How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $112,800 to $540,000, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Building a barndominium costs between $112,800 and $540,000, averaging around $230,000.
Costs vary based on factors like location, size, and quality of materials.
Hiring a professional is recommended to ensure proper installation and adherence to building codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a barndominium costs an average of $230,000, with most homeowners spending between $112,800 and $540,000. High-end builds can reach up to$540,000. For a typical 2,400-square-foot barndominium, expect to pay between $225,600 and $288,000.
If you already own land or are converting an existing barn, you can lower your costs. However, prices can increase quickly if you choose luxury finishes or hire a general contractor to manage the entire project. Here's what to know to budget effectively for your barndominium project.
Understanding the costs involved in building a barndominium can be challenging, as prices vary based on several factors. Here's a breakdown of typical cost factors to consider as you plan your new barndominium:
| Cost Factor | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Land | anywhere from $2,000 to $500,000 or more, with an average of $75,000. |
| Floor plans | $50–$2,000 |
| Barndominium kit | $20,000–$90,000+ |
| Foundation | $4,000 – $44,500 |
| Permits | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Materials | $25,400–$100,700, depending on finishes and customization. |
| Septic tank | $3,280 – $10,680 |
| Siding | $6,000 – $16,000 |
| Labor | Highly variable depending on level of DIY vs. professional construction |
| Finishing the lot | $1,000 – $30,000 |
The cost of materials will also have a major effect on how much it costs to build your barndominium. Here’s a breakdown of the various material costs that will affect the cost of your new barndominium.
| Material Cost | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drywall price | $0.50 – $0.75 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation cost | $0.25 – $2 per sq. ft. |
| Flooring cost | $0.50 – $14 per sq. ft. |
| Plumber fee (hourly) | $180–$500 per hour |
| Staircase cost | $80 – $300 per step |
| Painter fee | $25 – $100 per gallon |
| Central AC price | $1,900 – $5,500 per unit or $0.50 – $3 per sq. ft. for ductwork |
| Furnace cost | $2,700 – $6,400 per unit |
| Door price | $40 – $500 per door |
| Lumber | $1 – $5 per sq. ft. |
| Electrical wiring price | $6 – $8 per ft. |
| Kitchen cabinet price | $2,000 – $24,000 |
| Lighting fixture cost | $20 – $4,500 per fixture |
| Appliance cost | $200 – $10,600 per appliance |
Barndominium Cost per Square Foot
The size of your barndominium significantly impacts the total cost. If you handle much of the work yourself or hire only a few professionals, you can expect to pay between $85 and $95 per square foot. However, if you hire a general contractor to manage the entire project, costs may rise to $150 to $190 per square foot. For comparison, building a traditional house costs around $50 to $400 per square foot.
Here's what you can expect to pay based on common barndominium sizes:
| Sq. Ft. | Average Barndominium Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,200 | $112,800 – $144,000 |
| 2,400 | $225,600 – $288,000 |
| 3,000 | $282,000 – $360,000 |
| 3,600 | $338,400 – $432,000 |
| 4,200 | $394,800 – $504,000 |
DIY Barndominium Construction vs. Hiring a Pro
Building a barndominium yourself requires budgeting for materials, permits, and tools. Ample time and extensive building skills are also necessary to complete tasks like constructing the kitchen, interior walls, and flooring.
Even if you handle some of the work yourself, assistance will likely be needed along the way. It's important to hire professionals for specialized jobs like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.
It's important to ensure your home meets building codes, structural requirements, and safety standards for you and your family. Hiring a local general contractor can help keep your barndominium on budget and on schedule. General contractors can also arrange for subcontractors to handle specialized work. For those looking to save on costs while being involved in the building process, contributing by doing some of the finishing work, such as installing flooring or painting walls, can be an option.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, barndominiums offer a sturdy structure for your home, often at a lower cost than a traditional house. With open layouts, high ceilings, and plenty of room for customization, they provide a unique and functional living space. Metal buildings tend to last longer than wood-frame homes and require less maintenance, making barndominiums a good long-term option.
uilding a barndominium with a finished living space can take anywhere from four to six months or longer. The timeline depends on factors like the size of the home, availability of materials, and contractor schedules. Obtaining permits, setting up utilities, and completing pre-construction work can also affect the overall construction timeline. Another place to live will be needed until the barndominium is complete.
Building a barndominium can be more affordable than building a traditional house. While building a house costs anywhere from $50 to $400 per square foot, barndominiums typically cost between $100 and $150 per square foot. The final price depends on factors like the size of the home, local labor rates, and the quality of materials chosen.
Barndominiums have a lifespan of 50 to 150 years. Their durability comes from a robust metal frame and expert construction techniques. With consistent maintenance and professional upkeep, barndominiums can remain resilient and secure for generations, ensuring comfort and reliability over many years.
Yes, barndominiums can be built with multiple stories. Their engineered designs can support two or more stories, incorporating vaulted ceilings reaching 14 feet or more. This allows for expansive living spaces without compromising structural integrity. Working with experienced architects and contractors can help design a multi-level barndominium that maximizes functionality and comfort.
Yes, barndominiums can incorporate basements when built from a custom blueprint. While many are built on concrete slabs, a full or walk-out basement is possible when construction begins from scratch. Skilled designers and structural engineers can create plans that integrate a basement without compromising safety, adding valuable space for storage or additional living areas.
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