In the contemporary world of real estate, there’s a compelling trend that’s gaining significant traction — barndominiums. These unique structures, often referred to as ‘barndos,’ are an exciting blend of barns and condominiums. This article extensively explores barndominiums, highlighting what they are, the materials used to construct them, their pros and cons, and other vital aspects.
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium, often shortened to ‘barndo,’ is a modern residential structure that’s creatively designed to combine elements of a barn and a condominium. Typically, these buildings incorporate a living area that’s either partially or fully converted into a furnished home. The design of a barndominium can vary, ranging from a complete transformation into a full home where the entire interior constitutes a living area, to partial conversions where some space is used for other purposes like a workshop or garage.
The Origin of Barndominiums
The idea of combining a home with a barn isn’t new. This concept has existed for hundreds of years, with homes in the past often being an extension of the farm. However, the term ‘barndominium’ is relatively recent, first surfacing in 1989. Karl Nilsen, a real estate developer, coined the term while creating planned communities around the theme of horse rearing. Despite his project not taking off as expected, the idea of a modern home incorporating living quarters for both humans and animals began to take root and has evolved over the years.
The Unique Structure of Barndominiums
Barndominiums are commonly large, open buildings constructed from a steel frame and sheet metal siding. Their expansive nature gives them a warehouse-like appearance. The interior living space is typically built around and above a modern, sizeable open area. Barndominiums incorporate essential comforts and amenities present in many modern homes, making them a captivating choice for homeowners desiring a cost-effective and flexible living space.
The Materials Used in Constructing Barndominiums
When it comes to the construction of barndominiums, two primary materials are commonly used — metal and wood. The choice between these materials often hinges on the homeowner’s preferences, the local building codes and climate, and the available budget.
Metal Barndominiums
Metal, usually steel, is a popular material for constructing barndominiums. It’s chosen for its cost-effectiveness, durability, and low maintenance. The metal framework skeleton, typically made from structural steel, supports waterproof steel siding and roofing. These steel structures are highly durable, immune to pests, and provide excellent security. However, they can be noisy during rainfall and require more thermal insulation than wooden structures.
Wooden Barndominiums
Wooden barndominiums offer a more traditional look and feel. These structures are good at insulating against heat loss and controlling external noise. However, they require regular maintenance, are more prone to pest infestations, and degrade over time due to weathering and insect attacks.
Ultimately, the choice between steel and wood for a barndominium depends on the homeowner’s preferences, budget, and the local building regulations.
Pros and Cons of Barndominiums
Like any other type of home, barndominiums come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Barndominiums
- Customizable Interior: Barndominiums offer an open floor plan, providing homeowners the flexibility to design the interior based on their needs and preferences.
- Energy Efficiency: Barndominiums are generally energy-efficient, especially those built with steel frames and well-insulated walls and roofs.
- Durability: With robust materials like steel, barndominiums are highly durable, resistant to extreme weather conditions, pests, and even fire.
- Cost-Effective: The construction cost of a barndominium is usually lower than that of a conventional home, making it an affordable housing option.
Disadvantages of Barndominiums
- Location Restrictions: In certain areas, zoning regulations and building codes might restrict the construction of barndominiums.
- Financing Challenges: Some lenders might not finance non-traditional homes like barndominiums.
- Sound Transmission: Metal barndominiums can transmit external noise, such as rain hitting the metal roof. However, this can be mitigated with proper insulation.
The Cost of Building a Barndominium
The cost of constructing a barndominium varies widely, depending on the size, design, and materials used. On average, a barndominium can cost between $70 to $125 per square foot. This cost includes the building materials, labor, and other construction-related expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, barndominiums offer a unique, affordable, and flexible housing solution. They provide ample space for both living and working and can be customized to suit the homeowner’s needs and preferences. While they do have some disadvantages, the benefits they offer make them an option worth considering for anyone looking for a unique and versatile living space.