What is a barndominium?

A barndominium is typically a barn that a builder has converted into an all-purpose home and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to "barndo." Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal. Builders construct barndominiums so that the outer walls bear the building's load, giving barndominium homes a flexible interior space that homeowners can use in several ways.

What are the pros and cons of barndominiums?

The appeal of a barndominium is the ability to customize the interior space. Because they're typically large buildings with flexible interiors, homeowners can use barndominiums creatively to accommodate activities that traditional homes might not. However, depending on where you live, it might be difficult to get financing or building approval for a barndo. Before you buy or build one, consider these advantages and drawbacks.

Barndominium pros

• Open floor plans: Once you've built the shell, you can divide the interior space however you want.
• High ceilings: Even if you add a loft or second floor, barndominium structures are well-suited to high-ceiling designs.
• Customization: Because the original intent for barndos was to be large, mixed-use spaces, you can put almost anything inside them.
• Durability and maintenance: The metal construction typical of barndo kits may be weather-resistant, low maintenance, long-lasting, and helps keep out bugs.
• Efficiency and incentives: Barndominiums often use high-efficiency designs to save on heating and cooling bills and may also qualify for federal energy efficiency incentives.

Barndominium cons

• Location restrictions: Mixed-use barndominiums may be challenging to zone and to obtain a permit in developed areas and may involve a home inspection from your city.
• Curb appeal: Converted barns retain a lot of their rustic charm, but kit-based barndos may be unattractive to look at unless you spend money upgrading the exterior.
• Cost and financing: Not all lenders will finance non-traditional homes due to structural concerns, zoning challenges, and an inability to obtain an accurate appraisal and valuation.
• Finding insurance: It may be more difficult to find insurers who cover barndominiums.

Do you need insurance for barndominiums?

Insurance for barndominiums isn't required by state law, but a policy may offer important coverage against damage to your barndo's structure and your personal belongings as well as injuries to visitors. According to Barndominium.org, not all insurers cover barndos, especially if they're mixed-use instead of residential only.

Should you consider living in a barndominium?

It depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. A barndominium can be a great fit for homeowners seeking an open, customizable space and a unique, rustic aesthetic. However, you may have difficulty financing, insuring, and selling the property.