Idaho Barndominiums

Exploring Barndominiums: A Trendy Housing Option

If you're considering building a house or just intrigued by innovative housing concepts, you might have stumbled upon barndominiums – trendy structures that blend the rustic appeal of barns with the comfort of modern homes.

What is a Barndominium?

Originally, "barndominium" referred to barns converted into living spaces. Today, the term encompasses any standalone, barn-shaped structure transformed into a home, regardless of its original purpose. They typically have a metal exterior like a traditional barn. However, inside, they are often finished like a modern home with living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. While it is still popular to turn old barns into bardominums, most you will come across today were purpose built to be homes. Barndos come in various forms, ranging from multi-room houses to open-floor layouts, workshops, or garages. They typically boast high ceilings, spacious interiors, and large windows, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

One of the appealing aspects of barndominiums is their versatility. They can be customized to suit various needs and preferences, from simple, rustic designs to more luxurious and contemporary styles.

Cost Considerations

The cost of building a barndominium varies depending on factors such as location, size, materials, and labor. Building one can often be more cost-effective compared to constructing a traditional home of similar size. This is because the shell of the structure is typically less expensive to build, especially in areas where traditional housing costs are high. It is much more popular to buy land and build your own bardominium to see the greatest cost savings. However, I would not always consider bardomiums to be an inexpensive housing solution as the cost of land, building materials, and labor all still need to be considered.

Pros and Cons

Barndominiums have garnered both praise and criticism. Enthusiasts appreciate their unique aesthetic and versatility, particularly in rural areas where homeowners desire ample living space along with workshop or storage areas. Barndominiums tend to offer a lot of open space, thanks to their barn-like structure. This can make them ideal for large families or individuals who desire plenty of room for living and entertaining. Homeowners can personalize their building to a high degree, choosing everything from the layout of the living spaces to the types of finishes and fixtures used. They are especially popular in rural settings, where the barn aesthetic blends well with the surrounding landscape.

While barndominiums offer appealing features, they also come with notable drawbacks. Firstly, securing financing for such a unique property can be challenging, as many lenders may not be familiar with this housing type, leading less financing options. Additionally, navigating zoning laws and building codes can pose obstacles, with some areas prohibiting or imposing strict requirements on barndominium construction, adding complexity and potential costs. Resale value uncertainty is another consideration, as the market for barndominiums may vary depending on location and buyer preferences.