So, you’re dreaming of a barndominium — also known as a barndo. These unique structures offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern living. Plus, they provide endless configurations, letting you build a custom space that’s suited to your needs and lifestyle.
But one of the biggest questions is: What does a barndominium cost? We’ll break down the expenses you can expect to encounter and highlight ways you can save time and money on your build.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium in 2025?
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $160 per square foot for a barndominium build. That means a 2,000-square-foot barndominium could range in price from $130,000 to $320,000.
The exact amount you’ll pay can fluctuate based on the level of finish, customization, and other factors we’ll cover in more detail below. Your final cost will also vary based on your specific design, location, and material choices.
A basic, no-frills barndo might be closer to the $65-per-square-foot mark, while a high-end custom design can easily reach $160 or even exceed it. The larger your barndominium, the more costs are likely to increase for both building and maintaining the structure.
For the most accurate pricing, it’s a good idea to contact barndominium builders who can provide a free quote and suggest financing options and lenders to help pay for the build.
What Factors Impact Barndominium Construction Costs?
Your barndominium cost will vary dramatically based on several factors. From material costs to prices associated with the building process, there’s a lot to consider. Here are the main factors that impact the cost of building a barndominium.
Materials: From the Foundation to the Siding
Estimating the cost of your barndominium can be tricky, as many factors can affect the final price tag. One of the main contributing cost factors is materials. Here are some of the elements that can increase, or lower, the cost of your barndominium build:
- Foundation: Concrete slab foundations generally cost between $6 and $14 per square foot. Costs can increase based on thickness, if reinforcement is needed, and any necessary site prep.
- Frame construction (steel or wood): Steel framing can cost about 5% more than wood framing, but labor costs of a steel structure are generally 50% more affordable. Steel construction also requires less maintenance over time.
- Roofing: The cost of roofing varies depending on the materials you choose but can range from $4 to $6 a square foot for asphalt shingles to $6 to $25 per square foot for metal roofing. If you choose a tile roof, expect to pay between $6 and $12 per square foot.
- Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial for energy efficiency, and your costs will vary depending on your location, the type of insulation you choose, and the R-value rating (a metric that determines how much heat can flow in and out of the structure). In general, expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot for materials and installation.
- Siding: There are many different types of siding, but wood and steel are two popular choices for barndominiums. Costs for wood siding can range from $6.90 to $13.90 per square foot or more, while steel generally costs between $4.25 and $6.50 per sq. ft. Keep in mind that upkeep can increase your siding costs, especially with wood. Traditional wood siding requires constant upkeep and can be susceptible to weather damage, while steel siding is durable and maintenance-free.
- Interior finishes: This is where costs can ramp up dramatically. When calculating your barndominium cost, consider interior elements such as flooring, drywall, paint, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and appliances. The average cost of interior finishes is around $68,000, while high-end finishes can easily double or triple that.
- Exterior finishes: Landscaping and exterior elements like patios, decks, and lighting can raise the price of your barndominium.
How Do Material Choices Affect Barndominium Pricing?
Materials can have a big impact on pricing, leading to higher or lower costs overall when building a barndominium. In general, higher-quality products will cost more initially but may have lower associated costs over the long term. Consider your choices for roofing, framing, siding, and both interior and exterior finishes to make sure you stay on budget.
Location: Regional Price Variations
Where you choose to build your barndo can also have a significant impact on the barndominium cost. In some areas, you’ll need to apply and pay for a building permit, and if you factor in the land costs, prices can increase rapidly. Some states like California may also have building code requirements, like fire sprinklers, that can raise the average cost to build your structure.
Building in rural areas like Texas and other states in the South tends to be more affordable than in urban centers. Regional weather patterns such as heavy snow loads, strong winds, and natural disasters like hurricanes can also lead to increased costs in terms of reinforcements and structural integrity.
Labor Costs: Hiring Professionals vs. DIY
Labor can make up a big chunk of your barndominium build costs. Hiring a general contractor to oversee the build typically costs around 10% to 20% of the total construction costs. Special licensed professionals, such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and framers, are essential for building a barndominium that’s up to code. Costs can vary dramatically based on expertise and location.
In states with higher wages and for professionals with many years of experience, you can expect to pay more. Homeowners who choose to DIY some aspects of the project can save money on the total costs.
Is a Barndominium a Good Investment Long Term?
A barndominium can be a good long-term investment, but the situation depends on the local housing market, the quality of the build, and the level of features inside. For people looking to build their dream home, a barndominium can be a good investment alternative to a traditional house.
How to Reduce Barndominium Costs and Save Money
When building a barndominium, the right building conditions and material choices can make a big difference. Use these strategies to help reduce your barndominium costs, while still creating a space you’ll love.
Consider Using an Existing Structure
Using something that’s already built is naturally going to save you money on things like framing and roofing. Existing pole barns, storage sheds, and traditional barns can be converted into barndominiums as long as they are structurally sound and compliant with zoning regulations. Converting a good-quality structure is one of the best ways to make your barndominium costs more affordable.
Use Existing Utility Hookups
If the existing structure already has electricity or plumbing, you’ll save money on the overall barndominium cost. Utility hookup is often an expensive part of the construction process, but many existing barn structures may already have these necessities in place. By tapping into these utilities, you won’t have to spend the big bucks on things like water, electricity, or sewer.
Build With Modern Materials
Don’t make the mistake of using vulnerable wood in place of more durable, modern building materials. Replacing wood siding with steel is a great way to get better durability and still get that natural look — thanks to detailed designs that imitate natural wood-grain patterns.
Steel siding is maintenance-free and built to last so much longer than natural wood. That can save you hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars in repair costs down the line. Plus, it delivers the authentic barndominium look!
There are a variety of contemporary styles to choose from. Board and batten steel siding offers clean, simple lines, making it ideal for all types of styles, whether you’re dreaming of a rustic farmhouse barndominium or a modern look. Alternatively, vertical siding is eye-catching and adds character for coastal and trendy design if that’s your preferred barndominium style.
Best of all, steel siding comes in a range of colors, so you can choose the perfect design aesthetic.
Use a Ready-Made Barndominium Kit
Not only are kits super practical by having the designs and materials already sorted out, but they are also cost-effective. You can chisel down your barndominium cost to as low as $10-$30 per square foot when using a ready-made kit.
Plan on Multi-Purpose Living Spaces
The barndominium floor plan you choose can impact your costs. Multi-purpose living spaces are a charming part of the barndominium style, and they also help with cost savings. That’s because the smaller the square footage, the less your structure will cost. Consider planning your barndominium design around areas you can use for multiple activities — such as lofted bedrooms, which create space underneath, and convertible rooms that can be transformed for different uses.
An open floor plan lets you use as much of the space as possible. Plus, open-concept living areas give you options to adapt as life changes.
Minimize How Much Hired Labor You Need
Your barndominium costs will increase if you decide to hire professionals to do the work for you. Consider which projects you can do yourself to keep costs lower.
If you’re building a structure on your own — whether it’s a barndominium or a house — opting for modern materials is also a smart idea. For the exterior, getting siding with an intuitive design that’s easy to install can save time and money that would otherwise go to contractors.
Reduce Barndominium Costs and Save Time
Though there are many factors that can influence the barndominium cost, it’s safe to say that if you use an existing structure, include space-saving designs, and rely on modern materials like steel siding, you’re on the right track.Trulog offers modern steel siding that can provide better durability and long-lasting beauty for your barndominium — helping save you time and money on maintenance costs. Download our product catalog to discover high-quality options for your barndominium from siding to soffits and fascia boards.
