How Much Are Barndominium Homes?

May 4, 2022

A barndominium is a new or restored barn-like structure made of metal, with ample living quarters. This type of home allows you to integrate a living space and a working room under one roof. Also called a shophouse or a barndo, these structures are large, and some feature second stories, lofts, or mezzanines. But what is the average total cost of a barndominium? Let us break down the numbers for you.

How Much Does a Barndominium Cost?

Barndominium cost per square foot is about $100 to $130. This cost includes building a fully outfitted structure that one can move into immediately. The cost of the barndominium shell can vary in price. Here are some examples.

  • $91,000: 80 feet by 100 feet by 16 feet
  • $87,000: 80 feet by 100 feet by 14 feet
  • $60,000: 60 feet by 80 feet by 16 feet
  • $26,000: 30 feet by 50 feet by 14 feet

There are other factors to consider, such as if you own the land, the type of barndo structure you want to build or restore, and utilities such as water, electricity, and sewer.

Do-It-Yourself Barndominium

Building a barndo by yourself saves on labor costs. You might want to take advantage of this if you have the skills. Also, when building from scratch, expect half the cost to go on laying the foundation and building the shell. The other half will cover things like interior structures, doors, kitchen, flooring, etc. The shell kits are prefabricated or pre-engineered. You only need to assemble them. Roughly, a large barndo measuring 72 ft by 40 ft will cost anywhere from $153,000 to $182,000.

Other Considerations

Here are some other things that may contribute to the cost of building a barndo.

Land

Building a barndominium usually involves buying land. By 2021, the average cost of one acre of farm real estate was $3,380. This price can vary depending on the location you want to build the structure.

Access

If there is no public road to the site where you are building the barndo, one must be built. The cost of an asphalt road per linear foot is about $70 to $170. A quarter-mile of a private road might cost you $92,400 to $224,400.

Zoning and Permits

Due to residential zoning laws, you will have to find large acreage in an unincorporated area. When getting permits for a barndo, you will be charged either an estimated building cost or per square foot.  

Utilities

Unless the site has electricity, you will have to pay an electricity company to connect you to power. The average cost per foot is about $25 to $50. You will also need to install a septic tank which costs an average of $6,800.

If the property has no access to water, you may have to dig a well, and this costs about $6,000. Add a water purification system, which is between $1,000 and $3,000, excluding labor.

Are you ready to build a barndominium? At Perry House Plans, we can help you with the construction process, from coming up with the design to building your home to completion. Our team includes professionals that ensure you get the house you dream of. Give us a call today for a consultation.

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