How Much Does a Steel Frame Kit House Cost?
Seeking an affordable custom home alternative to expensive conventional construction? Prefabricated steel frame kit houses, like barndominiums, offer dramatic value. Blending steel’s strength with highly customizable floorplans, these kits ship with every beam, panel, and hardware item needed to erect solid structures. BuildMax specifically designs quality barndo kits optimizing performance and livability. But what’s the bottom line expense constructing a steel kit home? the pricing in this article are only estimates and shouldn’t be used as a solid price as material prices are always fluctuating wildly.
Steel Kit House Cost Considerations
The engineered steel framework with included roofing and exterior wall panels comprises a major kit cost component. Sourcing quality steel gauges and durable finishings is paramount. BuildMax only utilizes premium materials that balance lasting integrity with attractive aesthetics. Beyond the shell, factors like concrete work, utilities, finishes, and labor influence the overall budget.
Quality Steel Barndominium Kit Pricing
BuildMax prefabricated barndo’s start around $59,000 for smaller 24’X44′ designs but the company’s Deluxe series maximizes value. These kits feature resilient 16-20 gauge steel framing, 29 gauge wall and roof sheeting. Locking in pricing and delivery timing upfront helps limit overages too.
Comprehensive Project Budget Guide
Beyond the barndo kit itself, you will need to budget for site excavating, concrete, utilities, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets/vanities and finish work. While specialized subcontractors cost more per hour, their expertise gets the project done faster. Permits, fees and contingencies can add another 12%. In total turnkey builds here in Kentucky average $113 per sq. ft. for an Owner Builder and $125-$150 per sq. ft. when using a General Contractor. Of course prices will vary based on the area you live and the supply of contractors.
Here’s the breakdown on my house
Below is a detailed cost breakdown to build a 1575 square foot steel frame house kit I recently built as an Owner Builder:
Steel Frame Kit – $59,000
A standard 1575 sq ft steel shell kit for the frame, walls, and roof using:
– 16-20 gauge galvanized steel stud framing
– Steel wall girts and roof purlins
– Pre-cut frame connectors and hardware
– Standard 40 yr limited paint warranty
–Check out our Catalog
Concrete Foundation – $11,000
– Concrete footings and 4 inch thick slab
– Passive radon venting
– Termite barrier
– Vapor moisture barrier
– Rebar slab reinforcement grid
– Excavation, gravel backfill
Framing/Building – $13,000
Labor costs for jobsite delivery coordination, steel shell assembly, and anchoring to foundation specs.
Interior Finishes – $8,400
Drywall installation, taping/mudding, flooring,
$3,000
Insulation
$31,000
cabinetry/quartz countertops, copper sink and faucets, interior doors, flooring, custom shower, finish carpentry and millwork.
$10,100
Electrical rough-in and finish lighting fixtures,
$12,500
Plumbing rough-in bathroom fixtures, tankless hot water heater appliances, water softener.
$7600
HVAC mini-splits
$3,000
Interior paint
$5,700
Stainless appliances
Permits & Fees – $2000
Building permits, inspections, site surveys, utility hookups/connections
$3500
Garage Doors
$4500
Exterior Deck
$1700
Gutters
$3,500
Stair treads
Total Budget: $179,000
The prefabricated structural steel shell delivers exceptional value, strength, and durability over wood framing. 
For the best blend of adaptable living space and lasting value using steel kit construction, BuildMax barndominiums deliver. The turnkey kits coupled with Floorplan Customizer flexibility and Owner-Centric support at every step makes the process smooth from concept through to keys. Contact BuildMax and start building your dream steel kit house without delay!
