You’ve likely heard the term and think you know what it means. But, if ‘what is a barndominum?’ is a question that’s ever crossed your mind, you’ll want to read on to get the full scoop.
Trends come and go in the housing market all of the time. From full-time RV living to tiny houses, from tree houses to underground bunkers, what we consider as living options has definitely changed and evolved over the years. And while trendy in nature, none of these options ever seem to go away completely.
That’s good news, because it means that if you jump into one of the new housing movements, you don’t have to worry whether or not your choice will be passé in just a few years time.
One of the newest housing trends to emerge recently is Barndominium living.
What is a barndominium?
The word barndominium is a collaboration of barn + condominium. And that is the simplest way to define this home option.
Basically, it’s exactly what it says it is! According to Architecture Lab, a barndomium (or barndo, for short) is “is a metal and steel building that has been turned into a living space.”
Although the term is being used more frequently as of late, this “trend” has actually been around for a while. In fact, Chip and Joanna Gaines remodeled a Barndominium in Season 3 of their popular HGTV show, Fixer Upper.
The moniker was originally given to barns that had been turned into homes, but nowadays, people are building barndos for the sole purpose of living in them. They can be decked out with all of the necessities, and luxuries, that you’d find in any home, including foam insulation, plumbing, energy-efficient windows, designer kitchens and bathrooms, and so much more.
Check out this gallery (from Realtor.com) of the Fixer Upper barndominium from when it was recently for sale.
What are the benefits of this type of house?
There are many benefits of opting to go the Barndo route for your next home. Top among these are:
- Versatility – the original structure is wide open, giving you the ability to layout and customize the home however you’d like
- Fast and easy to construct – you can start with a materials kit (super fast!), hire a contractor or DIY your new home, but whichever route you choose, your new living quarters will come together simply and be ready for you to move in quickly
- Room to expand – you can easily add on to your barndominium by just adding some new walls
- Spacious and airy – if you like high ceilings, spaciousness, and an uninterrupted flow of light and air, this home it the one for you!
- More affordable than a traditional home – according to barndominiumlife.com, a website run by Don Sloan and his wife Linda, a couple who are planning on building for retirement, “building a conventional home costs around $145 per-square foot, while a barndominium may be as low as $70 to $90 per-square foot.”
Additionally, there are many maintenance benefits that you’ll enjoy if you opt to go the barndo route. This alone may convince you of how great an option this is.
Check out this video for a full tour of just what you can build and create with your own barndo!
Barndominium Maintenance Benefits
Architecture Lab provides the following comprehensive list of pros for maintaining this type of metal-structured home.
- Protection from the elements – as metal is sturdier than wood, it provides better protection in case of storms and is capable of withstanding even earthquakes.
- A structure that does not combust – obviously, your metal barndominium will never catch on fire, even though extremely high temperatures and fire may deform the metal.
- Amazing strength to weight ratio – even though tough and sturdy, metal is light. Therefore, you can expect reduced material transportation costs, including an assembly process that is not as labor-intensive when compared to traditional homes.
- No more pests – as mentioned before, the metal structure of a barndominium will never be damaged by pests. Your frame will always be in perfect condition, as bugs won’t be able to chew through it.
- No rot – when it comes to wooden structures, mold and moisture are two of the things you never want to be faced with. You have to continuously work on preventing and avoiding them so that your home doesn’t get damaged. Naturally, a metal structure doesn’t come with such issues, making it easier to maintain as well – the result is a building/ structure with a longer lifespan.
- Insurance costs – with a barndominium built of steel or other metals come much better rates from your insurance provider.
So, what do you think of barndominium life? We are loving all of the options and potential! If this article makes you want to go out and buy a couple of acres and start building, trust us, you are not alone!