The average barndominium boasts 2,400 square feet and costs about $300,000 for a complete build. Barndominium costs can range from $120,000 – $540,000 or about $100 – $150 per square foot.
Several factors influence the price of barndominiums, including whether you purchase a kit or plan, the size of the home, and the finishes.
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is a home that looks like a barn on the outside. These homes come in many styles, ranging from rustic to modern. They can feature wood siding, metal siding, stone, or a mix of materials. Builders can turn existing barns into homes or build from scratch.
Barndominium Cost Breakdown
Here’s a look at the average cost to build a barndominium home:
- Foundation – $4,000 – $4,500
- Kit or Shell Material – $30,000 – $300,000
- Floor Plans – $1,000 – $5,000
- Interior Finishes – Varies Significantly
- Septic System – $10,000 – $25,000
- Electrical – $4 – $9 per square foot
- Plumbing – $4 – $5 per square foot
- Permits – $1,000 – $2,000
- General Contractor – Up to 20% of total costs
Barndo Prices: Average Cost of Barndominium by Size
Whether you’re considering a small or large barndominium, this table will show you the average costs for a complete build. Your project may be more or less, depending on the finishes you choose, the accessibility of your land, and whether you need a septic system.
| Barndominium Size | Average Cost for a Complete Build |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $150,000 – $225,000 |
| 1,700 sq. ft. | $170,000 – $255,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| 2,400 sq. ft. | $240,000 – $360,000 |
| 2,700 sq. ft. | $270,000 – $405,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $300,000 – $450,000 |
Top Factors that Affect the Cost of a Barndominium
With careful planning, your barndominium build can cost less than the national average of $300,000. These are some of the top factors to consider.
Using a Contractor vs. a DIY Build
Building a large barndominium will require a general contractor and a team of skilled laborers. But, if you’re building a small home, using a kit, and have construction experience, you can save a significant amount of money by performing some of the work yourself.
Purchasing a Barndominium Kit vs. a Barndo Floor Plan
A barndominium floor plan includes plans for the foundation, floor plan, electrical elevation, and often, roofing. When you purchase a barndominium floor plan, you’re given a blueprint and must purchase building materials yourself.
A barndominium kit will contain a floor plan and provide you with all materials to complete the shell of the home. Depending on the style, a barndominium kit may be the cheaper option. You’ll need to perform cost analysis comparisons and speak to an experienced contractor to determine which route is the best for you.
Your Land
To build a barndominium, you must purchase land. The price of the land and accessibility will play a part in your overall costs – especially if your land requires a lot of prep work for the foundation or is hard to access.
Where you live will also play a role in costs. For example, an acre of land in Rhode Island averages over $133,000, while an acre in Wyoming is only $1,558.
Permits
Building permits range from $1,000 – $2,000. Depending on your locality, officials may charge you a flat fee or charge by the type of work.
Finishes
Interior and exterior finishes can account for up to 50% of your total build. If you’re on a budget, finishes are among the best place to save. For example, you can choose cheaper flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliance options to save. You can upgrade those finishes when you have more funds available.
Septic System vs. Public Sewer
If your barndominium build is near local sewer hookups, you’ll save a significant amount of money. More rural sites will require a septic system which averages $10,000 – $25,000.
