Barndominium Builders: Top Companies to Consider for Your Dream Home

It doesn’t matter if you’re building a traditional home or a barndo, finding the right builder is key to ensuring your project is a success. Due to the materials used and the highly custom nature of barndominium design you will need to do your due diligence to make sure you’re not going to be scammed or left with an unfinished project.

An experienced barndominium builder can guide you through the process of building your home from start to finish and many even cover things like permits for you!

Key Takeaways

The right builder can make building your dream barndo a very simple and easy process.
Not just any home builder can handle the materials and detail that will go into your new barndominium.
Many homeowners will consider a barndominium kit to speed things along and streamline the build.

Table of Contents show

Material Expertise in Barndominium Builders

Building a barndominium requires a unique set of considerations, including the materials used, insulation options, and flooring choices.

The flexibility in materials that can be used to build a barndominium give it a significant advantage over a traditional wood built home. If you go with a wood barndominium then you can go with just about any builder as long as you have a design and plans made.

If you’re going with steel, the most popular choice, then you’ll want to work with a company that has a history of building steel structures.

A seasoned builder will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons and even provide recommendations on how to handle other areas of the build, such as insulation.

Planning Your Barndominium

In many cases you’re finding a builder before you have a full plan. You can purchase barndominium floor plans from several popular websites or you can work with an architect to create your own custom dream home.

Before you rush to select a builder, you should really do the legwork and get a good plan built up. There are a few things you want to consider to ensure that you get the layout and design you’re hoping for.

There are a wide variety of design styles to choose from including traditional, modern and farmhouse. Many opt for the farmhouse feel with their barndominiums. A builder may be able to help you with this but it’s likely they’ll want you to either have approved plans or work with an architect before talking to them.

As you’re shopping around for a builder you will want to see pictures and references for similar house styles to what you’re trying to build. Don’t be afraid to ask the builder for examples of past homes they’ve built.

A trustworthy builder will walk you through your plans and help you understand what can, and can’t, work with your design. They will make sure your design meets any local zoning requirements and building code.

By taking the time to carefully plan your barndominium, you can ensure that you get the design and layout that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Barndominium Construction Cost and Financing

The cost to build barndominiums is not too far off from what it would cost for a traditional home compared to what it was just a few years ago. The surge in these types of homes has seen a price increase to around $100 to $150 per square foot due to inflation, rising materials costs and more.

A traditional home will likely cost you $150 per square foot on the low end and go up from there. It’s likely your barndominium may cost you more than $150 per square foot by the time you’re done building and choosing your finishes.

It’s important to keep in mind that $100 to $150 per square foot is an estimate and doesn’t include several factors such as the chosen finishes, furniture or even the location. To get an accurate estimate you will need to speak with multiple barndo builders who can provide a more detailed quote.

Understanding Financing Options

It has gotten a lot easier to find financing for these unique homes as time goes on and their popularity has increased. Your best bet is to purchase either a construction loan or a USDA loan depending on if you’re using your barndo as part of a farm or agricultural operation.

This doesn’t mean you don’t have other financing options for your barndo build or purchase. There are some cases where you can qualify for an FHA loan or a conventional loan. It largely comes down to what the use of the structure is for.

Legal and Insurance Considerations

When building a barndominium, there are several legal and insurance considerations you need to keep in mind. Understanding building codes and securing insurance are two of the most important considerations.

Building Codes

Building codes are a set of rules and regulations that govern the construction of buildings. These codes are designed to ensure that buildings are safe, structurally sound, and meet certain standards. When building a barndominium, it is important to understand the building codes in your area. This will help you avoid any legal issues that may arise during construction.

To ensure that your barndominium meets the building codes in your area, you should work with a builder who is familiar with the codes in your area. They can help you navigate the codes and ensure that your barndominium is built to code. It is also important to obtain any necessary permits before beginning construction.

Insurance

Barndominiums are unique structures, and as such, they require a specialized insurance policy. Before beginning construction, you should speak with an insurance agent who specializes in barndominium insurance. They can help you find a policy that will provide the coverage you need.

Factors to consider when selecting insurance are:

Coverage: Make sure the policy provides coverage for all aspects of your barndominium, including the structure, contents, and any outbuildings.
Deductible: Consider the deductible amount and how it will impact your finances in the event of a claim.
Liability: Make sure the policy includes liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property.
Cost: Compare the cost of different policies to find the one that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Best Barndominium Builders

If you’re looking for a barndominium builder, it’s important to find a company that offers quality work and a good reputation.

Choosing a Builder

When choosing a builder, it’s important to consider factors such as their experience, reputation, and pricing. You should also look at their portfolio of past work to get an idea of their style and quality. Additionally, you may want to read reviews from past clients to see what they have to say about working with the builder.

Builders by State

Here are some of the best barndominium builders by state:

Indiana: Morton Buildings offers high-quality barndominiums with a variety of customization options.
Wisconsin: Greiner Buildings has a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and customer service.
Texas: Lone Star Barndominiums is a popular choice for their affordable pricing and quality work.
Kentucky: DC Builders is a well-respected builder with a focus on custom designs.
Oklahoma: Barndominiums of Oklahoma offers a range of styles and finishes to choose from.
Alabama: Alabama Barndominiums is known for their attention to detail and quality workmanship.
Colorado: Sand Creek Post & Beam offers beautiful and durable barndominiums with a rustic, Western look.
Illinois: FBi Buildings is a top-rated builder with a focus on energy-efficient designs.
Iowa: Morton Buildings is a trusted builder with over a century of experience.
Kansas: Heritage Building Systems offers high-quality barndominiums at competitive prices.
Michigan: Summit Livestock Facilities is a leading builder with a focus on functional, efficient designs.
Minnesota: Blue Ox Timber Frames offers beautiful and unique barndominium designs.
Missouri: Graber Supply is a family-owned business with a reputation for quality work and excellent customer service.
Nebraska: Mill Creek Custom Homes offers custom designs and quality craftsmanship.
New Jersey: Worldwide Steel Buildings offers durable and affordable barndominiums with a range of customization options.
North Dakota: Morton Buildings is a top choice for their quality work and customizable designs.
Ohio: MQS Structures is a respected builder with a focus on energy-efficient designs.
South Dakota: Cleary Building Corp. is a trusted builder with a wide range of customizable options.
Wyoming: B&B Builders is a reputable builder with a focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

No matter which builder you choose, be sure to do your research and choose a company that offers the quality and customization you’re looking for in your barndominium.

Barndominium Kits

Barndominium kits come with everything you need to build your home, including the steel frame, walls, and roof. A kit can be a good alternative to building from the ground up and, in some cases, can actually save you money since it’s a predesigned layout and requires minimal customization or alteration.

Finding a Kit Provider

You will want to keep in mind that a kit provider may not always be the builder. Before purchasing a barndominium kit you should talk with builders and see how their preferred vendors may be. They may even be able to get you a better deal.

Do your research on kit providers just like you would finding a licensed and reputable contractor. They should have a long history of providing a quality product. Keep in mind this will be your future home so you will want to take the extra time to find the right one.

You’ll want to consider the quality of materials used in the kit. Look for a provider that uses high-quality steel and other durable materials. Going cheap may help your finances upfront but you could end up paying more in the future.