A barndominium is a house that is built inside an old barn or in a style that resembles a barn. Barndominiums have become increasingly popular in recent years as an affordable and unique housing option. While converting a barn into a home can save money compared to building a traditional house, there are still some expensive aspects to consider. The most expensive part of building a barndominium often depends on the specific project, but the primary drivers of cost are usually the foundation, framing, and finishes.
The Foundation
For many barndominium projects, the foundation ends up being one of the most expensive components. Since an existing barn likely won’t have a foundation adequate for a residential structure, a new foundation needs to be poured. This involves excavating the ground, pouring concrete footings and walls, and backfilling around the foundation. The size, depth, and materials required for the foundation depend on the soil conditions, location, and building codes. Here are some factors that influence the cost of a barndominium’s foundation:
- Size – A larger home requires more foundation, increasing materials and labor costs.
- Site Preparation – If the ground is rocky or has uneven terrain, more site preparation is required prior to pouring the foundation.
- Frost Depth – Colder climates require deeper footings below the frost line, typically 42-48 inches.
- Foundation Type – A basic slab foundation costs less than a basement, crawlspace, or pier and beam foundation.
- Concrete and Rebar – More concrete and steel rebar raises the price.
- Retaining Walls – Retaining walls may be needed if the site has grade changes.
- Foundation Labor – Excavating, building forms, pouring concrete, and backfilling is intensive labor.
For a 2,000 square foot barndominium, the total cost for a basic foundation can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more depending on those factors. It likely represents 10-25% of the overall budget.
Structural Framing
The framing is another primary cost driver for a barndominium conversion or new construction. Framing refers to the structural lumber, posts, beams, and other elements that support the walls, floors, and roof. For a DIY builder with access to inexpensive or salvaged barn lumber, framing may be one of the more affordable components. But hiring a contractor to frame a barndominium with new materials can become expensive. Some framing considerations include:
- Lumber Prices – The cost of dimensional lumber, engineered wood, and metal framing fluctuates but has been high lately.
- Custom Framing – Complex designs require more custom-cut framing, raising labor time and costs.
- Open Span Framing – Large open areas like a great room require engineered beams across long spans.
- Interior Walls – More interior partition walls increase the amount of framing materials and time.
- Contractor Fees – Framing labor alone can cost $10-15 per square foot or more.
For a simple rectangular 2,000 square foot barndominium with a loft, estimated framing costs often land somewhere between $25,000-40,000. The portion of the total budget for framing may range from 15-25% or higher.
Exterior Finishes
One element that contributes significantly to the look and cost of a barndominium is the exterior siding and trim. Owners usually opt for a siding material that resembles that of a real barn or farmhouse. Options include traditional painted wood planks, composite barn board siding, faux stone veneer, brick, stucco, and metal panels. The material choice affects the pricing:
| Siding Material | Installed Cost per Square Foot |
| Wood Plank Siding | $6-12 |
| Composite Barn Board | $8-15 |
| Brick Veneer | $15-25 |
| Cultured Stone | $12-20 |
| Stucco | $4-9 |
| Metal Siding Panels | $6-12 |
For a 2,000 square foot barndominium, siding alone could cost $20,000 or more depending on the materials. Other exterior finish expenses include garage doors designed to look like barn doors, heavy timber beams and brackets, cupolas, and large porches or decks. Higher-end barns may also incorporate stacked stone, copper accents, and other ornate details that boost costs. The total exterior finish budget can land in the $30,000 to $60,000 range.
Interior Finishes
The interior finishes are what transforms a barndominium from a basic structure into a beautiful and functional home. Finishes include flooring, drywall, interior doors, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, lighting, countertops, tile, and paint. Interior finish costs for a full gut renovation of a 2,000 square foot barndominium often total $50,000 to $100,000 or more. The most expensive aspects include:
- Custom Cabinetry – Handcrafted kitchen and bathroom cabinets cost $1,000+ per linear foot.
- Hardwood Flooring – Durable wood species like oak cost $6-12 per square foot installed.
- High-end Appliances – Pro-style stoves, ovens, and refrigerators cost thousands each.
- Stone/Tile Finishes – Natural stone tile for baths/kitchens costs $10-25 per square foot.
- Barn Doors and Hardware – Interior barn doors with hardware cost around $1,000 each.
- Lighting Fixtures – Ornate chandeliers, pendants, and sconces cost hundreds or thousands.
Going with more affordable option for flooring, cabinets, lighting, and appliances helps lower interior finish costs. But many owners still spend 25-50% of their total budget on interior features to get the upscale farmhouse look.
Conclusion
When budgeting for a barndominium home, the foundation, structural framing, and finishes are typically the most costly components. Expect to spend roughly:
- $20,000 to $50,000 for the foundation
- $25,000 to $40,000 for framing
- $30,000 to $60,000 for exterior finishes
- $50,000 to $100,000+ for interior finishes
However, there are always ways to lower costs, such as using salvaged materials, finishing parts of the home later, or choosing lower-priced finishes. Total costs also depend heavily on the barndominium’s size, location, design, and other factors. Doing your research and understanding the key expenses in a barndominium conversion will help you plan and stay within your budget.