Ways To Save Money When Building A Barndominium

In the quest to craft a home that mirrors your vision without draining your wallet, the journey of building a barndominium presents a unique path. Ways to save money when building a barndominium are not just possible; they’re plentiful, if you know where to look.

But how do you trim the fat without compromising on the robust, rustic charm that draws you to this style of home in the first place?

It’s about smart choices, from the sweep of the land beneath your feet to the peak of the roof above your head. This article will guide you through a thicket of costs with a map of savvy strategies.

To save money when building a barndominium, opt for a pre-designed kit, undertake DIY construction where feasible, and build during off-peak seasons to capitalize on lower labor and material costs.

Smart Money Saving Strategies for Barndominium Construction

1. Use Barndominium kit

These kits, which bundle the essential components for building a barndominium, can offer substantial savings.  With prices for kits ranging from $20,000 to $90,000, the cost is a fraction of the $120,000 to $540,000 you might spend sourcing materials separately.

The BuildMax study highlights that kits not only cut down on expenses but also simplify the design and building phases, making it easier for owners to manage their projects. 

By providing everything from framing to fasteners, barndominium kits represent a cost-effective and efficient approach to creating your dream home.

2. Scale Down Size

Scaling down the size of a barndominium is a direct route to cost savings. HomeGuide’s study indicates that complete barndominium builds average $65 to $160 per square foot, while steel barndominium kits range from $20 to $31 per square foot for materials. This stark contrast in pricing underscores the impact of size on the budget.

By choosing a smaller footprint, you can significantly reduce the base cost of your project. With the price per square foot being a key factor in the total cost, a reduction in size can lead to a more manageable financial commitment without compromising the distinctive barndominium style and functionality.

3. DIY Construction

DIY construction for your barndominium can lead to significant labor cost savings. Bankrate’s study underscores the value of DIY projects, noting that homeowners can save up to three-fourths of a project’s costs by doing it themselves. This is particularly true for tasks that require more brawn than skill, such as interior finishing or fixture installation.

While some aspects of the building require professional expertise, many elements of barndominium construction are accessible to those with basic skills, offering a potential reduction in costs from professional rates of $65-$160 per square foot to a DIY range of $20-$31 per square foot for kit materials. 

This approach not only cuts down on expenses but also allows for a personal touch in the building process.

4. Use concrete floors

Concrete floors are not only a budget-friendly option for barndominiums, but they also offer a range of aesthetic and practical benefits. Its durability and low maintenance needs make it a good choice for a cost-effective and long-lasting flooring solution.  

As highlighted by Metal Building Homes, concrete is a versatile material that can be customized through polishing, staining, dyeing, or applying epoxy finishes to match any design preference.

With the ability to absorb and release heat, concrete floors also contribute to energy efficiency, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs. By choosing concrete, homeowners can enjoy a less expensive alternative to hardwood or tile, without sacrificing style or functionality.

5. Select Basic Fixtures

Selecting basic fixtures and finishes is a practical way to manage costs without compromising the functionality of your barndominium. By opting for standard light fixtures, window treatments, and appliances, you can significantly reduce initial expenses.

Moreover, thoughtful layout planning can lead to additional savings. For instance, aligning bathrooms along one wall can streamline plumbing installation, cutting down on both materials and labor. 

This strategy not only trims costs upfront but also allows for future upgrades when your budget allows.

6. Different State Costs

Barndominium building costs vary from state to state, with stark contrasts evident between places like California and Texas. In California, you might encounter costs ranging from $280 to $400 per square foot, influenced by stringent building regulations and higher labor rates, as detailed by Outdooroo. 

Texas, on the other hand, presents a more economical landscape for aspiring barndominium owners, with costs averaging between $65 to $160 per square foot.

This difference is attributed to Texas’s less restrictive zoning, a wide pool of experienced contractors, and a history with barndominiums that has led to a more efficient building process, all contributing to the state’s lower construction costs.

7. Simplifying your design

Simplifying your barndominium design can lead to significant cost savings, as outlined by balconies global. By reducing the variety of design elements, such as avoiding intricate details, you can achieve economies of scale in procurement, manufacturing, and delivery. 

This streamlined approach not only cuts down on costs but also saves time on-site, reducing the need for complex trades and multiple site meetings.

8. Avoid Peak Season

Building your barndominium outside of the summer peak season can yield considerable cost savings. With demand for construction materials and labor soaring in these months, costs naturally escalate.

Opting for an off-peak period can mean lower prices and more bargaining power, as suppliers and contractors face reduced demand.

By strategically timing your project, you can capitalize on the quieter market, potentially cutting costs and avoiding the summer rush that inflates prices and stretches resources thin.

What Are The Most Expensive Parts Of Building A Barndominium?

1. Land: The cost of land can vary depending on the location and size of the property.

2. Permits: Building permits are required for construction and can add to the overall cost.

3. Labor costs: The cost of labor can vary depending on the location and availability of contractors.

4. Interior finishes: This includes putting up walls, adding lights, heating, cooling, plumbing, cabinetry, appliances, sinks, showers, and flooring.

Conclusion

The journey to building your dream barndominium doesn’t have to break the bank. By embracing strategies such as choosing a barndominium kit, engaging in DIY construction, and carefully timing your build to avoid peak seasons, significant savings can be achieved.

Opting for concrete floors, basic fixtures, and a simplified design further ensures your budget is respected without compromising on quality. 

Remember, every choice from the ground up influences cost, so thoughtful planning and smart decision-making are key. 

With these approaches, the path to an affordable, yet charming barndominium is well within reach.