Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (2024)

You’ve heard of the Man Cave, and you’ve heard of the She Shed, but have you heard of the Barndo? Barndominiums (aka barndos) are barn homes, essentially, and they’re the latest trend in custom buildings. Think the next iteration of the modern farmhouse that was so popular in the 2010s. Historically these structures combine the living area of a home with the working space of a shop or workshop. Sometimes referred to as a shop house, this house style continues to grow in popularity across the United States.

More and more homebuyers are turning toward barndominium life – and for good reason. Barndominiums are a perfect mix of living quarters and recreation space – all within an affordable, low-maintenance, energy-efficient metal building. Popular in rural settings, out on a Texas ranch, or even just outside suburbia, these low-cost metal buildings give people the flexibility they need to live, play and work all under one roof.

Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (1)

Download our “Why Barndominium?” Guide Here

From open floor plans to modern-day amenities, our barndominium kits give you the freedom to create the barn-style home of your dreams. Explore various design options and barn house plans to get some inspiration and ask yourself: Could a barn-style dwelling be your next dream home?

Cost Savings over Conventional Construction

You could buy a pre-built barndominium, sure. But why would you want to? A DIY version, especially when it comes from Worldwide Steel, means you can design and build a custom home exactly as you want it right from the beginning. No haggling with general contractors, no arguing over specs, and no redoing what the last owner wanted to be done, and with far more customization options than you ever thought possible. Plus, designing and building from scratch can actually be more cost effective than buying a pre-designed barndo, and our steel frame construction will outperform a home built from traditional construction over the years.

Worldwide Steel barndominiums can be designed however you’d like, with open-concept living room that can be finished to your exact specifications. That means you can truly design the house plans of your dreams and at a reduced average cost compared to traditional home building and construction.

But the benefits don’t stop at build-out. In fact, they really start after you move in. Here are just a few:

  • Steel barndominiums can be more energy efficient than conventional wood frame construction
  • Steel exteriors have less maintenance cost and upkeep over the life of the building
  • The increased durability of our high-quality building materials means the potential for better insurance rates
  • Steel is easier to repair than wood, resulting in reduced lifetime repair costs
Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (2)
Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (3)

Everything You Need Delivered in a Kit

Worldwide has designed their metal barndominium kits to be DIY friendly. Don’t think you’re barndominium builders? We make it easy! Each barndominium kit comes with a simple assembly manual, and we have expert staff on hand to answer any questions that come up during your barn house building process.

Our standard steel frame kits include everything you need to build your home. Err … barn. That means all main framing, secondary framing (for all steel), exterior metal siding, metal roofing, trim, closures, fasteners and stamped building plans. These packages can be added to with second floors, vaulted ceilings, overhangs, wrap-around porches, etc., or reduced if you want to do your own exterior material of a different roofing material. Put them all together and voila! You’re homeowners of your very own barndominium.

Barndominium Home Plans

With our barndominium kits, you can design flexible, custom barndominium floor plans that incorporate residential living quarters and recreation. Everything about our metal building kits is meant to be truly DIY (including the floor plan design process), but we don’t leave you alone when it comes to barndominium plans. We know most of our customers don’t have the experience we do, and we’re here to partner with you. Our experts walk you through everything you need to know regarding these low-maintenance metal barn homes, from how many bedrooms you need to where the countertops should be installed. Whether you’re looking for a 1,600 sq. ft. house plan or looking to include a bonus room or mudroom, our team will help you conceptualize your dreams into reality. And each of our metal barndominiums comes with a 50-year structural warranty, so you know they’re built to last.

Explore Barndominium Floor Plans

Everything went together as advertised. They said it was quick, they said it was easy, and it was!

Aaron M, Colorado Springs, CO

Watch Video Testimonial

Barndominium Design Options

Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (5)

A DIY barndominium is a virtual blank canvas for home design possibilities. That means the options for incorporating living areas and play areas into your house plans are almost endless. Homeowners can create a dream barndominium that meets all their needs and wants!

Often, barndominium owners choose to design their new home in a farmhouse style, with interior finishes that incorporate reclaimed timber and other rustic materials. This makes the living space feel cozy, comfortable, and customized.

Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (6)
Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (7)

However, barndos offer the luxury of complete customization. Because they don’t require interior support or load-bearing walls, the interior of a barndo could be designed to look sleek, modern and spacious (consider the possibility of vaulted ceilings, bright white painted drywall, marble countertops and high-end appliances — wow!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Worldwide supply a Barndominium kit in my area?

Worldwide has supplied building kits in all 50 states and several other countries. Each is designed and manufactured to meet local building codes and withstand the elements where you live.

What is the square footage price of a Worldwide Barndominium kit?

Depending on the option you go with (second floors, wrap around porches, etc.) the price starts around $10.00 a square foot and can go up to about $30.00 a square foot.

Does Worldwide offer financing?

Worldwide Steel Buildings partners with New Century Bank who understands the Barndominium market and is able to assist our customers with their financing needs.

Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (10)

Learn More

Still have more questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions page to get more answers, or download our informational guide.

FAQs Page Informational Guide

Recent Barndominium Projects

Check out some of the amazing Barndominium projects our customers have built.

Table Rock Red Iron Lakehouse

Asymmetrical Lakehouse

Sienna Barndominium

Louisburg Barndominium

Reece Ranch Barndo

DIY Steel Shop House

Dawson Trail Barndo

Gambrel Style Barndominium

Rock Island Barndominium

Carolina Tube Leg Home

Blue Eye Lakehouse Barndo

Bartlett Barndominium

View All Projects

Get Started

Contact one of our experienced Barndominium Consultants today for a free quote on your custom barndominium building kit. Call 800-825-0316 or fill out the form below to get started.

Metal Barndominium Kits: Floor Plans, Cost Savings & Design Options (2024)

FAQs

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

The biggest cost of building a barndominium comes from purchasing and building the metal shell, including the roof, doors, and windows. Other major exterior features that can affect the building cost include: Metal siding. Concrete foundation.

Is it cheaper to build a 1 or 2 story barndominium? ›

Single-story barndominiums are generally perceived as less expensive due to several factors: – **Foundation Costs**: The foundation of a single-story barndominium typically costs less than that of a two-story structure since it bears less weight. This can lead to savings in both materials and labor.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

How much does a 30x40 barndominium cost? ›

Barndominium kits with prices
DimensionsSquare footageUnfinished kit costs
30x401,200$35,000 – $59,000
40x401,600$42,000 – $75,000
40x602,400$69,000 – $120,000
40x702,800$74,000 – $135,000
4 more rows
Jan 12, 2024

Is it possible to build a barndominium for 100K? ›

It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself. You will need to find the right piece of land to erect your barndominium.

How to save money while building a barndominium? ›

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Barndominium Build.
  1. Be strategic about where you put your framed openings: ...
  2. Use concrete floors. ...
  3. DIY finish work (Stairs, Barn Doors, Light Fixture Installation) ...
  4. Ask for “builder grade”/“build program” or scour the remnant yard for countertops.

How much does it cost to build a 2000 square foot barndominium? ›

The cost to build a barndominium is $65 to $160 per square foot or $130,000 to $320,000 on average for a 2,000 SF home.

Do barndominiums hold their value? ›

Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.

Are barndominiums hard to insure? ›

Insurance can be complicated for barndominium homes. According to Barndominium.org, not all insurers cover barndos, especially if they're mixed-use instead of residential only, and those that do might have barndo-specific policies.

How long does it take to build a 3,000 sq ft barndominium? ›

Building Timeline Overview

For a DIY-inclined owner with sufficient time and adequate skillset, constructing a basic 3000 sq ft barndominium yourself using pre-fabricated steel building components could conceivably only require around 5 months from breaking ground to securing an occupancy permit.

How long does it take to build a barndominium from scratch? ›

Most barndominiums take approximately 3-6 months to construct. However, just like with a conventional home, a barndominium's construction time depends on various factors including the level of customization.

Why can't you finance a barndominium? ›

Many USDA lenders are unfamiliar with these structures and may be reluctant to finance their purchase. Borrowers may also experience added difficulty when seeking a USDA construction loan to build a new barndominium, as some USDA lenders, including Neighbors Bank, do not offer this loan type.

Why shouldn't you build a barndominium? ›

If you're considering building or buying a barndominium, consider this list of downsides before you sign your name on a dotted line:
  • Location Limitations. ...
  • Financing. ...
  • Corrosion. ...
  • Noise. ...
  • UV Exposure. ...
  • Wiring Challenges. ...
  • Reselling.
Oct 19, 2022

Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›

Getting a home loan for a barndominium can be tricky since many lenders are unfamiliar with these types of structures. However, it is far from impossible. You just need to be able to fulfill your lender's requirements as well as the stipulations set out by your particular loan program.

What makes a barndominium cheaper to build? ›

Barndominiums tend to shine in terms of cost-effectiveness due to their unique design and construction. The use of metal for the frame and exterior often translates to lower material costs compared to the cost for traditional wood-framed houses.

Are barndominiums worth the money? ›

Barndominiums offer exceptional value on a per square foot basis, and are exceptionally beneficial for large families or when a business requires a large workspace. They also have lower insurance rates and taxes.

Why are barndominiums so expensive? ›

One of the primary factors contributing to the cost of building a barndominium is the price of materials. While the metal framing and siding are central to the barndominium's appeal, the costs for these materials have increased significantly in recent years due to fluctuations in the global steel market.

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