What is the average cost to build a barndominium?
As more people explore barndominium living, many have started asking: What is the average cost to build a barndominium? The answer depends on several factors. If you’re planning to build one, especially in a growing barndominium Waco market, it’s important to understand what drives pricing and what to expect financially so that you can prepare a realistic budget.
But before we talk about pricing, let’s clarify: What is a barndo? A barndominium or a barndo is essentially a barn-style structure built for residential use, combining the usual comforts of modern living with the open layout and durability of metal construction. These buildings often double as a home and a workspace because of their flexibility and practical design.
What influences the cost of building a barndominium?
Now, on to the main point: What does it cost to build a barndominium? The answer depends on:
- Your project’s location – Land prices vary widely depending on the region and even within a single state. Your project’s access to utilities, proximity to cities, and the permitting requirements in your jurisdiction will also affect your total expenses.
- The size of your barndo – Larger structures naturally cost more because they require more materials and labor.
- Design considerations – Complex layouts, additional stories, and specialty architectural elements will increase your project’s material and labor costs. Personalized barndo layouts allow you to tailor the space to your lifestyle and/or business needs, but they usually cost more than pre-designed plans.
- Materials – The type of steel used for the framing along with the choice of siding, roofing materials, insulation quality, flooring, cabinetry, and finishes will all affect your final cost. If you’re working with a commercial roofing company, their rates and material options may also influence your roofing expenses.
- Labor costs – You will also need to budget for the costs of hiring experienced contractors to complete tasks like foundation pouring, framing, electrical work, plumbing, and finish-out work. Labor prices vary depending on local rates and availability.
Average cost breakdown for barndominium construction
| Component | Average Cost | Notes |
| Land (1 acre, average cost) | $4,080 | Average per-acre price based on USDA 2023 summary. Actual land values depend on factors like location, how close the property is to city infrastructure, and whether the land has already been cleared. |
| Land development (utilities, septic, clearing) | $35,000 | Land may need to be hooked up to local septic systems and utilities. According to Angi, preparing a property to be buildable costs an average of $35,000. |
| Stock floor plan | $1,500 – $2,000 | Stock plans usually cost between $1,500 and $2,000. They are affordable but limit design flexibility. |
| Custom floor plan | $4,500 | Custom-designed floor plans average around $4,500. Ideal for clients with specific layout and space needs. |
| Barndominium kit (low estimate) | $150,000 | Barndominium kits typically range from $50 to $100 per square foot, excluding interior finishes like insulation. Full kits can start around $150,000. |
| Barndominium kit (high estimate) | $350,000 | High-end barndominium kits can cost up to $350,000 depending on square footage, number of garage doors, porches, cupolas, and finishes. |
| Labor (licensed professional work only) | $85 – $95 per sq. ft. | Even if you take on most of the work, expect to pay $85 to $95 per sq. ft. for licensed trades like plumbing and electrical. |
| Labor (turn-key builder/general contractor) | $150 – $190 per sq. ft. | Turn-key builders or general contractors typically charge $150 to $190 per sq. ft. for a complete, move-in-ready barndominium. |
Cost per square foot for building a barndominium
Most barndominiums cost between $65 and $160 per square foot to build. For a 2,000-square-foot space, that means that you need a general budget between $130,000 and $320,000 — not including the cost of land.
Here’s a breakdown of average construction costs by size:
| Size (sq ft) | Estimated Cost Range |
| 1,000 | $65,000 – $160,000 |
| 1,200 | $78,000 – $192,000 |
| 1,500 | $97,500 – $240,000 |
| 1,800 | $117,000 – $288,000 |
| 2,000 | $130,000 – $320,000 |
| 2,500 | $162,500 – $400,000 |
| 3,000 | $195,000 – $480,000 |
| 3,500 | $227,500 – $560,000 |
| 4,000 | $260,000 – $640,000 |
| 5,000 | $325,000 – $800,000 |
This table offers a good starting point whether you’re asking what does it cost to build a barndominium or simply need a price range to plan around. Note that these prices do not include the land.
Barndominium financing options
Lenders often treat barndominiums like conventional homes even with their distinct style, so the financing options available are similar to those you would find for typical residential properties. Lenders focus more on your financial profile as a borrower than on whether the home is a barndominium or a traditional house. Here’s what they will usually evaluate:
- Your credit profile: Income stability, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio all influence how much you can borrow.
- The barndominium’s location and appraisal: Lenders rely on comparable sales in the area to determine value, which can be challenging for non-traditional homes.
- Your project’s scope: The design, level of finish, and included features matter, since they affect resale value.
Common loan types available for barndominiums include:
- Conventional loans: These often require a down payment and can come in the form of construction-to-permanent loans or short-term construction loans that require refinancing later.
- USDA loans: These are available in qualifying rural areas, sometimes with no down payment.
- FHA construction loans: These usually require at least 3.5% down and are primarily designed for borrowers with lower credit scores.
- VA loans: Offered to eligible veterans and active-duty military members, these loans often don’t require any down payment and have more flexible terms.
To make the barndominium loan application process much faster, gather the following well before you submit your financing request:
- Complete floor plans and blueprints
- A materials list
- Utility connection information
- Contractor estimates
- Required permits
Conclusion
So, what is the average cost to build a barndominium in your region? It depends, but you now have a ballpark figure to guide your planning. Building a barndominium can be cheaper than building a traditional home especially in Texas where land is more available and regulations tend to be more favorable. A barndo is also often more energy efficient and cheaper to maintain in the long run when designed properly.
And if you’re still wondering what is a barndo and how to make it work for your lifestyle, the next step is to speak with professionals who can tailor a solution to your needs.
Reach out to our team here at Clark Roofing to get a customized quote and take the first step toward building a barndominium that fits your vision.
