The Pros and Cons of Barndominium ownership ( in a nutshell )
Barndominiums, barn-style homes combining the functionality of agricultural barns with the amenities of modern residential living, have grown in popularity across rural America. Their unique blend of rustic charm and practical utility make barndominiums an appealing choice for many homeowners. However, deciding between a prefabricated steel barndominium kit or traditional stick-built framing comes down to weighing the pros and cons.
– Cost – Barndominiums are generally less expensive per square foot than traditional construction. The simple barn design requires less labor and materials to construct.
– Customization – Barndominium owners can customize the home’s layout and select upgrade finishes as desired. Open concept layouts are common.
– Energy efficiency – With less surface area exposed and strategic insulation placement, barndominiums can be designed to be very energy efficient.
– Durability – Barndominiums stand up well to extreme weather conditions like high winds, rain, snow and ice.
Cons of Barndominium Ownership
– Rural locations – Barndominiums are better suited for rural or agricultural settings rather than busy suburban neighborhoods. Zoning restrictions may apply.
– Layout limitations – The single level barn design doesn’t allow for basements or multiple floors without significant structural enhancements.
– Rustic aesthetic – While some enjoy the rustic charm, others may prefer more refined finishes. Barndominiums skew more casual and farmhouse in style.
Steel vs. Stick Built Barndominium Considerations
Steel frame barndominium kits offer advantages like speed of construction, low maintenance, and precision engineering. However, stick built barns allow for more customization during framing.
Steel Frame Barndominium Kit Pros:
– Faster construction with panelized or modular building components
– Consistent quality with components engineered and prefabricated offsite
– Very durable and resilient structure
– Minimum maintenance required over lifetime of home
– Energy efficient and resistant to rot, mold, termites
Stick Built Framing Pros:
– Ability to fully customize frame design and layout
– More flexibility to accommodate unique home features
– Can utilize a variety of sustainable wood species
– Allows DIY construction by owner
– Easier to modify over time
Overall, while stick built barns may work well for some owner-builders, prefabricated steel barndominium kits like those offered by BuildMax provide an appealing combination of customization, quality, and cost-effectiveness. BuildMax kits allow you to choose from numerous floor plans and sizes while still benefiting from resilient steel construction. This can reduce construction timelines while providing an energy-efficient, durable barndominium perfect for both residential living and storage needs.
