imagine hosting friends for the evening, with everyone comfortably seated around the island, chatting as food was prepared. Once the food was finished, they’d be able to easily transition to the dining room. They’d have plenty of space to sprawl out in the great room once they were too full to engage in any type of activity (we’ve all been there).

Past the kitchen is a hallway, hosting a powder room on the left, the master suite on the right, and a foyer at the end. To the left of the foyer is the mudroom and laundry room. The master suite is certainly a sanctuary with a large room, his and her closets, and a master bathroom fit for royalty.

Upon entering the master bedroom, you’re able to see that you can easily host a king size bed and have space for a small seating area. You could use this space as a small reading nook, or just set up a comfortable chair to relax in while you sip a cup of coffee in the morning. A hallway connects the master bedroom to the bathroom, with the walk-in closets on either side of the hall.

The master bathroom hosts a double vanity, a water closet, a soaking tub, and a custom shower. You’ll believe you’ve got a spa in your home with the size of this master bath, and it will certainly feel like it after a long day of work.

Going up the set of stairs found in the great room will bring you to a loft overlooking the floor below. The loft is quite large and can easily be made into a reading space, a sitting space, or even a children’s play area. A second living room could easily be set up here, making it perfect for older children and guests. The space is versatile and can be used for many different things, almost like an extra room.

The second floor not only offers this spacious loft, but is also home to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A mechanical room and a closet sit at the back of this area between two of the bedrooms. The closet could easily be used as a linen closet or as extra storage space. The three bedrooms upstairs are perfect for children and guests alike.

The separation of the bedrooms from the master suite is something that many traditional home plans don’t offer, although many people would likely appreciate this. This allows independence as your children get older while also allowing you to feel as though you have some privacy, which is something many parents miss. This is also ideal for guests as they won’t feel as though they’re imposing on you.

If you don’t have need for all three rooms, you’ll easily be able to use one as an office as one of the bedrooms shares a bathroom with the living space. Another one of these bedrooms would likely be best suited for guests as it has its own bathroom attached. The third bedroom will have to share the bathroom connected to the living space.

Overall, this barndominium plan has an immense amount of charm. It could be designed so that it is true to that modern farmhouse style, or you could go for a warm, rustic ambiance. There is no wrong way to decorate this home on either the exterior or interior, but much of it may be determined by what color palette you plan to use. While this home is initially seen as having white siding, that could easily be changed to black for a sleek look.

After having seen this plan and taking this literary tour, perhaps you will find that this is exactly what you’ve dreamt of. Perhaps this plan has even exceeded your expectations now that you’ve been able to envision what your life could be like in this home. Don’t limit yourself to only living in this home through your imagination, but rather bring that dream to life and make it your reality.

Choosing The Right Barndominium Floor Plans

Choosing to build a home over buying one is a huge step. Building a home has so many steps you have to go through and can be very stressful, but it’s worth it to get exactly what you want in a home. The first step you’ll have to take is finding a set of floor plans, so why not choose to get barndominium house plans?

What are the differences between barndominium floor plans and regular ones?

While searching for the right floor plans, you’ll find thousands of plans. Many of these will look mostly the same with slight variations, making it difficult to find one that fits for you. With barndominium plans, you’ll find more variation. These floor plans offer wide open spaces and vaulted ceilings in most plans.

Many people think of barndominiums as barn houses, but they’re more than that. Barndominiums can be either ranch style homes or they can have 2 stories, just like most conventional homes. However, barndominium 2-story homes often have lofts overlooking the great room – what would be considered a living room – and even have 2-story fireplaces. These features set barndos apart from conventional homes because they are rare to see in your regular homes on the market.

With both ranch and 2-story barndominiums, you’ll often find elegant breezeways connecting the home to a spacious garage. Wraparound porches are another staple for barndos and aren’t seen on the majority of standard home plans. With these wraparound porches, many people find that they look like a modern farmhouse. The great thing about barndos is that they are versatile can fit.

How do I choose the right barndominium floor plan?

When choosing a floor plan, it’s important to consider what you need as well as what you want. If you want an open concept plan, then barndos are a great option. If you want a house with plenty of living space and living quarters, then you could look at some of the larger plans. Considering what square foot you’re looking for is important in selecting the right plan.

Even in the smaller plans, you’ll find that they have everything you’ll need. They have plenty of space for a dining room that will fit all your family and friends, and the great room is ideal for entertaining guests. If you have a large family but want something smaller, that’s not a problem with these barndominium floor plans either.

Many barndominiums can also double as shophouses. The great thing about these floor plans is that they give you the dreamy look of a barndominium while also providing the great aspects of a shophouse. You can find this in both ranch style and 2-story homes, meaning you won’t have to settle for something you don’t want. Even in the smaller plans, you can still have plenty of room for a nice shop and great living space.

If you see a plan you like but wish that it was slightly different, don’t rule it out. Floor plans can be modified so that you can change the plan as needed. For example, if you want the bathroom to be a little bigger and the bathroom a little smaller, that’s possible. You can even do fully custom plans if there doesn’t seem to be a plan that checks off all your boxes.

What should I know about building a barndo?

When it comes to building, you’ve got a few options on what method to use. Many traditional homes are typically built using stick framing. However, many barndominiums are built as pole barns, also known as post frame. Some people also choose to build steel barndominiums because metal buildings are sturdier than your typical lumber build.

If you’re more interested in finding something that fits the idea of barn house plans, you’ll probably think post frame is the best option. However, even steel buildings can give you the look you’re going for. Steel frame homes typically only have the exterior framing done in steel while the interior is still lumber framing.

BuildMax offers barndominium kits in all three of these methods. With these kits, you also get customization options on the color of the roof and siding. This ensures you’ll love everything about your home, right down to the color. They also offer windows and doors with their kits, so you’ll have less to worry about.

Getting a kit through BuildMax also helps you achieve an energy efficient home. The windows offered in their package have greater thermal performance, which means you’ll be spending less on heating during the winter months. The windows use Low-E insulating glass, insuring your home will stay cool even on the hottest of days.

Barndominium kits come with all the materials you’ll need to get the framing of your house. You’ll also get the roof and siding in your chosen colors. The roof and siding are typically metal, but you’ll find that it doesn’t have to look like standard metal siding. Getting board and batten metal siding in your chosen color can give your home a stunning look your neighbors are sure to envy.

When building a barndominium, or any home for that matter, it’s important to find a builder who knows the method you’re wanting to build with. Almost all builders will be familiar with stick framing. However, it gets harder to find someone familiar with post frame, and even harder to find someone confident in steel frame. The great thing about these kits is that they come with assembly drawings that will be helpful in the building process.

Building a home can be a daunting task, even when it comes to choosing floor plans. If you have an idea of what style you want and make a list of what you want in a home, it becomes much easier. No matter what you’re looking for, barndominium floor plans are sure to deliver.

The Barndominium Company

When looking for the barndominium company that is best for you, here is why BuildMax is “The Barndominium Company” of choice. BuildMax has been helping families build new homes since 2003. For the past 20 years they have worked with owner builders, contractors and home buyers to build dream homes across America.

Barndominium Experts

BuildMax is a pioneer in the barndominium and shophouse movement. They have designed the most popular barndominium floor plans on the market and gave a new life to the idea of shophouses that no other company has been able to achieve. They are also the first company in the United States to offer barndominium kits using all three homebuilding methods. BuildMax serves customers nationwide and offers consulting from employees who are passionate about helping you build your dream home. 

BuildMax has a breadth of experience in the homebuilding market and they aim to help their clients in whatever way they can. Whether you know exactly what you want or you just got started looking into a build, you’re important to them and they will help you out every step of the way. BuildMax is even putting together a free builder locator service just to make things easier for their clients.

Barndominium & Shophouse Floor Plans

BuildMax offers a variety of barndominium and shophouse floor plans. One of the most well-known barndominium/shophouse plans is actually their BM5550. You may have seen the picture of this plan somewhere before and that’s because it revolutionized the way a shophouse can look. Before, shophouses didn’t really stand out and they weren’t as popular. However, once this plan came out, it took the internet by storm because it showed how elegant a shophouse can be. 

Each floor plan is designed with elegance and practicality in mind. If you want a large shophouse, they’ve got you covered. Want a smaller shophouse? Covered. A beautiful barndo that will fit your whole family? Covered. Something small but still beautiful? Yep, they’ve got you covered there, too. No matter what size or what style you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone. If there’s a plan you like but it doesn’t quite have everything you want, they can take care of that, too. BuildMax does modifications for an added cost, and they even do custom plans. So if you can’t find one that fits your needs perfectly, they can make you one.

Barndominium Kits

BuildMax offers materials kits for barndominiums using all three building methods. No matter which method you’re looking to go with, they’ll be able to ship it directly to your build site. The convenience of being able to buy your floor plan and get the materials needed to build it is unmatchable and no other company in the United States offers it. 

Stick frame packages are the most common option, and all of BuildMax’s plans are originally designed as stick frame. This is because most homes today are built in this manner and it is what most contractors are the most knowledgeable about. Out of the three material kit options, stick is currently the cheapest. That can change based on the market as prices fluctuate on lumber and metal. It’s easier to find a contractor who will be able to do your build if you choose stick frame, as well. 

Post frame (pole barn kits) packages are really gaining in popularity as well because many people want to build pole barns. Post frame is another lumber build, but it doesn’t go for the same price as the stick kits. While these builds do typically use fewer materials, the materials used have to be sturdier and therefore are more expensive than the stick kits. The post frame kit is a good option for those wanting something sturdier. Finding a contractor who does pole barn builds might be a little more difficult than finding one for a stick build.

Steel frame kits are the last of the three offered kits. At the moment, this is the most expensive option as the price of lumber has dropped. The steel frame is ideal for those looking to have an extremely sturdy home that will withstand natural disasters with ease. BuildMax has seen a surge in residents of Florida buying these steel kits because of their durability and stability. One difficulty you may have when going with a steel kit is finding a contractor familiar with metal builds. 

Each kit comes with assembly drawings, making it easier on contractors who may not be familiar with post or metal builds. So if you have a contractor in mind but they aren’t familiar with metal builds, they may still do it with the assembly drawings. Each kit also comes with metal siding, roofing, and awnings (if they are in the plans). You also have a variety of colors to choose from for the siding and roof, so you can make it uniquely yours. 

For the stick and post kits, they include the metal siding, roof, interior framing, exterior framing, windows, and exterior doors. The metal building kit comes standard with exterior framing, siding, and roof. However, you can also add the interior framing (lumber), windows, and exterior doors to this kit as well.

BuildMax Quality

BuildMax is serious about the quality of their products. That’s why they’ve chosen high-end quality materials in their kits. 

The lumber kits use premium #2 spruce lumber, #1 yellow pine and/or pre-engineered LVL’s and the trusses are 2’ on center. With the post frame kit poles are 8’ on center, every other truss is pocketed into the laminated poles for strength. Hurricane ties are standard with these kits. All roof purlins and wall girts are 2’ on center, providing more strength and more fasteners in the steel panels. There is a 40-year warranty on the metal in these kits. The metal has AkzoNobel 1050 paint coating, which has never had a system or fade warranty claim on the coating they use. Most of all steels used in these kits is made in the United States. There is a 50-year warranty on the laminated posts, including porch posts. Laminated posts are nailed, glued, finger jointed, and planed on all 4 sides, which eliminates warping, splitting, and cracking. Stamped truss drawings are included with these kits, as well as all fasteners needed. There are 40-year warrantied screws included for the roof metal, post protectors for all porch poles and/or all poles on post frame buildings, and 25-year warrantied fiberglass door units with maintenance-free jambs and brickmold. 

For the metal building kits, they use 10GA-18GA purlins and 26 gauge PBR panels. All steel in this kit is manufactured in the United States and is galvanized for corrosion proofing. The siding, roof, and soffit materials included in this kit have a 40-year warranty. 

As you can see, BuildMax has a lot to offer for their clients. They have experience and passion for helping their customers find the perfect plan for them. They are dedicated to providing excellent quality, both in their floor plans and in their kits. Their combined knowledge, experience, passion, and products make them “The Barndominium Company” of choice.

Small Barndominium Plans

When looking for a home, you want to find something that matches your needs. Oftentimes, what you see in the market today will be lacking somewhere: too expensive, too old, too big, too small, horrible layout, etc. The perk of building a home is being able to make it exactly how you want it, eliminating all the flaws you see when searching for a home.

Why Should I Get A Small Home Plan?

Small homes used to be seen as cramped and weren’t ideal. Most people were looking for something bigger, something grander, something with plenty of room for anything they could want. However, it’s becoming a trend to go for smaller homes. Many people are looking to have a smaller ecological footprint as well as something economically friendly. Smaller homes are perfect for achieving both of those.

With less to build, there’s less materials to buy, making smaller homes perfect for those wanting to spend less on building a home. Ranch style homes are the typical small house people go for, but there are plenty of small 2-story barndominiums as well. Just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. You’ll still be able to get vaulted ceilings and attached garages if that’s something you’re looking for. You can also have plenty of bedrooms in a smaller home, so if you have kids or want extra rooms, you don’t have to give up on the idea of a smaller home.

When it comes to being eco-friendly, small barndominiums are a great fit. Since they’re smaller, they’re taking up much less space than bigger ones will, meaning less harm to the surrounding land. Barndominiums are also perfect for solar panels, meaning you’ll be saving money while also getting clean energy. Small barndominiums are also eco-friendly by being small, meaning fewer materials being used for building. This allows for less waste being produced during the building process as well as with the manufacturing of materials. This is especially true if you get a metal building kit because the spare steel from the production of materials gets recycled directly within the plant.

If you want something for your parents to stay in or use as a guesthouse, small barndominiums are great for that. We have seen a surge of people building in-law suites and “granny pods.” These are great for those looking to keep their family close or to give their aging relatives a safe place to live where they’ll have independence but not be isolated. Many people are starting to have multi-generational homes, but not everyone wants their family to live directly in the same space as them. Making an in-law suite is a great solution for that because you’ll still have everyone close and involved while also giving everyone their own space where they can unwind and relax.

What Will A Small Barndominium Look Like?

If you’ve looked at barndominiums, you’re likely used to seeing these large, extravagant homes with large attached garages. However, small barndominiums are still just as elegant and eye-catching as the large ones. While it may appear that the larger barndominiums are going to be more luxurious and offer more functionality for your family, that isn’t the case. Yes, large barndominiums are great and offer a lot for you and your family, but small barndominiums can do just the same.

Small barndominiums have a lot to offer despite their small appearance. On the inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings in the great room, making even the smallest of spaces feel large. The kitchen will be spacious with plenty of counter space to cook and entertain. A fireplace can sit in the great room, the perfect place to snuggle up with loved ones. The master suite is a retreat, with spacious closets and a large bathroom. The interior has an open floor plan so it really makes the house feel bigger than it looks. Garages can either be directly attached or use a breezeway to attach it to the home, giving off an air of elegance while being highly functional.

Many of the smaller barndominiums also double as shop houses, or “shouses.” These smaller homes have plenty of space in the garage to be used as a shop. Some plans even have a bathroom in the shop area so that when you’re working on a project, you don’t need to trek through the house to use the restroom, possibly leaving a trail indicating that you’ve clearly been sanding things down. Many people love the small shophouses because it’s just them and their spouse, but they also want somewhere to do their projects. This way, there’s still the perfect amount of living space but with a sizable shop to work with.

Combining the style of a barndominium with the functionality of a shophouse, you’ll get the best of both worlds. You’ll have an elegant home where you can freely do projects without feeling cramped. Just because the garage/shop area is sizable doesn’t mean you’ll have a miniscule living area. Just as with typical barndominiums, you’ll have vaulted ceilings in the great room and a spacious master suite. The only main difference between a small barndominium and a small shophouse is the focus on functionality of the garage and how much space should be dedicated to that. So instead of having a few large rooms, you may want to opt to shrink down on the number of rooms or their size to make a larger shop area. If you don’t need a large shop, you can dedicate just a small space for that and make more space for larger bedrooms or an extra room. The options are endless.

If you’ve been wanting to build a house but feel as though the common size of homes doesn’t fit your needs, a small house would be perfect for you. Small homes don’t have to be boring and barndominiums prove that. With their sleek elegance and open floor plans, you’ll only regret that you didn’t make the choice to go with a small barndominium sooner.

Barndominium Plan BM1853

As you’re looking at floor plans on the long journey to building a home, you’re exposed to so many styles and layouts that your head can start to swim. After seeing so much of the same thing, all floor plans begin to look the same and at this point, you’ve probably tried imagining more plans than you count. Seeing lines on a paper doesn’t do much to help you envision what you’re looking at after a while, so take a break and come with me on a tour of the BM1853.

From the outside, the BM1853 already appears charming. Its smaller size doesn’t detract from its elegance but instead amplifies it. A 12 foot wide covered porch is off to the right of the home, offering a shady place to get some fresh air. Large barn doors adorn the space just before the front doors, giving off a cozy, rustic feeling. On either side of the front doors are large windows, letting in plenty of natural light to the entrance. Flowers planted along the concrete at the entrance of the home would accentuate the elegant features of this barndominium. Wreaths could be hung on the large barn doors, adding extra appeal to an already eye-catching house.

Upon entering the home through the front doors, you’re met with a spacious living room with a fireplace on the back wall. You can already picture your friends and family gathered around the fireplace, talking and laughing amongst each other while a fire crackles in the background. You could set up the living room so that there is space for a dining area, as well. With close proximity to the kitchen and the living room both, it’ll feel like a seamless space that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying a meal in a cozy setting. Off to the right of the entrance is a small closet that would be perfect for storing coats and umbrellas. Past the small closet is the kitchen. The kitchen hosts an island and plenty of counter space to cook to your heart’s desire. Bar stools can be set up at the island to allow eating space.  A door from the kitchen leads out to the covered porch, making it perfect for you to set up an outdoor dining area, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while eating.

Back in the living room, you’ll find the master bedroom to the back right. The master bedroom has windows letting in plenty of light and has plenty of space to set up your furniture. To the left, you’ll find the master closet. It has ample space to store your clothes so that you won’t have to fight with your spouse about who gets most of their clothes in it. Through the master closet is the master bathroom. The bathroom has a double vanity that will allow you and your spouse to get ready without fighting over who gets to use the sink now. A water closet allows for extra privacy, and there’s a large custom shower and standing tub. The master suite is the perfect sanctuary to give you some peace at the end of a long day.

Back in the living room, you’ll find a hall to the left of the fireplace. The hallway leads to a bedroom, a full bathroom, the laundry room, and then to the garage at the back of the house. Imagine decorating the hallway with pictures of your friends, family, or stunning scenery. The garage has plenty of room for 3 cars and can also be used for a shop. Imagine being able to work on projects out in the garage/shop with plenty of space for workbenches, tools, and whatever else you could need. The garage also leads out to the covered porch from the side. With close proximity to the laundry room, you won’t have to worry about making a mess in the shop and then having to clean up the ensuing debris your clothes will shed on the walk through the house; you’ll be able to walk straight to the laundry room to save yourself the trouble.

A set of stairs in the garage lead up to a second story, where you’ll enter a room. This room can either be used for a storage room, a bedroom, an office, or whatever else you may want to turn it into. There is a mechanical closet connected to the room. Once you leave the room, you’ll enter into a loft that has plenty of space to set up a reading area, an open office, or a second living room. A full bathroom is off the loft, next to the spare room. The second floor has so many options for decoration and utilization. Imagine having the loft set up as a reading area, looking down on the living room. You can turn the storage room into an office, complete with a little coffee bar. This office would then have easy access to the shop, perfect for when you need to make a quick run out or if you want to see what your spouse is working on. A set of stairs leads back down to the living room from the loft.

Back in the living room after having come down from the loft, you’ll see that this home has a lot to offer. While it isn’t large like many other barndominiums are, it still has so much to give. The living area has everything you’ll need, while the large shop is perfect for projects. The home is great for entertaining with its large covered porch and cozy living room. Friends and family will love coming over to cook out. Imagine a bunch of you laughing it up on the porch while others are hanging out in the shop. There’s plenty of space for everyone to hang out and enjoy a meal together. This barndominium is also flexible as much of its space can be used in different ways.

Building a home can be frustrating, tiring, and overwhelming. Between the terminology and thousands of plans, it can wear you down and make you wonder if building is the right option for you. This barndominium is proof that if you just look a little closer, you can find exactly what you need. Read this article about the 7 common homebuilding mistakes to avoid.

The Barndominium Life

When you’re looking into building a home, you’re bombarded with house floor plans, building terminology, and different home styles. While wading through this flood of information, you see all the different styles of homes there are: Victorian, French Country, Cape Cod, Craftsman…the list goes on and on. You’ve likely heard of most of these styles of homes, but one that’s been surging the past few years that you may not have seen is Barndominium.

What’s So Different About A Barndominium?

Upon first hearing the word “barndominium,” you’re probably envisioning a barn turned living space. Sure, some barndominiums fit that description, but you may find that those cases are few and far between. Instead, most barndominiums have similar exterior traits to a barn but the interior looks like a traditional home. You may be wondering why someone might choose this style of home as opposed to more common ones. The answer lies in the house layout. Barndominium house plans boast wide, open spaces that most traditional homes fail to achieve. Open floor plans are very popular; they allow for a seamless living space that prevents you from feeling cramped or isolated. Open floor plans give you a lot more room to work with, even in smaller homes. You’re not restricted by walls that bar off sections for dedicated spaces but instead are given open spaces that can be used and decorated however you see fit.

If the open layout wasn’t enough to sell you on a barndominium, maybe the two-story fireplaces and vaulted ceilings will. The open floor plan combined with the vaulted ceilings can make even the smallest of homes feel larger. No more cramped spaces with low ceilings! Lofts are common in two-story barndominiums, making the most of those vaulted ceilings and open spaces. Even when you’re upstairs, you’ll reap the benefits of those high ceilings that you won’t typically find in your standard homes. Even the exterior has something most homes don’t: wraparound porches. Whether you like to entertain or lounge, wraparound porches are perfect for all occasions and add to the functionality of your home.

What Makes Banrdominiums Better Than Traditional Homes?

If you’re looking to build a home for your family, barndominiums are great for that. There’s plenty of space to start and grow a family. Many barndominiums keep the master suite separate from the other bedrooms, so everyone gets a little space for themselves to unwind. This is something both you and your kids will be thankful for as the kids grow up. Loft spaces allow for a space that kids can call their own and use as a playspace. Some barndominiums have theater rooms or dedicated spaces for a playroom.

Not only are barndominiums great for giving kids a place to play, they’re great for those looking to homeschool as well! Barndominiums offer great space that can be used flexibly. If you didn’t want to use that theater room as such, you could turn it into a classroom for your kids. You could use the loft as a teaching space as well, or maybe you want to use the great room to prevent kids from feeling too confined. The vaulted ceilings are a breath of fresh air compared to the stuffy classrooms in most schools and conventional homes.

Breezeways attaching the garage to the house are also something barndominiums can offer. Imagine taking your kids to soccer practice on rainy days. They’ll be covered in mud, but thankfully you won’t have to worry about them leaving a mud trail throughout your house when they get home. The breezeway leading straight to the mudroom/laundry room means you can save your sanity by containing all the mud to one area. The kids can easily take their shoes off in the mudroom and place them in a cubby or somewhere to be washed. Dirty uniforms can be thrown directly into the washer.

The wraparound porch is great for spending time with family as well. You can sit on the porch and read a book while your kids play in the yard. You can set up a small outdoor eating area on your porch, giving you and your kids a place to eat while enjoying the fresh air. Imagine grilling out on those nice summer days; your kids can be swimming in the pool while dinner is being made and then hop out and get seated for dinner at the outdoor eating area. Maybe you want to sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise before the kids get up and ready for school.

What If I Want A Smaller Home plan?

If you don’t want a two-story home, there are many ranch style floor plans available. Not all barndominiums have to be two-story homes; you can still get most of the benefits you would in a two-story barndominium. For example, you’ll still get vaulted ceilings in the great room for most ranch style barndominiums, and dreamy master suites that will make your bedroom feel like a sanctuary. You can even still get breezeways in some of the ranch style homes.

There are plenty of single-story barndominiums that have as many as 5 bedrooms, so whether you have kids or not, there’s plenty of space for you and your family and friends. Covered porches are the perfect place to get some fresh air, and the kitchens are spacious, leaving plenty of room for cooking and baking. Fireplaces only add to the cozy feeling you’re looking for in a home.

If you’re looking for a smaller home, barndominiums can give you that. Not all barndominiums have to be large and extravagant. There are plenty of smaller barndominiums that will be perfect for those looking to downsize or build something just for them. Some people even use smaller barndominiums as guesthouses. If you want your aging parents to live with you, a smaller barndominium is a great option. It gives your parents or guests a nice, elegant space including luxurious master suites. You won’t have to sacrifice quality just because it’s smaller.

No matter what you’re planning for your future, barndominiums can be the perfect fit. Whether you’re living alone, with your parents, or with your children, there is something for everyone. Don’t settle for ordinary just because it’s the norm; treat yourself to elegance that your neighbors will envy and that you’ll love.

A Closer Look at the Barndominium BM3151-GB

When you’re in the process of building a home, the process of selecting the right house plan for you can be a daunting task. There are many styles and house layouts to choose from so it can be overwhelming once you’ve been looking for a while. If you’re having trouble visualizing what a barndominium floor plan can look like and don’t know what the spaces have to offer, follow me on a walkthrough of a floor plan that’s sure to get your attention.

When you first walk up to this barndominium, you can already see that it has impeccable curb appeal. The three-car garage sits a little further back from the entrance of the house, quietly complimenting the main building. The wraparound porch boasts plenty of space for decorations and furniture to laze about. The right side of this wonderful wraparound porch hosts a fireplace that will be perfect for those chilly nights that follow a day of pleasant weather. An elegant breezeway can be glimpsed, peeking out behind the covered porch to connect the house with the spacious garage. Imagine building this barndominium with black siding; it would be an instant head-turner. The sleek elegance this barndominium offers will be awe-inspiring for any who pass by, especially if brightly colored flowers sprinkle the side of the home.

Upon walking in through the front doors, you will be greeted by a spacious great room with a vaulted ceiling. To the right of the room is a fireplace that shares the same chimney with the outdoor fireplace on the porch. A set of double doors sits off to the left of the great room, allowing access to the covered porch, as well. Standing at the entrance of the home, you’re able to see directly into the kitchen which is home to a large island that is perfect for entertaining and cooking alike. This open floor plan is the ultimate dream for entertainers. Stools can be set around the island for extra eating space while a portion of the great room can house a dining table and still have plenty of room to spare. A sofa and armchairs can be placed around the fireplace to create a cozy space that will compliment the open floor plan well.

Imagine having guests over on warm summer days. You’ll be able to leave the doors close to the kitchen open so that while you’re preparing cool drinks, your friends will be able to lounge on the porch while the designated grill master barbeques. Perhaps you want to set up a small outdoor eating area; you’ll be able to whisk away into the kitchen quickly and easily, making outdoor meals a breeze. The covered porch being so easily accessible from more than just the front doors makes it a wonderful addition to the living space and opens up multiple ways to utilize it.

At the back of the great room are a set of stairs that lead to a loft. A seating area can be set up so that it can be used as a reading space or you can simply decorate the space with artwork that you feel would be at home there. To the right of the loft is a theater room that would be perfect for spending some quality time with friends and family from the comfort of your home. This is the perfect solution to the overpriced snacks and drinks that come with your typical theater-going occasion, with the bonus of no strangers using their phones or talking through the entire movie.

The loft area is also home to 4 bedrooms. Bedrooms 1 and 2 share a jack-and jill bathroom, while bedrooms 3 and 4 also share one of their own. Similar to the master bathroom, both jack-and-jills have water closets for added privacy (if you have siblings, I’m sure you can appreciate this feature). If you’re looking to start or grow a family, 4 bedrooms give you the perfect amount of space to do so while also allowing everyone to have their own space. With the 4 bedrooms being upstairs and the master suite downstairs, parents are able to get some quiet space away from their kids or guests.

Attached to the kitchen is a spacious pantry, keeping your counter space clutter-free and housing any amount of groceries that you could throw at it. To the right of the kitchen is a hallway that leads to the master bedroom, a powder room, the laundry/mudroom, and a rear covered porch. On the right of the hallway is the master suite. When walking into the room, you’re instantly greeted by natural light streaming in from the many windows. Those windows will make waking up at sunrise much more tolerable when you’re able to take in that stunning view. A small hallway off the master bedroom hosts two large closets on either side. These closets assure that you don’t have to fight for closet space and leave plenty of space for cabinets or dressers that you don’t want cluttering the bedroom. At the end of the short hallway is the master bathroom. To the left of the door is a stunning soaking tub that faces the double vanity that will allow both you and your spouse to get ready in the mornings without fighting over who gets to use the sink or mirror. A water closet is on the right of the bathroom entrance, allowing for extra privacy. The shower is just past the water closet and has plenty of space for creating a spa-like experience.

The laundry/mudroom can be found on the left of the main hallway. This room allows for plenty of space to install cubbies to store shoes and coats while also leaving plenty of space for that beautiful washer/dryer set you’ve been eyeing for a while now. The mechanical room is tucked away behind a door in this space, giving you the elegant look you’re going for without being an eyesore.

The laundry/mudroom leads to the beautiful breezeway that connects the garage to the home. This space is perfect for benches or some beautiful potted plants to make you feel welcome after a long day at work or running errands. You’ll really appreciate the breezeway on those rainy days, especially when your kids managed to jump in every muddy puddle on the way home. The kids will be able to take their shoes off in this space and store them in the mudroom without leaving you a muddy trail to clean up all throughout your house. The garage has room for three cars and even some space for storage, perfect for all those tools that your husband swore he needed but has yet to put to use. A set of stairs in the garage will lead you up into a spacious bonus room, complete with a full bathroom. This space is perfect to use for guests, parents, a spacious office, or whatever you can dream of. Attic space rests on either side of the bonus room. Maybe you have teenage kids who complain that they have no space to hang out with their friends? This space would be perfect for them to hang out with independence without being far from home.

What I wrote is only a fraction of the potential this barndominium floor plan has to offer. If you love the plan but have something you want to change or add, that’s always an option!  Whether it’s your first home, your last, or somewhere in between, this house plan can give you something you’ll love for years to come. See why people are building barndominiums.

Barndominium Floor Plans

When it comes to building a house, there are so many factors to consider. Is building a house the best route for you or should you just buy? Where should you build your house? What size, style, and layout are you going to want? The questions are endless and the entire process can be overwhelming. The first step you should take once you’ve decided to build is to buy floor plans.

What makes barndominiums different from conventional homes?

Barndominiums, shophouses, farmhouses, cottages – the list is endless for the different styles of homes. The typical style home you will see will vary by which region of the United States you are in, but the thing with barndominiums is that they can be practical and classy no matter where they’re built. Maybe you’re thinking that barndominiums are more of a Southern style, and sometimes they are. However, they aren’t limited to the South and neither is their style. Barndominiums and conventional style homes can both provide what you’re looking for, but barndominiums boast open spaces that are perfect for open floor plans. It can be a ranch style house or two-story, it can have a garage or not, essentially it can offer anything your other “regular” home can, but with added elegance and style that will set you apart from everyone in your neighborhood.

Barndominiums can be used for a variety of things, from living to businesses. Something common here in Kentucky is using barndos for wedding venues. The appeal is in the rustic charm and sleek elegance that barndominiums can offer, making it perfect for celebrating a marriage. Barndominiums offer much more open space than conventional homes are typically designed to, so if you love open floor plans, you’ve hit the jackpot!

How do I choose the right plan?

When it comes to selecting a barndominium house plan – or any house plan for that matter – you need to think about what you want out of a home. Do you want plenty of space to grow a family? Do you want more space for your hobbies or offices? Do you want a large garage or a shop to work in? There are so many factors that go into selecting the right house plan. House layouts are very important when building a house because you don’t want to get stuck with something that will annoy you or that you find impractical. For example, if you are worried that as you age, you may not be able to get around as you used to, maybe a ranch style house will be the best. Ranch style houses are also great if you have young kids who seek out any and all forms of danger, or if you just really don’t like stairs (guilty – I blame my bad knees).

If you work from home, you’ll probably want a nice space to call your office that is away from the more active parts of the house. If you have several cars or you know you’ll have people coming to visit frequently, a bigger garage is probably best. If you live on a farm or enjoy hunting, you may want space separate from your garage that would be perfect for storing your equipment. Maybe you want your parents to live with you but want them to have their own space and be independent.

No matter what you’re looking for, what you need can be combined into the perfect house plan for you. There are already so many great barndominium floor plans, but if you don’t find one you love, you can also modify it to be what you want. Say you see a plan and love it, but you really love the garage on a different plan? That can be done for you. You don’t have to compromise when it comes to finding the right home plan for you – and you shouldn’t. You’re building a home that you likely want to live in for the rest of your life, or at least for the next several years. Don’t feel like you have to settle just because you don’t see a plan that instantly fits what you want as it is. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to selecting the right barndominium house plan for you, BuildMax has project managers who are passionate about helping you make your dream a reality.

What will the interior look like?

Many people may hear the word “barndominium” and think that means that it will look like a regular barn that you drive past through the countryside. However, barndominiums can look however you want them to look on the interior. Many people love the exterior of barndominiums because it gives a sense of rustic charm and elegance that many other homes fail to deliver. The interior can do just the same. With the wide open spaces that barndominium homes offer, they are perfect for people looking for a modern house. The interior is the same as conventional houses, even if the exterior may have you believing otherwise. Even when you opt for a metal building, the interior will still be stick-built and will function just the same as any other house you’d find. Some people lean into the “country” aspect associated with barndominiums while others opt for something bright and airy, more akin to the modern open floor plan houses that sprinkle the housing markets these days. Maybe you want it to feel like a relaxing retreat? Maybe you want to go for something dark and moody? The possibilities are endless and there’s enough space for you to accomplish whatever look you’re going for.

Some of our clients have truly made their barndominiums look like retreats. Seeing the pictures, I could hardly believe that they were of their home and not a cozy cabin that you’d rent on a trip to the mountains. Others have decorated them all in white, making the space feel bright and crisp, as though you were leaving your worries behind at the door.  Every time a client tells us they are building and will send us pictures, we get so excited because we get to watch their dream come to life and we get to see how it will reflect their personalities.

No matter what kind of life you live and what you want your home to look like, there is a barndominium floor plan out there for you. Whether it’s a ranch style house or a two story, whether it has a garage or not, there are plenty of plans that will pique your interest. Keeping in mind what you will need your home to have for it to fit you perfectly is essential when looking for a house plan, so keep that in mind as you begin this exciting journey. Just remember that if you can’t find something you’re looking for, we can customize a plan to include what you’re wanting. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than what you’re dreaming of.

Metal Building Kits

The History of Kit Homes

Between 1908 and 1942 Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Sears) sold over 75,000 homes from their Sears catalog. You could order a set of plans and a homebuilding kit from Sears and the company would ship you the complete home package to your lot. Then you and your family and friends could build the home. A modern day owner-builder program. It was a community effort to build neighborhoods. Fast forward 75 years later and BuildMax has modernized the Sears catalog concept for barndominiums.

What’s included in a metal building kit?

With BuildMax’s metal building home kit, you get engineered and stamped drawings for your state. This saves you a lot of headache since you won’t need to find someone to engineer your plans. Metal roofing, siding, and soffit material are included in the kit and come with a 40-year warranty. The siding can come in a variety of colors, so you’ll be able to pick a color that fits the vision of your home. Steel columns, trusses, and grits are included in the kit and are galvanize-coated, meaning you’ll be able to worry less about corrosion. Window and door cut outs, porch posts, and all roofing and siding trim are also included. All hardware needed to install the structure is also included, giving you less to have to worry about when it comes to shopping for the materials needed to have the home built. The kit also includes assembly drawings, which is helpful for people looking to do it themselves or for contractors who aren’t as familiar with metal buildings. 

You may be wondering what isn’t included in this package. Not included are the slab, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, and interior finishes. The windows, doors, and interior framing are included in the metal building kit.

The windows included with the metal building kit are Pella 250 series windows, which come with a multi chambered frame and fully welded sash. This means there is improved strength and thermal performance. There is also the option of performance upgrades for the vinyl window sashes which will be metal-reinforced, giving extra strength and wind resistance. These windows can come with or without grids, and if you prefer them in black as opposed to white, that is also an option. Worried that the black vinyl will fade? With the Pella Impervia windows, you won’t have to worry as these are some of the best on the market, giving you a color you’ll love in a sleek, timeless style. 

The standard doors that can be added are Therma-Tru doors. These are the preferred entry doors by most building professionals and that is because they combine durability with style. The standard doors included are fiberglass paintable doors, but you can also opt for a fiberglass woodgrain stainable. You don’t just get the exterior doors, but also the garage doors. Do you really love the look of barn doors for your garage? Those can also be included! Two types of garage doors are an option, so if you want a more conventional garage door style, the option is there. The garage doors are provided by C.H.I. but do not come with an operator. They also come in different colors, so you have a variety of options to get your garage looking the way you want.

Why buy a kit home?

What makes a barndominium kit preferable to getting your materials somewhere else? Well, the convenience alone is a big bonus. At BuildMax, you can pick a floor plan you love, or even work with designers to build a custom barndominium just for you. Once you’ve done that, you can then get a metal building kit in the same place. You won’t have to look around and figure out where the best place to get your building materials is and you’ll also be able to have the windows and doors included as well. That’s a lot less for you to have to worry about in the stress-inducing process of building a home. The materials alone are convenient, but also being able to include windows and doors? A complete game changer. You’ll be able to select a color you’ll love and won’t need to shop around to figure out who can give you what you’re looking for.

Another convenient factor is the assembly drawings. If your contractor isn’t familiar with metal buildings, or if you’re wanting to put it together yourself, you’ll have the assembly drawings to guide you through. Think of it like a Lego set – you have a manual that shows you which Lego to use and how it needs to go together in a step-by-step process. So whether you’re looking to take on the project yourself or with the help of a contractor, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done and in what order it needs to be done in.

Pre-designed kits versus box store lumber

Convenience aside, why should you choose a pre-designed kit vs box store lumber? Box store lumber yards like Lowes and Home Depot don’t typically offer #1 grade lumber, which is something you’ll be able to get with a kit. With the metal building kit, you’ll get pre-cut steel which has less waste than lumber packages since the kits are pre-cut in the factory. You’ll also be getting exactly the amount of materials you’ll need for the house plan of your choosing, so you won’t have to worry about missing a few things here or there. Nobody wants to deal with the stress that comes with triple-checking the amount of materials you’ll need for the build and then later finding out you still missed something, or the materials you got were defective or of poor quality. A kit allows you some peace of mind when it comes to the materials needed to build your dream home.

Can home building kits be shipped nationwide?

By now you’re probably intrigued by the idea of getting a home building kit for yourself, so it’s only natural to take location into consideration. BuildMax’s home building kits can be shipped nationwide. Regardless of how far you are from the material provider, you’ll be able to have the materials shipped directly to your build site. This means that you won’t have to sacrifice quality materials just because you live outside of a certain delivery zone.

There’s a lot that goes into building a home, so why should you add more stress and steps when you can have the convenience of a kit? Metal building homes kits provide stability and quality to deliver exactly what you need in the home you’ve worked hard to bring to life.

BARNDOMINIUMS ARE NOT BARNS.

One of the biggest misconceptions about barndominiums is that they are barns that are converted into living spaces. Although that can be true, you can convert a barn into a home but that’s not necessarily what a barndominium is. A barndominium is a style of architecture with an influence of country, farmhouse and modern design that draws inspiration from traditional barns. Just like ranch style homes, modern farmhouse or contemporary, barndominiums are in their own category of architecture. Just because you use the term barndominium, barn house, shophouse or barndo doesn’t mean you are building or plan to live in a barn.

Bankers, builders and building departments may all have a different opinion of what a barndominium is which can be difficult for the homebuyer. A banker may explain that they do not finance barndominiums while a builder may say they he doesn’t build barndominiums and a building department may state that they won’t approve a barndominium. Since the concept of barndominiums is still new it would be better to refer to the home you plan to build as a custom built home, because that’s really what it is. BuildMax has removed the word “Barndominium” off all their house plans because it causes confusion. Until barndominiums go mainstream and people fully understand that they are not barns and they are a style of architecture, misinformation will abound.

Another misconception about barndominiums is that they “must be metal buildings”, this is not true. There are plenty of barndos (short for barndominium) being built using a variety of methods including post frame, conventional stick-frame, ICF (insulated concrete forms), SIP (structural insulated panels) and in south Florida they even use concrete block walls to build barndominiums. No matter what you use to build a barndominium there are a few features that set them apart from the traditional home.

WHAT FEATURES SET A BARNDOMINIUM APART FROM A TRADITIONAL HOME?.

1. Wide open spaces with vaulted great rooms created by free spanning truss systems. Whether you plan to use steel, wood or post to build your barndominium many barndominium floor plans have 2^nd story lofts that overlook the great room and dining room. Since the trusses are supported by the exterior walls you have the flexibility to design any interior layout you desire.
2. Exterior and interior barn doors is another popular feature. The doors draw their inspiration from tradition barns and can transform the overall look of the home. A good example is the BuildMax BM2500. This unique design by BuildMax has captured the hearts of thousands of people with it’s simple gable roof, black metal siding and 10’ exterior barn doors. Interior barn doors are used to further enhance the barn influence.
3. These types of homes are typically easier to build than traditional homes with hip roofs, difficult foundations, and odd sized layouts. Most are designed as simple rectangles with gable roofs. Matter of fact barndos are the most cost-effective style of architecture because of these features. When you compare a complex foundation and roof design to a barndominium you will see how there is a tremendous savings in concrete, lumber and labor.
4. The design style of a barndominium is distinct. This style of architecture is instantly recognizable. Barndos can take on many different looks just like any other style of architecture. They can have wrap around porches like modern farmhouse design, attached and detached garages with breezeways and they can use dormers to extend the space.
5. Barn house plans or barndominium house plans are becoming much easier to find on the internet. A quick search for barndominium plans will yield hundreds of choices. Lot’s of plans have wrap around porches, attached garages and 2 story layouts.

HOW TO BUILD A BARNDOMINIUM.

BuildMax has introduced the industry to an array of ways to build barndominiums. For years metal buildings were the primary method for building a barndo, but a lot has changed over the years. A recent discussion with the owners of BuildMax (Tony & Arlene Golladay) revealed that most of their barndominium kits are being sold as convention wood-built frames using premium 2×6 spruce, metal siding and metal roofing. BuildMax answers thousands of calls a month and most people have the impression from the Internet that metal building homes are cheaper to build than wood. Although this may have been true a few years ago but at the time of writing this article the opposite is true. Wood has taken a steep dive in prices lately. Here’s a good example: at the peak of covid a sheet of 7/16 OSB cost $57.00 but today that same sheet is $9.08. This price is near pre-covid pricing. So, with that in mind let’s talk about how to build a barndominium out of wood and metal.

Most people these days are building on a slab, but crawl spaces and basements are still acceptable foundations when using wood framing. Barndominium kits and post frame kits have been popular for their convenience, price and availability. You can purchase a barndominium floor plan, order a building kit and find a builder using the BuildMax program. Barndominium kits include framing, roof trusses, siding & trim, roofing, windows, doors, screws and nails to get your home in the dry.

Hiring a builder is one of the most important parts to building a barndominium. BuildMax is building a nationwide builder network so they can offer a free builder locator service.

Financing a barndominium is another thing you may need when building a barndo. BuildMax has partnered with a couple lenders that do offer construction financing for barndominiums.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BARNDOMINIUM MOVEMENT.

Barndominiums are not that much different than a traditional site-built home. Every item in a conventional build will be required in your barndominium. There are a few areas you can save on when building a barndominium but don’t let someone convince you that you can build a barndo for $75.00 a square foot, that’s just not possible these days. Barndominium costs can range from $135 to $200 a sq. ft. depending on what part of the country you live and how much sweat equity you put into the project. Be cautious how you describe your new construction, remember that builders, bankers and building departments may not be familiar with barndominiums and thus they may tell you they don’t finance, build or approve barns which is far from what you plan to build.