In today’s market, many Americans have been priced out of the residential real estate market and are forced to look into alternative living options.
Whether you’re a young professional or someone who has recently lost their job, being able to live off-the-grid might be exactly what you need to stay afloat in today’s difficult economy.
But seriously; can you live in a barndominium?
Yes! You can live in a barndominium and though you might not want to accept it, but you can actually live more lavishly and openly in a barndominium.
In fact, a barn could be that affordable option that allows you to be as close to nature as possible without having to give up all the modern comforts that we as Americans have come to expect from our homes.
So, can you live in a barndominium? Let’s discuss!
Contents
Fact Check: Can You Live in a Barndominium?
You may have seen them—detached homes that resemble barns or cabins. They’re called barndominiums, and they have a history of usage dating back to the US and Canada.
The style was originally constructed for rural living and emergency housing, but recently these interesting residences have been popping up in suburban areas.
If you’re looking for an innovative new home design, here are some pros and cons of these off-the-grid residences.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Live in a Barndominium? Just like any home design, barndominiums come with their own pros and cons.
If you’re considering an off-the-grid house, it’s important to weigh these benefits against any drawbacks before moving forward.
6 Major Advantages of Living in a Barndominium:
1. High Level of Durability
Many people are drawn to barndominiums for their durability.
As mentioned above, barndominiums were originally created as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and still offer many of those original benefits today.
They’re extremely durable—many of them designed for rural living—and will likely last longer than other types of homes.
Furthermore, depending on the materials used (for instance concrete better than cement for a barndominium), they may also be more cost-effective down the line too!
Depending on what you spend versus what your home is actually worth, a new barndominium could save you some serious cash.
2. Great for Any Environment
Another great benefit of barndominiums is that they can be built anywhere.
Whether you want a vacation home in Montana or a residence by New York City’s Hudson River, it can be achieved with one of these affordable house designs.
And because they are designed to withstand harsh environments—often wood structures covered in bark—they’re perfect for anyone living off-the-grid!
3. Takes Less Time to Build New Home
One of barndominium’s most attractive features is that they take less time to build than many other home designs.
This makes them an excellent choice for those on a budget and/or looking to build their own home quickly and efficiently!
Since they require less complicated materials, barndominiums can be completed more easily than some other designs—plus, it’ll save you money on labor costs as well!
4. Barndos Offer Lots of Extra Space
Who doesn’t want extra space to play around with? The designers of barndominiums have taken that into account, designing these homes to be spacious inside and out.
Some designs even include detached garages, giving you plenty of room for your car or other items.
For anyone looking for an off-the-grid residence with lots of room to stretch out, barndominiums are a great option!
5. You Can Renovate Existing Structures
What’s better than saving time and money on building your own home? Saving time and money while getting to renovate an existing structure!
Some barndominiums are preexisting structures that have been converted into living spaces.
If you find one that’s up for grabs, consider remodeling it yourself—or hiring someone else to help out!
And if not, remember there are lots of options for purchasing new barndominiums.
6. Budget Friendly
One of the barndominiums’ biggest advantages is their affordability—something that isn’t always present in other types of homes.
When choosing to purchase land and construct your own home, it’s easy to get carried away with material costs, especially if you plan on living off the grid!
But with barndominiums, most buyers are looking for an affordable option—and they usually find what they’re looking for when it comes to pricing!
Furthermore, barndominiums are often located in areas far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life—meaning they often come at lower prices than houses located in rural areas.
3 Major Cons of Living in a Barndominium:
1. Not Immune to Corrosion
It seems nature has its way of doing things—even with man-made structures.
While barndominiums can be great for durability, they’re not immune to corrosion and/or rusting.
Even though they may last longer than your average home design, there is always room for improvement!
That being said, if rust or corrosion does occur, don’t fret—there are some ways to fix it on your own or through third parties! 2. Lack of Amenities
Most barndominiums are located far outside city limits, making them susceptible to less-than-desirable amenities nearby.
2. Some Cities May Not Allow a Barndominium
While more and more cities are allowing individuals to build barndominiums, there are some that simply do not allow for such buildings to be built—so always check your local zoning laws before building one!
And as stated previously, some locations will only allow preexisting structures to be converted into homes—not new builds. So, if neither of these options fit your needs, it’s best to consider alternatives!
3. Run the Risk of a Fabrication Error
Some may look at barndominiums as a luxurious living situation—but there are downsides to having your home built entirely out of metal and/or wood!
For starters, there’s a chance your structure could be built incorrectly from start to finish.
You may find that your floor plan is changed because of material problems or that you end up with wood rot within weeks of moving in!
While these things do happen from time to time, it’s best to do your research before deciding whether or not a barndominium is right for you!
What’s the Difference between Barndominium and Traditional House in Living?
Most people looking for living space are often concerned with home-ownership—and for a good reason! Owning your own place is not only rewarding, but it can be financially beneficial as well.
But sometimes, homeownership isn’t always possible for one reason or another; renting is another option that offers its own advantages!
And while living arrangements seem like an obvious topic to cover here, it could definitely use some clarification.
For starters, there are two different housing types to consider: house vs. barndominium.
It may come as no surprise that barndominiums typically cost much less than houses, largely due to their construction.
With barndominiums, many times metal and/or wood (or both) will be used in lieu of traditional materials such as brick and mortar. That allows them to be constructed much faster than other homes!
Moreover, because they’re located away from city limits (as far away as 50 miles), land costs also tend to be lower than average.
Despite what you might think, barndominiums don’t necessarily have to look cheap or subpar—they come in all shapes and sizes!
In fact, high-end designers work hard to make each floor plan as unique as possible!
There are certain aspects of living within a barndominium that those who live within conventional homes never have to worry about.
For example, there is no issue with mold growth because water isn’t trapped inside hollow walls/roofs.
While repairs will inevitably need to be made from time to time, there is little risk for destruction from bugs and animals because they can easily be sealed off!
While a barndominium may not be right for everyone, there are many benefits associated with these types of buildings that should definitely be considered when living space is being sought out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are barndominiums safe to live in?
Yes, barndominiums are safe! As long as they’re built correctly and up to code, of course!
2. How long will a barndominium last?
80 to 100 years at least! Depending on how they’re built, that is!
Many times, it’s difficult to find out just how old these types of homes are because of how quickly they can be assembled—but there are plenty of reasons why people choose them!
3. Is it cheaper to live in a barndominium?
Yes, there are many low-cost options available! Barndominiums can be one of the most affordable housing types to get built.
On average, they cost about $80 per square foot—which is significantly less than houses that can run up to $125 per square foot!
Final Thought
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that barndominiums are becoming more and more popular within today’s market! This is largely due to how easy it is to get one built—as well as their simplistic living.
That being said, traditional homes still remain a popular choice for many people—and for a good reason!
Just remember that whether or not a barndominium will be right for you should always depend on your specific lifestyle.
I'm James, your barndominiums advisor. Several years ago, I had no idea what barndominiums were. Although I'd spent over 10 years in the construction industry, the first time I heard about barndominiums was when I saw my neighbor building a new-style home. That was the first barndominium I've ever seen, and I found it so fascinating that I wanted to learn more about them.
More Posts
