If you’re thinking about building a barndominium in 2025, you’re not alone. These barn-style homes are gaining popularity for their unique blend of sustainability, open-concept design, and cost-effectiveness. But the big question remains: how much does it cost to build a barndominium?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down every factor that affects barndominium costs – from material prices to square footage – so you can plan the construction of your dreams with confidence.
A barndominium (often called a “barndo”) is a hybrid structure that combines a barn and a residential living space. Originally popular among rural homeowners and ranchers, barndominiums are now a trendy housing alternative due to their:
Fast build time
Lower construction costs
Durable steel or wood frames
Flexible open floor plans
| Category | Article 1 (Realtor.com) | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Average Total Cost | $120,000 – $540,000 | $112,800 – $504,000 |
| Average Cost | ~$230,000 (mid-range) | $230,000 |
| Low-End Estimate | Under $100K possible with DIY | $112,800 (1,200 sq. ft. kit) |
| High-End Estimate | $1.2 million (luxury) | $504,000 (luxury kit build) |
| Factor | Article 1 | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Kit Price Range | $50–$100 per sq. ft. | $20,000–$90,000+ |
| Included in Kit | Steel frame, roof, siding, hardware | Shell: walls, roof, windows/doors framing |
| Not Included | Interior finishes (insulation, plumbing, HVAC, flooring) | Interior finishes, utilities |
| Factor | Article 1 | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Labor Savings | DIY can cut costs significantly | Can save $25,000–$50,000+ |
| Pro Assembly Cost | $150–$190 per sq. ft. (turn-key) | $25,000–$50,000 for kit assembly |
| Partial Pro Help | $85–$95 per sq. ft. (for licensed trades) | Same: $85–$95 per sq. ft. |
| GC Fees | Not detailed separately | 10–20% of total cost |
| Factor | Article 1 | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Plan Cost | $1,500–$2,000 | $50–$2,000 |
| Custom Plans | ~$4,500 | Variable depending on architect |
| Customization | Highly customizable (luxury, small, workshops, etc.) | Also highly customizable (size, layout, luxury finishes) |
| Task | Article 1 | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Included in development estimate ($35,000) | $4,000–$12,500 |
| Insulation | Not separately itemized | $1,100–$2,400 |
| Plumbing | Mentioned as standard cost | $400–$1,900 |
| Electrical | Mentioned as standard cost | $600–$2,200 |
| HVAC | Not itemized | $2,600–$13,500 |
| Flooring | Not itemized | $7,000–$28,500 |
| Drywall/Interior | Not itemized | $5,000–$30,000 |
| Total Interior Finish Range | Not fully broken out | $32,000–$266,200 |
| Factor | Article 1 | Article 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Land Cost (Avg.) | $4,080/acre – most buy 2+ acres | $2,000–$500,000+ depending on location |
| Development | ~$35,000 | Land clearing ($3,000), permits ($1,200–$2,000), roads, utilities separately listed |
➕ Pros
Go with smaller square footage or basic finishes
Use sweat equity for interior work (flooring, paint, cabinets)
Choose stock floor plans
Build on land you already own
If you’re deciding whether to build one, considering a DIY kit with partial pro help could strike a strong balance between cost, quality, and speed—especially if you already own land.
A dead or drained car battery can be a frustrating issue, especially when you're in…
Dreaming of a tropical escape but want to explore on your own terms? If you’ve…
Teaching your child to share is one of the most valuable lessons they’ll learn in…
Old gasoline sitting in your garage or shed can pose serious risks to your health,…
If you’re a fan of anime and are curious about the stranger, more supernatural side…
Ray tracing is revolutionizing the gaming world by delivering ultra-realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. But…