The concept of a barndominium, a residential living space combined with a workshop or utility space, likely dates back centuries. While it is an idea born out of practical functionality, it would eventually be a popular home renovation show that would send the “barndo” trend into overdrive.
In a 2016 episode of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines converted a 1980s barn outside of Waco, Texas, into an updated farmhouse dream. It has been one of their most popular episodes, and Joanna Gaines commented on the Magnolia blog that it was “one of [their] most unique, and maybe even favorite Fixer Upper renovations to date.”
That Season 3 episode of Fixer Upper brought immediate new interest to the concept of barndominiums. It also ignited a construction trend that continues to see market growth and design changes today.
From kitchen cabinets to interior and exterior wall options, designers and homeowners possess strong feelings about color. And, of course, those feelings (and trends!) tend to evolve and change over time.
As you envision your dream barndo, the exterior color scheme is likely one of your first considerations. Currently, black and white is the absolute top barndo color scheme, and it’s been that way for the last several years. Will it change in 2025? Anything is possible, but at this point, it still seems to be the color combination to beat!
In many cases, the barndos of today look significantly different than the early versions. Let’s take flooring as an example. Initially, a simple concrete floor was the norm, and upgrading to “fancy” might include a large area rug.
Fast forward a few years, and upgraded flooring for barndos included products such as linoleum or low-grade carpets. Today, it’s not unusual for barndos to include high-end finishes such as hardwood flooring, stained and polished concrete, and even expensive tile options.
As the wrath of Mother Nature becomes increasingly evident and the frequency and severity of storms continue to increase, consumers continue to move sustainability higher on their priority lists.
Barndo construction delivers sustainability in spades for those concerned with the environment. For starters, steel is one of the few 100% recyclable products at the end of its life. Additionally, between metal panels’ 60+ year life expectancy and the non-penetrating attachment method for solar, metal roof panels and solar applications deliver an incredibly sustainable roof system. And if all of that isn’t enough, metal roofing can help reduce electrical bills by up to 20%, depending on the color selected and the construction method.
The construction materials used for Barndos have also changed considerably over the last 20-30 years. Initially, metal panels were used for the roof, walls, and doors.
In contrast, today’s barndo owner routinely combines many different construction materials to create a cozy, more residential feel. Wall materials now often include a combination of stone and metal to add interest. Garage doors have become more common than the original sliding doors. And the use of glass to bring the outdoor elements in has increased tremendously.
Whether the need stems from the increased cost of housing or the desire to simplify child or elder care, multi-generational living is on the rise. Given their cost-effective ability to deliver large floor plans, barndos can be an excellent solution for families looking to build a multi-generational home.
Separate living quarters, large common areas, and ease of accessibility are some of the top barndo features for many potential homeowners.
While market data indicates a greater concentration of barndominiums in states like Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, barndo popularity continues to expand throughout the country. One consistent attribute is that the barndominium market typically centers in rural areas where larger plots of land are more affordable.
During COVID-19, the desire for home office space spiked. Interestingly, though, as more employees transition back to the office post-pandemic, the desire for home offices moderated slightly and has fallen to the number two position in the recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2024 survey.
What moved to the top spot? According to the AIA, the request for in-law & au pair suites is currently the top requested home feature. And given our earlier statement that multi-generational living is one of the trends we see in the barndo market, we’re not surprised. The multi-purpose flexibility that barndominiums offer makes them appealing to home buyers and builders.
There are historically high costs associated with building or buying a traditional home in 2024. With traditional home prices surging, cost-effective barndominiums have become more attractive to home buyers. Both post-frame and pre-engineered barndominiums are designed to be built simply and quickly. The framing systems reduce time, labor, and material costs when compared to most traditional construction.
Local zoning and building code regulations and financing challenges are some of the largest potential barriers to barndominium market growth. Homeowners need to research potential obstacles while considering a barndominium project. For instance, some banking institutions may have different lending parameters for barndominiums. Or perhaps your locale does not issue permits for residential barndominium projects. Before getting too far into your project, you will want to research any potential setbacks. Your local contractor can provide information and knowledge regarding local codes, financing, and ordinances.