Trending in 2024: The Barndominium | Style Meets Efficiency

Last updated on April 24th, 2024 at 04:45 am

Barndominium homes have surged in popularity in 2024 as a housing solution that satisfies the desire for both customizable and efficient living spaces.

Along with their modern amenities, barndominiums manage to retain the rustic charm of traditional barn architecture.

The result is a versatile and stylish alternative to traditional home builds. 

The 2020s have revealed these structures as an emerging trend due to their modern conveniences and popular farmhouse-style appearance.

 Let’s get down to the details and explore what makes them so appealing!

Disclaimer: Our articles are written by a Licensed or Certified Residential Appraiser. This information is meant for educational or informational purposes only, and does not support or indicate an opinion of value for your home or property, nor does it provide any type of value indication for a lender, attorney, realtor, or any other individual or entity.

The term barndominium, in modern terms, refers to a post-frame construction pole barn style dwelling. Modern barndominium homes typically feature steel frame exteriors that blend modern farmhouse-style architecture.

Prominent design elements include open layouts, high ceilings, pitched roofs, lofts, sliding barn doors, energy-efficient materials, and other customizable features. 

Typically, barndominium posts are buried and set with concrete, resulting in a simplified (and cost effective) slab vs.a full basement.

Pole barn homes, once considered a simple steel frame building, have taken on a variety of different forms in recent years. 

No longer are they simple metal structures to hold equipment in – they now offer endless options for design, color, style, and layout.

Today you might see the following popular bardominium styles popping up in a community near you:

This type of barndominium is the most common, and probably what you envision when you hear the term. It features a steel or wood frame structure with a large open floor plan, much like a classic barn. 

The exterior can be customized to have a rustic or modern look based on preference. Most modern barndominiums are steel-sided, which further adds to their strength and durability.

Another popular type of barndominium is the conversion of an existing barn and transforming it into a functional living space.

These types of barndominiums often have a unique character and may include original beams, exposed brick or wood accents, or original barn doors, adding to their rustic charm.

Barndominium kits are pre-designed and prefabricated structures that can be shipped and assembled on-site.

These kits come with all the necessary materials and instructions, making it a cost-effective DIY option for those interested in building a barndominium.

Some of the more popular Barndominium builders in 2024 are Boss Hog Barndominiums, 1845 Barndominiums, and the Barndominium Company.

A newer trend in the world of barndominiums is the use of shipping containers as the primary framing material.

These can offer a unique and modern aesthetic, while also being environmentally friendly and very cost-effective.

RELATED: How To Buy a Shipping Container

Similar to a shipping container type build, silo barndominiums are also a fairly new trend in the housing industry. These are constructed by repurposing old silos and transforming them into unique living areas.

They offer a more unconventional and creative approach to barndominium living.

You may see some barndominium style homes featuring a silo as a unique corner accent that compliments the main dwelling: 

In recent years, there has been a noted rise in barndominium communities – where multiple barndominiums are built close to each other.

These communities often have a rustic and rural feel, creating a sense of community amongst the owners.

The term “barndominium”, or “barndo” for short, blends the terms “barn” and “condominium” to reflect the combination of a rustic barn-style dwelling with the modern components and conveniences associated with condominiums. 

Real estate developer Karl Nilsen is credited with first using the term in 1989 to describe the multi-purpose structures being used by farmers to combine both living and work spaces.

Not only do Barndominiums have a unique and modern appearance; they’re smartly designed to meet the needs of today’s homeowners, who increasingly seek energy efficiency, long-lasting components, and open, customizable spaces with lots of natural light. 

Let’s look into the advantages that make barndominiums an attractive option for anyone looking to build or buy a home in 2024.

Cost Savings

Constructing a barndominium can be significantly less expensive than traditional homes. The use of prefabricated kits and simpler designs can slash labor costs and construction time, resulting in a more affordable undertaking.

Tax benefits

Pole barn style homes are often viewed by the local tax authority as agricultural buildings – this can provide some attractive tax advantages.

Since steel frame buildings can serve dual purposes, like sheltering animals or storing vehicles or equipment, Uncle Sam might cut you some slack on your tax bill. 

Pro Tip: Look into potential deductions related to your upkeep expenses if you’re also using the “barndo” for work-related activities.

Tax rules can be a bit tricky, so it’s wise to consult with a tax professional to make sure you’re getting all the right breaks.

Along with its other noted perks, bardominiums may result in a few extra dollars in your pocket come tax time.

Customizable Design

The hallmark of a barndominium is its ability for customization. With expansive, open floor plans, these homes can be designed to accommodate almost any layout, from vast open living areas with soaring ceilings to multiple bedrooms or workspaces, reflecting your personal lifestyle and preferences.

Energy-efficient Features

Barndominiums come with superior energy efficiency due to their well-insulated walls, eco-friendly building materials, and designs that maximize natural light.

This can lower utility costs and leave a smaller carbon footprint as an added bonus.

Open Concept Living

Open floor plans are easy to create with post-frame construction, using poles for structural support.

This method is ideal for barndominiums, which typically have open layouts in the main living areas like the dining room, living room, and kitchen.

However, there are also other options available if you aren’t a fan of large, undefined spaces. 

Minimal site preparation and slab foundations make building pole barn homes fast, decreasing the construction timeline. The use of prefabricated parts also speeds up construction in comparison to stick-frame structures.

This means you could be settling into your new barndo sooner than many aspiring home builders might expect.

Low Maintenance and High Durability

Crafted with durable steel and metal construction, barndominiums can withstand severe weather conditions and require minimal upkeep compared to traditional wood-framed homes.

If you build a barndominium today and maintain it, chances are you can pass it down to your children.

Challenges of Building a Barndominium

While barndominiums certainly come with many advantages, every type of home has its share of challenges, no matter how it’s constructed.

Barndominiums are no exception. Let’s review a few of the disadvantages that any aspiring homeowner should consider before choosing this type of home.

Soil Type Limitations

While post-frame construction is suitable for most types of soil, some soils simply are too poor to provide the posts with sufficient support.

If this is the case, the poles cannot fully support the structure itself. So, in some locations, pole buildings simply are not feasible. Pole barn style homes tend to do best in gravelly and sandy soil types.

Potential Zoning Issues

Some jurisdictions are picky about their zoning requirements for pole barn homes. In particular, you should watch out for limitations on the types of siding you are permitted to use and what other building codes all residential buildings must meet.

It’s for this reason that barndominiums are more prevalent in rural areas where zoning laws are less stringent.

Unconventional Financing

You may need to shop around for a loan: If you want a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, they may be looking for certain structural elements to be complete prior to approval.

Although many lenders are beginning to come around to offering traditional loan types for barndominiums, you may have to look into alternative lending products to get the job done.

With proper research, it’s possible to find a lender to finance a construction-to-permanent loan or hard money construction loan for your project.

RELATED: COMMON APPRAISAL QUESTIONS

In the world of barndominiums, the design options are limitless. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic or a charming, rustic vibe, a barndominium can be tailored to match whatever you can envision.

Extensive Floor Plan Options

Barndominiums come in a variety of standard floor plans, but even these are highly customizable in many cases. From single-story, open-concept layouts to elaborate two-story designs with dedicated areas for every activity, the possibilities are truly endless.

You can view a variety of popular floor plans here and let your imagination run wild!

It’s fun to browse options even if you aren’t ready to buy.

You can filter your search by size, special features, bedroom or bathroom count, outdoor features, and more.

Creativity Welcomed

With lofty ceilings and spacious interiors, these structures welcome your personal touches and creativity.

Blend industrial elements with modern decor for a unique look, integrate repurposed materials for added character, or go full clean-line and contemporary. 

Modern Amenities Included

Today’s barndominiums can include the most high-end kitchen design elements, spa-like bathrooms, smart home technologies, and other recent home trends. 

Modern comforts and luxury finishes can be easily blended with minimalist, cost-effective design for the best of both worlds. 

Extended Outdoor Living Spaces

Incorporating large porches, decks, or patio areas is easy with a barndo style design; open living spaces can easily extend to the outdoors with plenty of room for large windows or sliding doors – perfect for anyone who enjoys nature or needs extended spaces to entertain. 

Photo courtesy of The Barndominium Company

Barndominiums truly offer a nice blend of style and functionality. With their customizable nature, superior efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, homebuyers across the US are taking notice of the trend and jumping on the barndo bandwagon. 

If you’re on the fence or about to begin a new home build, consider exploring the possibilities that barndominiums could provide. 

After all, who doesn’t love a little rustic charm combined with modern elegance?

What’s your take on barndominiums?