Are Barndominiums Cheaper Than Traditional Home Construction?

Let’s cut straight to the chase.

The truth is, Barndominiums can be less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes. However, for most modern homeowners, the cost comes out to be roughly the same—something that may come as a surprise to prospective home builders.

This is especially shocking when you consider the swarm of social media posts and internet articles featuring rustic barndominiums in PA, MD, NJ, VA, and DE—soaring ceilings, cozy porches, and all—claiming barndominiums are the ultimate budget hack for getting your dream home.

But the reality is, custom barndominiums are built just like any other home. As such, they carry comparable costs for bringing them up to code and fitting them with modern amenities. 

However, while barndominiums aren’t necessarily cheaper in the long run, they can still be an excellent choice for the right family. Plus, with a few building tweaks, they can free up a portion of your budget for further customization—something we’ll break down now.

What Exactly Is a Barndominium?

The barndominium (or “barndo” for those in the know) started as a practical, no-frills building—basically a glorified pole barn.

These structures were originally built with large posts stuck into the ground around the periphery of the building (a technique called post-frame construction). Then, they were fitted with a concrete floor, metal siding, a metal roof, and maybe a few rooms thrown in.

The result was bare bones, affordable, and a little bit more like living in a barn than TikTok and Instagram would have you believe. However, these structures were certainly affordable, and for the right homeowner, a great solution for living quarters on a tighter budget.

How Does the Modern Barndominium Differ from the Original Pole Barns?

These days, barndominium builders have transformed that basic box into a highly customizable home featuring timber frame porches, open layouts, high ceilings, and the exposed interior rafters Barndominiums are known for. 

In other words, the goal these days isn’t necessarily saving money—rather, it’s about creating a lifestyle and aesthetic that matches the buyer’s disposition.

Particularly those interested in:

• The unique, rustic look characteristic of barndominiums
• Wide-open floor plans, layouts, and high ceilings
• Multi-generational living spaces with separate living quarters
• Dual-purpose homes featuring workshops, stables, barns, and more

Why Aren’t Barndominiums Cheaper Anymore?

There are two major reasons barndominiums are no longer the answer to hardcore frugal living.

1. Foundations and Framing: 

One of the major cost savers for barndominiums of the past was not needing a traditional foundation, as posts were set directly into the ground (and still are for some agricultural and commercial buildings).

However, to secure home financing these days, barndominiums are being built with traditional stick framing and foundations—a requirement by the bank and a boon to your long-term investment. 

There is one caveat, however: depending on building practices, you may be able to free up a bit of your budget for further customizations. 

From Kevin Weaver, a man with 35 years experience in post-frame construction and founder of Tristate Buildings:

“If we go with Permacolumn posts (concrete posts in the ground), there will be no wood in the ground, and the overall cost will be cheaper than traditional continuous foundations—freeing up a portion of the budget for other areas of your build.”

2. Owner Customizations:

With the popularity of barndominiums on the rise, homeowners aren’t looking to reside in barns. 

In fact, one of the best aspects of barndominiums is how customizable they are—vaulted ceilings, expansive living spaces, workshops, wrap-around porches, etc., can all be built into your design easily.

Do Barndominiums Hold Their Value Like Traditional Homes?

Yes—when they’re built right. 

Since most modern custom barndominiums use standard foundations and stick framing, appraisers and buyers tend to view them much like traditional homes. In fact, their unique styles can make them even more appealing in certain markets—giving you a great living space today and a solid long-term investment for the future.

So, Why Build a Barndominium Instead of a Traditional Home?

If the price tag ends up being about the same, why not just go with a regular house? 

Well, here’s where Barndos shine—and why they might be the perfect home for you. 

• Open Layouts: Barndominiums make it easy to design open, flexible living spaces. So if you’re interested in a living room, kitchen, and dining area all in one massive open space, Barndos deliver.
• Rustic Style: This is probably the biggest reason homeowners choose barndominiums—the look. And with exposed beams, metal siding, and timber porches, your custom barndo is sure to stand out.
• Flexible Building Types: Workshops, garages, or even barns and stables can be seamlessly built into your living structure—perfect if you work from home.
• Multi-generational Living: Similar to the above, the sprawling layouts of barndominiums make it easy to integrate additional living quarters—or even two houses separated by a garage—into one.

How Much Does it Really Cost to Build a Barndominium?

The cost of building a barndominium is driven by what you put in it—materials, finishes, and the quality of the labor building your home.

To get you started, check out Tristate’s Barndominium page. There you’ll find our favorite layouts with price points and expectations for each. If after having a look you’re interested in a free initial consultation and quote, just reach out—here’s why.

Because after more than thirty-five years, the Tristate crew is still passionate about getting homeowners their dream home. Our team is committed to your total satisfaction, quality craftsmanship, and overcommunicating with you at every step of your new home build. And by choosing Tristate, every aspect of your home is backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty.

So don’t put off your dream any longer. Check out our favorite barndos and then get your free quote today.

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