Building a Barndominium in Texas
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a unique blend of a barn and a condominium. Originally, these structures were barns converted into living spaces, primarily in rural areas. The modern version, however, comes as steel home kits, which you can either build yourself or hire professionals to do. Typically, these structures have a traditional barn-like exterior, but inside they offer all the comforts of a modern home.
The primary building materials for a barndominium are concrete for the foundation and steel for the main structure. The size, design, and purpose of barndominiums can vary. They can be customized to function as a family home, workspace, equipment storage or even include animal stables.
Barndominium vs. Traditional House
Building Materials
Barndominiums and traditional houses often differ significantly in their primary building materials. Barndominiums are typically constructed with metal siding and roofing, which can be more cost-effective and durable. In contrast, traditional houses are often built with a combination of wood, brick, or stucco. This fundamental difference in materials can affect the overall maintenance, durability, and aesthetic of the structure.
Barndominium Cost
Designing Your Barndominium
Design flexibility is a notable difference between barndominiums and traditional houses. Barndominiums offer a unique advantage in terms of open-concept designs and large, uninterrupted interior spaces, thanks to the structural capabilities of steel framing. This allows for more customizable and adaptable living spaces. Traditional homes, while versatile in design, may be more constrained by load-bearing walls and the materials used, potentially limiting the ease of achieving wide-open spaces without additional structural support.
Acreage Needed For Barndo Building
Lifestyle Choices
Barndominium Prices and Cost Per Square Foot
One of the main attractions of a barndominium is its cost-effectiveness. The average cost for building a barndominium ranges between $30 and $125 per square ft. However, these costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, size, complexity of the project, quality of materials, and labor costs.
While the exterior shell of a barndominium is cheaper than a traditional house, the interior costs can add up quickly, especially if you opt for high-end finishes. For a basic barndominium with standard finishes, the cost can range from $80 to $120 per square ft. However, for a more customized and luxurious design, the cost can range from $150 to $250 per square foot or even more.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Barndominium
Multiple factors can influence the cost per square ft of a barndominium. These include:
Size and Design
The size and design of a barndominium significantly influence its overall cost. Larger barndominiums require more materials and labor, increasing the cost. Additionally, complex designs with custom features, multiple stories, or unique architectural elements can also drive up the price. Simple, smaller designs are generally more cost-effective.
Building Materials
Interior Costs
Labor
Location
Cost of Building a Barndominium in Texas
Financing Options for Your Barndominium
Financing your dream barndominium is similar to financing a traditional home. You can opt for a conventional mortgage, government-backed loans or grants (if you meet certain criteria), or construction loans if you plan to build your barndominium from scratch. Always remember to thoroughly research and compare your financing options to find the best plan for your financial situation.
Building Your Dream Home with Coastal Plains Homes
Building a barndominium in Texas is more than just constructing a house, it’s about creating a lifestyle that reflects your personality and preferences. Coastal Plains Homes understands this and is committed to making your dream of owning a barndominium a reality offering different barndominium floor plans and barndominium kits. With our expertise and commitment to quality, we can guide you through every step of the process, from initial planning to the final touches. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build your dream barndominium.
BARNDOMINIUM Frequently Asked Questions
How much would it cost to build a barndominium in Texas?
Building a barndominium can vary widely in cost depending on factors such as size, customization, and location. On average, the cost can range from $30 to $125 per square foot. For a more customized and luxurious design, the cost can range from $150 to $250 per square ft or even more. Specifically, in Texas, the average cost for a new build barndominium with nicer finishings and additional features like a wrap-around porch is around $300,000.
Are barndominiums legal in Texas?
Yes, barndominiums are legal in Texas. They have become increasingly popular in the state due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s important to check local zoning laws and building regulations as they can vary by location.
Are barndominiums taxed in Texas?
Barndominiums in Texas are taxed nearly the same as regular houses. The tax assessor for each county assigns a value to every home in its jurisdiction, and barndominiums are included in this assessment. The way a barndominium is assessed can vary, with some being assessed similarly to a barn with living quarters and others more like a traditional home.
What is the downside to a barndominium?
The downsides to a barndominium include potential zoning issues, as some areas may have restrictions on building non-traditional homes. Metal homes like barndominiums may also transfer more noise inside than conventional homes. Additionally, while barndominiums can be durable, metal may corrode and rust over time. Selling a custom barndominium might be challenging as well, as finding buyers who agree with your design choices could be more difficult compared to selling a traditional home.
How much does a 2000 sq ft barndominium cost in Texas?
Using the average cost range of $30 to $125 per square ft for building a barndominium in Texas, a 2000 sq ft barndominium could cost between $60,000 and $250,000. This range can vary based on the level of customization, materials used, and specific location within Texas.
Who is the best barndominium builder in Texas?
While the articles reviewed do not specify a single “best” barndominium builder in Texas, they mention Texas Barndominiums as one of the leading turnkey builders of custom barndominiums in the state. They are known for offering a variety of turnkey barndominium options and have a reputation for quality construction and customer service.
Are barndominiums cheaper to build than a house?
Generally, barndominiums can be cheaper to build than traditional houses due to their simpler design and the use of more economical materials like metal siding and roofing. The construction time for a barndominium is also typically shorter than for a traditional home, which can further reduce labor costs. However, the total cost can vary based on the level of customization and finishes chosen.