Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (2024)

Dec. 30, 2022

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (1)

You're looking at the prices for building a new home and you just can't afford anything over $100,000. You don't want to live in an apartment or a small home, so what do you do?

You build a barndominium! It's a great way to save some money and have a brand new place to live, right?

Sure, it might seem like a daunting task, but many people have done it before. It just takes some time and effort on your part. So get started today and you could be living in your very own barndominium for $100,000 in no time!

Can You Build a Barndominium for 100K?

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (2)

If you want to build a barndominium for 100K, you may need to settle for a small one. Barndominiums are not necessarily low-cost to build if you want something that will provide you with adequate space.

Barndominiums are a nice alternative housing route. And even though you can build a barndominium for less than a traditional house, it's not easy to build a barndominium for $100,000.

There are certain variables involved that affect the cost. Read this article and find out more about building a barndominium.

What is a Barndominium

Barndominiums are a unique option for a home. They are small homes made from barns. It is usually a steel building that has room for living space. The outside of the building looks like a barn, while the inside is made to look like a traditional home.

Why build a Barndominium

Some people may choose to build a barndominium because they want a smaller home and don't want to pay the high price for a traditional home, but also have toys to store.

Others may choose this option because it is an affordable way to get started in the housing market.

What Should You Consider When Purchasing a Barndominium

There are certain things to consider when building a barndominium. The following are all things you should consider and will impact the price of building a barndominium.

The cost of building a barndominium

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (3)

The cost of building a barndominium is surprisingly inexpensive. It's important to understand, however, that the phrase "affordable housing" has two meanings and it's not always clear which one people are referring to. One meaning refers to an affordable monthly mortgage payment while the other refers to an affordable purchase price.

The first type of affordability is usually discussed in relation to homeownership - buying or renting your own home - and often includes government-initiated programs for low-income households.

The second type of affordability relates more specifically to construction costs and often applies when talking about new developments made possible by advances in technology such as prefabrication techniques (assembly line production) or modular systems where individual units are stacked like Lego blocks on a truck and then assembled on site.

In this article, we'll be discussing the affordability of barndominiums in terms of construction costs.

A barndominium is a metal building that has been converted into a residential dwelling. The term "barndominium" is a combination of "barn" and "condominium" and was first coined in Texas. The popularity of barndominiums is spreading across the country as people discover the many benefits they offer: lower construction costs, energy efficiency, customizable floor plans, and more.

The cost to build a barndominium ranges depending on the size and features that you want. You can find barndominium kits for sale online for anywhere from $25,000 to $175,000.

Depending on the options you go with, you'll find pricing starts around $30.00.

Size and features of a barndominium

Barndominiums come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to know what you want before you start shopping for kits. The most common sizes are between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet, but they can be as small as 400 square feet or as large as 10,000 square feet.

Some of the features that you might want to include in your barndominium are a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, a bedroom, and/or an office. You can also add on things like a porch, a deck, or even a swimming pool.

The great thing about barndominiums is that you can customize them to suit your needs and desires. If there's something you want that isn't included in the kit, you can usually have it added. This flexibility is one of the reasons why barndominiums are becoming so popular.

Construction methods for a barndominium

There are three main ways to build a barndominium:

  1. Buy a pre-fabricated kit and have it delivered to your site.
  2. Have a metal building company construct the entire building on-site using metal frame construction.
  3. Convert an existing barn into a residential dwelling.

Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that will work best for you.

Things to consider before building a barndominium

When considering whether or not to build a barndominium, there are a few things you'll want to take into account:

  1. Your budget - How much can you afford to spend on construction? Keep in mind that the cost of a barndominium varies depending on size and features, so you'll need to decide what's important to you.
  2. Your location - Not all areas are conducive to building a barndominium. Make sure you check with your local zoning department to see if it's allowed in your area.
  3. The climate - If you live in an area that experiences severe weather conditions, you'll need to make sure the barndominium is built to withstand high winds and/or earthquakes.

How Much Land Will You Purchase?

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (4)If you want to build a barndominium, purchasing land would be more beneficial because building in residential areas can be tricky. This complication is due to zoning and permitting. When it comes to buying land, location makes all the difference.

We know that the most significant aspect of building a barndominium is to make sure that the land offers you the space you need. The average size of a residential lot in the United States is 8,600 square feet, which comes to one-fifth of an acre. An acre of farmland typically costs about $3,160.00.

The average pricing of one acre of land in the US runs about $12,000.00 per acre. This price would be for land that is not farmland.

Property values vary depending on the following criteria

  • What is the location?
  • How close are urban conveniences?
  • How much land was cleared?

Other cost considerations include

  • Excavation
  • Pouring a concrete foundation
  • Installing plumbing

Depending on the state and area, obtaining permits for building in a residential area is quite complicated and time-consuming.

The average price of developing land for building purposes tends to be somewhere between $1,281 and $4,705.

What is Your Barndominiums Plan Design?

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (5)

How you choose to create your barndominium will impact the building cost. We want you to be comfortable in your living space, and the layout is a big deal. You will need to understand the square footage you are developing on.

You will also need to know the number of doors and windows you would like. You should keep in mind your finish selections, such as granite or laminate counters and wood floors. These items cost money, and we want you to be prepared and know the cost of your dream barndominium.

You can save money on a barndominium if you choose a simple design. You may also want to choose from a steel building kit or metal roofing and siding.

If you do everything on your own, it will be cheaper. DIY will save you money, and pre-made floor plans typically cost somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000. A custom-designed plan typically costs about $4,500.

Price for A Barndominium Kit

When it comes to building a barndominium, one of the cheapest and easiest ways to do it is by purchasing a kit. A barndominium kit typically costs at least $20,000. This will be a smaller barndominium, most likely a two-bedroom. Keep in mind that the larger the kit, the more it will cost.

Purchasing a kit does have some drawbacks. One is that you are limited to the design options that are available. Additionally, many of the kits on the market are designed for people who have construction experience. If you do not have any experience, you may find yourself struggling to put the kit together correctly.

There are many different companies that sell barndominium kits, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from. It's important to research different companies and compare their prices before making a decision.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a barndominium kit is that it may not be suitable for all climates. Make sure you ask the company about the weather resistance of the kit before purchasing it.

The standard kit includes the following:

  • Exterior walls
  • Roof
  • Openings for windows and doors
  • Siding
  • Framing

Barndominium kits typically cost about $50 to $100 per square foot. Interior materials are typically not included.

Labor Expenses

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (6)

Costs can vary based on the home sizeand finishes. If you intend to perform the labor yourself, you will most likely pay about $85 to $95 per square foot. You will need to lay floors, tile, paint, and install cabinets.

Doing all the work yourself can save you some bucks. It would be more expensive if you decide to enlist the help of a general contractor.

Again, if you're doing it yourself, you'll be saving money, and it's probably the only way to keep the cost under $100,000. If you're hiring out plumbers and electricians, there are no extra cost savings for that just because they're working on a barndominium.

The biggest cost savings is in the exterior, the shell of the building and doing many of the projects yourself.

Can You Build a Barndominium for 100K?

We believe that It is not out of the realm of possibility that you can purchase a barndominium for 100K. There has been the testimony of someone building their barndominium for less than 100K.

A family featured on YouTube used old barn wood to make their barndominium, and they did all the work themselves.

They purchased all the items they needed on the major holidays and found their fridge at the local goodwill store. They found a lovely chandelier from a thrift store. They found some great vintage items from the 1920s, such as two original farmhouse sinks.

They purchased one for the bathroom and one for the laundry room. The woman in the video also said they bought a clawfoot tub for a low cost. They also built a shower that passed inspection. There were items that they repurposed and used for helping to develop the barndominium.

YOUTUBE: How To Build A Barndominium For LESS Than $100K!

Being Thrifty is the Key

If you aim to conserve money, the best way to make most of your pieces is from thrift stores and places with other hidden gems. You need to pay attention if you want to find good deals.

The woman in this video took the time with her family to find all the right items for their barndominium, and they did most of the hard work themselves.

If you are trying to build a barndominium for 100K, look to this woman as an example. She took the time to create a beautiful living space that did not break the bank.

Conclusion

It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself.

You will need to find the right piece of land to erect your barndominium. You will also likely need to draw up your floor plan and let that be your guide. Just make sure you can put the time and effort into building your barndominium the right way, not just the cheapest way.

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Build A Barndominium For $100,000? ›

Conclusion. It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 100k? ›

Crafting a Barndominium on a $100k Budget

To answer the title right out of the gate, A small one, With a budget of only $100k assuming you have property cleared prepped and ready you would most likely be looking at a 1000sqft barndominium or depending on the material you use maybe a sub 1000sqft dwelling.

What's the cheapest you can build a barndominium? ›

The cost to build a barndominium is $65 to $160 per square foot or $130,000 to $320,000 on average for a 2,000 SF home. Barndominium prices depend on the size, materials, and interior finishes chosen. Barndominium kit prices are $20 to $35 per square foot for materials only.

Can you build a house with $100k? ›

With the average house costing more than $300,000 in the U.S., it's not surprising that more and more people are choosing smaller homes. Housing prices are only expected to continue soaring, according to Zillow, so many are wondering if it's possible to build a house for just $100k. Yes, this is a possibility!

How big of a barndominium can I build for 200K? ›

How big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

Is it cheaper to build a barndominium or a house? ›

The most common estimate asserts that a new barndominium with basic amenities will cost about $30 to $40 per square foot to build, compared to the cost of building a traditional home is around $100 to $200 per square foot.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What do I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

Do barndominiums hold their value? ›

Barndominiums normally retain their resale value and may even increase in value gradually, although more slowly than a standard home. However, these homes are still rare in some parts of the country, and it may be challenging to get an accurate appraisal in an area where there are few.

How much house can I afford if I make $36,000 a year? ›

On a salary of $36,000 per year, you can afford a house priced around $100,000-$110,000 with a monthly payment of just over $1,000. This assumes you have no other debts you're paying off, but also that you haven't been able to save much for a down payment.

How much down payment for a 100K house? ›

Down Payment: Unless you are able to obtain a 0% down payment loan, you'll need some money to afford the down payment on a 100K mortgage loan. The average down payment on a home is 13%, as per the National Association of Realtors®. This works out to $13,000 on a $100,000 home.

How expensive can your house be if you make 100K? ›

Using my rough estimates and plugging in the factors mentioned above, someone with a $100k salary should look for a home between $320,000 – $400,000.

What is the lifespan of a barndominium? ›

Longevity: Although they may not last as long as traditional homes, a well-maintained barndominium can provide comfortable living for around 50 years. 5. Durability: Barndominiums are built to withstand the elements, ensuring they remain sturdy and reliable over the years.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 300k? ›

Written by HomeAdvisor. Barndominiums cost between $120,000 and $540,000, with an average 2,400-square-foot barndominium costing $300,000 to build. The total cost to build a barndominium can vary significantly depending on the size, how much of the work you do yourself, and the finishes you choose.

How to build a barndominium on a budget? ›

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Barndominium Build.
  1. Be strategic about where you put your framed openings: ...
  2. Use concrete floors. ...
  3. DIY finish work (Stairs, Barn Doors, Light Fixture Installation) ...
  4. Ask for “builder grade”/“build program” or scour the remnant yard for countertops.

How many square feet is 40x60 barndominium? ›

Just like a traditional home, a barndominium floor plan can be made to be any size and customized to your specifications. However, there are sizes that are more common for barndos: 40x30 (1200 square foot) 40x60 (2400 square foot)

What is a good size barndominium? ›

Sweet Spot – Plan for 1,200 – 2,500 feet blending unused volume with practical livability covering one story. This easily accommodates 2-3 bedrooms including a master suite with spa bath, great room gathering areas, kitchen, dining room, office, utility room and ample storage.

How much does it cost to build a barndominium in OK? ›

1. Land Costs: Land prices in Oklahoma vary widely but can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per acre in rural areas, while suburban or urban areas may be more expensive. 2. Construction Costs: On average, construction costs for a basic barndominium can range from $50 to $150 per square foot.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 6218

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.