The Truth About Barndominiums: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Despite a long history dating back nearly a century, pole barn homes, or barndominiums, are surrounded by myths and misconceptions about their durability, safety, and other features.

In this article, we’ll dispel a few of the most common myths surrounding this trending home style. 

A common misconception is that barndominiums are drafty and difficult to heat or cool due to their large, open spaces. 

While it’s true that barndo’s have high ceilings and vast open-concept spaces, they can easily accommodate an interior wall design which allows for the installation of electrical wiring, ductwork, and additional insulation, providing comfort and consistent temperatures throughout.

In fact, many barndominiums incorporate an eco-friendly design from the start, incorporating sources like solar panels, superior insulation, or strategic use and placement of windows, which can enhance energy efficiency.

Despite being known for faster construction time, barndominiums are popular, in part, due to their structural strength. Post frame construction Barndominiums can withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, or snow.

Photo credit: CNYIS MLS

Their robust concrete foundations and steel or wood framing structures ensure stability, even during harsh weather conditions.

Some people assume that because barndominiums often feature metal exteriors, they are more prone to rust and corrosion.

However, due to modern advancements in metal coatings and finishes, this is more myth than fact.

Barndominiums can be constructed using a variety of durable and rust-resistant metals such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or weatherized steel.

These materials are designed to withstand harsh weather and prevent corrosion over time.

While barndominiums often incorporate vast, open spaces into their design, owners report that these structures are not inherently noisy.

With the right interior customization and added insulation, noise can be controlled effectively and diminished in areas where needed.

Spray foam insulation is a common fix for potential noise problems as it tends to dampen external noise more effectively.  

Owners report that unusually heavy downpours or extreme weather can be louder against a metal roof, but normal rainfall isn’t any more disruptive than for traditional roofing materials. 

Metal-constructed pole barns are often believed to be at a higher risk of attracting lightning, due to the metal roofs and trusses.

The truth, however, is that while metal does conduct electricity from lightning strikes, it doesn’t pose a significant risk. 

If struck, the electricity would safely dissipate into the ground, thanks to the securely anchored metal structural poles.

Contrary to popular belief, steel roofing and siding in barndominiums offer nearly equal shear values to that of OSB plywood, thereby eliminating any anticipated movement.

The steel panels overlap one another, creating a secure seal.

Additionally, the use of commercial steel doors with steel jambs enhances security, making them extremely resistant to break-ins.

With the increasing popularity and demand for barndominiums, their resale value has also risen in recent years. These structures have a lot to offer, with their unique and customizable living space, often at a lower cost than traditional home builds. 

As long as proper upkeep and maintenance are done, barndominiums appear to appreciate over time at a rate similar to traditional homes.

RELATED: Do Barndominiums Hold Their Value?

Barndominiums are often seen as plain and unappealing from the outside, as most begin as a rectangular metal frame. However, a little creativity and design can take them a long way towards great curb appeal.

Adding elements such as porches, landscaping, and pleasing or contrasting color palettes can greatly enhance the exterior appearance of a barndominium.

In addition, they can adapt to various exterior style preferences, from a modern industrial look to a more rustic farmhouse-style appearance.

Furthermore, the interior design options for these structures are endless. 

With open floor plans and the ability for customization, barndominiums allow for unique and modern design possibilities that can impress potential buyers.

Lenders are becoming increasingly aware of the value and demand for barndominiums, making financing options more readily available. 

Some lenders, primarily in rural areas, even specialize in financing unique properties like barndominiums.

Freddie Mac mentions barndominiums in their financing guidelines, confirming their eligibility for qualified buyers.

Fannie Mae notes that “unique homes” are eligible if the appraiser can establish a reliable estimate of value.

Most lenders still conisder barndominiums under the umbrella of a “unique home style.”

People considering building a barndominium tend to come from a wide variety of different financial situations.

Regardless of your financial position or how far out your project is, it’s important to approach any lender or builder with a solid plan in mind.

Having a set of base level plans can greatly improve your ability to estimate costs, get accurate quotes, and determine the overall viability of your project.

Additionally, knowing the specifics of your desired layout and room counts can help determine financing options and avoid unexpected costs later in the process.

If you’re seriously contemplating the project, I highly suggest obtaining a set of plans as you begin to explore your options.

You can browse a variety of floorplans here, and view different options for size, bedroom counts, and extras.

Alternatively, you can pay to have plans drawn up from scratch, which costs $800 – $2000 on average according to Forbes.

In any event, you will need these at some point during the early stages in order to make a real plan.  

Pro Tip: When you approach your lender – Instead of asking for a loan to build a barndominium, tell them you need a loan for a “custom-designed, post-frame home with steel roofing and siding”.

In addition, have a plot of land in mind (or already owned), a set of plans, and an estimated budget. 

Having these items prepared in advance will have a potential lender look more favorably on your project and its potential value.

Lenders need to know your mortgage ceiling and understand what the finished product will look like before an appraisal can be completed.

The appraised value will be based on the land and the plans as if the home were completed.

With these facts in mind, I hope I’ve debunked some of the most common misconceptions surrounding barndominiums. 

These versatile structures are an evolving trend and a testament to architectural innovation, blending practicality with modern comforts. 

So, whether you’re planning on building your own unique post frame home, or are just interested in learning more, it’s important to know fact from fiction when it comes to your barndo!

What other myths have you encountered that I can add to this list??