The word barndominium comes from two words: barn and condominium. At its core, a barndominium is a barn or warehouse that includes living space. Also known as a barndo, a barndominium may be a good option if you’re looking for a space that’s affordable and easy to maintain.
Since 2016, barndominiums have become popular in upscale rural areas and states like Texas. Over time, they've expanded their presence to the Midwest. Today, many people are discovering the advantages of barndominiums and customizing them to meet their unique needs and preferences.
Benefits of Barndominiums
There are several noteworthy benefits to barndominiums, including:
- Versatility: Since barndominiums are typically open designs, they can be custom-tailored to meet any style or need. The construction method easily incorporates tall ceiling heights, so it's easy to incorporate gyms, lofts, and massive floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. There is also a growing trend of combining living space with a business, such as a restaurant, bar, or retail store. No matter what you have in mind, a barndominium is likely versatile enough to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking for something rustic or a bit more modern, a barndominium can be a great option.
- Fast Construction: It can take a long time for a custom home to be built. A barndominium, however, comes with a quick building process, so you’ll be able to move into your new space without a long wait.
- Easy Additions: If you find that you need additional space after your barndominium has already been built, you’ll find it easier to modify than conventionally constructed buildings. This is great news if you’re unsure of how your needs may change over time.
- Durability: The metal panel products used in many barndominiums allow for optimal durability. You can count on it to protect your space from damaging elements like water, wind, and heat, and the panels can boast an incredible 60+ year life span.
- Low Maintenance: Metal panels require very little upkeep and maintenance. Unlike many other siding products, they resist mold, rot, and insects. When you select metal panels for your project, you can literally pitch your "painting gear" and spend more time doing the things you enjoy!
- Affordable: Traditional homes may cost $145 per square foot or more, depending on where you live. A barndominium can be a more cost-effective option. Believe it or not, you can get one for anywhere from $30 per square foot for just the building shell to $125 per square foot and up for one built out on the inside. Note: Regional prices vary, so it's important to check with your local contractors for detailed pricing information.
- Energy Efficient: Due to the steel used in barndominiums, they are incredibly energy efficient. These structures offer optimal insulation and weatherization against natural elements, eliminating the need for extra cooling or heating appliances. Their metal roofs also do wonders for conserving energy by having high reflectivity ratings.
Common Features of Barndominiums
Just like traditional homes, barndominiums can be built with a variety of different features. Most of them, however, are characterized by open floor plans and some of the same features you may find in a traditional pole building. These may include:
- Open floorplans
- Large energy-efficient windows
- Rustic wooden staircases
- Barn doors
- 9-foot ceilings
- Concrete slabs
- Wrap-around porches
While they often resemble barns, barndominiums can be as luxurious as you’d like them to be. You can add granite countertops, gleaming hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, and even an indoor hot tub.
Tips for Furnishing Barndominiums
If you choose to go the barndominium route, you may wonder how to furnish such a large, open space. Here are a few tips that can help you achieve a balanced, attractive look and feel.
- Invest in Large Furniture: a barndominium is not the place for small furniture pieces. They are perfect for the exact opposite. Large furniture, such as oversized couches and chairs. You should opt for pieces that fill the space without giving it a cluttered appearance.
- Create Purposeful Areas: Rather than placing a lot of furniture throughout a barndominium with no purpose, group key pieces together. For example, you may place a sectional and coffee table in one area for conversations and a table and chairs somewhere else for meals. This strategy can help you avoid the furniture store look that’s often seen in open layouts.
- Stick to One Color Palette: Pick one color palette and make sure that all of your furniture and decor items follow it. By sticking to a single palette, you’ll be able to tie the whole space together.
Contact McElroy Metal
If you’re interested in a barndominium, don’t hesitate to reach out to McElroy Metal. Since our inception in 1963, we’ve earned a reputation as a top-notch metal roofing and siding manufacturer.
You can trust us to help you and your contractor design and build the ideal barndominium for your unique situation.
Contact us today for more information!