Building a Barndominium in Hawaii – Build and Cost Guide

A barndominium in Hawaii; is it even possible?  When building your home in Hawaii, you think more of a beach-type home, not one that is half condo and the other half a barn.

It is ideal for the weather there with floor to ceiling windows to let in the ocean breeze.

The question is, is Building a Barndominium in Hawaii the type of home you should build when living in Hawaii.  The answer is yes.

It can stand up to the wind, rain, and salty air.  It is a home that will grow with you because of the open floor plan.  It is easy to change the layout of your barndominium.

Read on to find out more about building a barndominium in Hawaii.  Pay particular attention to what material is restricted.

That is the really big con with building there, no matter what type of home you build.  Even with that big con, the pros win out.  Read on.

Building a Barndominium in Hawaii

Building a barndominium in Hawaii can be a challenge, considering it is an island and most everything has to be shipped in.  They are becoming very popular in Hawaii.

The reason is that they can be built anywhere you want to.

Most will choose to buy the barndominium kit to save on the high costs of hiring a builder.  Doing it yourself can also save on labor.

When building your barndominium in Hawaii, there are several factors that you need to consider.

You want to make sure that you are using the right materials to make your barndominium stable and durable against the elements.

Do you Actually Want to Build a Barndominium in Hawaii?

For many, it would be a resounding YES!  This would be due to the weather and warm temperatures year-round.

Who wouldn’t want to live where you can spend the day in the sun and be surrounded by sand and the water?

What many do not know is that there are many environmental difficulties that come with building a barndominium there.

You have to worry about the intense sun, humidity, moisture, and salty air.  All of these will affect the stability and lasting duration of your barndominium.

So yes, you can build a barndominium there but knowing these things, do you really want to?

Restricted Material in Hawaii can Affect Your Building a Barndominium

Yes, unfortunately, there is some restricted material that could be used for building barndominiums in Hawaii that you would not find in other states.

Even with these restricted materials, Hawaii’s property legislation in barndominium friendly most of the time.

To preserve their ecosystem and environment, there is a list of restricted plant materials you can and cannot use.

Most plant material that you bring into Hawaii from the mainland US, will be subject to inspection before they can be imported to the islands.

They are checking to see if there is any presence of any signs of disease, or pests.

They are considered non-restricted if they do not have any insects and are free of diseases, so you do not need to have them quarantined or get a permit.

If the plant material is on the restricted list, you have to pre-arrange permits before you import them.

There are a few materials that are on their restricted plant matter that could impact your barndominium build.

One plant material is bamboo.  Some like to use bamboo in their construction to give it more of an island feel.  Bamboo is also sustainable and eco-friendly.

If the material is classified as a type of grass you need to declare it.  If you do not have a certificate of treatment, it could be quarantined.

Another plant material is parts of the pine plant.  This means that if you are planning to use untreated pine wood, it may have to be put into quarantine.

Pros and Cons of Building Barndominium in Hawaii

When thinking about building a barndominium in Hawaii, many people do not see past the endless sun and sea but there are some pros and cons of building there.

What Does it Cost to Build a Barndominium in Hawaii?

The average cost of barndominium in Hawaii depends on the material you use and the square footage.

In 2019, the government of Hawaii passed the introduction of Bill 7.  It was passed to address the lack of affordable housing there.

Under this bill, if you build your barndominium on lots that are less than 20,000 square feet, you would be eligible for financial incentives.

They vary according to the type of property, but they can waive or reduce building permit fees.  They could also make you exempt from paying property taxes.

These can all affect the cost of your barndominium.

Structural costs

When building a barndominium in Hawaii, many opt to use a kit.  The price will vary according to the size of the kit.

On average, they range in price from $5,000-$70,000.  The style also figures into the price.  You will need to have a foundation, which is generally concrete.

That is on average $4,800-$18,000 per square foot.

Exterior costs

This can include landscaping, walkways, porches, patios, and more.  Again, it all depends on the square footage.

In Hawaii, there are mostly windows from floor to ceiling to help with ventilation during the hot summer months.

On average they can range from $6,000-$12,000 or more.  All windows are energy efficient.

Interior costs

When building a barndominium in Hawaii, most will opt to have furniture that gives their home a beachy feel.

Depending on the number of rooms you need furnished, it can go from $1,000 and up.  If you want a customized kitchen, that can cost on average $65,000.

There is also flooring, paint, cabinets, and more.

Barndominium Financing in Hawaii

The best way to get financial support for building your barndominium in Hawaii is to visit your bank and apply for a construction loan.

You should make sure you have a good credit score, a job that you have worked for longer than twelve months, and at least 20% down.

Barndominium Kit Providers in Hawaii

The barndominium kits for Hawaii are built to be modular.  This means that they can be adjusted for any type of climate or terrain.

Because of this, they can be built in all areas of Hawaii.  These kits do not have exterior siding.  Instead, all four sides are covered with windows and doors.

This gives you maximum ventilation during the summer months when it is very hot.  You can find builders of barndominiums in Hawaii, and they will order the kit for you.

Barndominium Builders in Hawaii

The best way to get a barndominium builder in Hawaii is to check with the construction companies there.

Find builders that have experience in this type of building, are trustworthy, and have a good reputation and reviews.

Final Thoughts

Building a Barndominium in Hawaii can be challenging as outlined in this article, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.  A barndominium is ideal to build there.