Barndominium Plans with Lofts

What are the key characteristics of barndominium house plans with lofts?

Barndominium house plans with lofts are known for their open and tall living spaces. The loft adds extra room that can be used for many purposes. This design keeps the space feeling bright and roomy.

Here are some key characteristics of barndominium house plans with lofts:

• Bright, open floor plans
• Vaulted ceilings
• Rustic design elements (like barn doors, wood framing, etc.)
• Porches (including wraparound porches)
• Usually simple, rectangular footprints
• Versatile lofts

What are the typical cost considerations for building a barndominium house plan with a loft?

The cost considerations for building a barndominium house with a loft vary widely. Some cost considerations include:

• Size of the plan - generally, bigger designs cost more to build, though they may be more efficient on a cost-per-square-foot basis

• Location - are you building on the coast, in a high-cost-of-living area? You may also need to budget for engineering services, depending on the requirements of your local jurisdiction.

• Design complexity - fewer details (like bumpouts, turrets, complicated rooflines) equals lower costs

• Labor and construction: Labor rates vary by region, and complex builds or custom details can increase the overall cost.

• Materials and finishes - are you going upscale or keeping it basic? Expect to pay more for items like a metal roof or ultra-premium wood flooring. But it may well be worth it to you.

• Pre-construction expenses - these can include items like permits and site preparation.

Can I customize a barndominium house plan with a loft to fit my needs?

You sure can! Check out our modification guide. Depending on what customizations you want, we can either update the current plan or redraw it completely. Our team of experts and designers can help you with these changes. Common modification requests include:

• Changing windows or doors
• Adjusting ceiling height
• Making the home bigger or smaller
• Moving rooms around
• Adding or removing garage spaces
• Changing outdoor areas
• Switching materials
• Simplifying the plan to fit your budget by reducing size or complexity

How does the cost of a barndominium with a loft compare to a traditional two-story home?

According to Bob Villa, a traditional home typically costs more to build than a barndominium since "the construction process for traditional houses typically involves more intricate architectural details, varied materials, and complex designs," which takes longer to build and thus requires more labor.

They also state that, "The straightforward design of barndos can lead to quicker construction timelines, ultimately helping homeowners save on labor costs. It’s important to note that the cost differences between barndominiums and traditional homes can vary depending on the specifics of the project."

Keep in mind, things like location, how big the plan is, how much you want to customize it, and what materials you pick can all affect the total cost.

For more info, check out this blog: Is It Cheaper to Build a House or a Barndominium?

What are the best building materials for constructing a barndominium loft space?

Many of our barndominium house plans with lofts use traditional wood framing, while some include metal framing. We spoke with architect David Wiggins, one of our home design partners, and here's his insight on the topic:

What are the pros of metal framing?

• Fire-resistant
• Members are perfectly true and straight
• Rot and insect resistant
• Resistance to damage from high winds and other environmental factors
• Ability to achieve longer spans with smaller members

What are the cons of metal framing?

• Lack of availability of skilled trades familiar with this type of construction
• Serviceability after market – hanging anything on metal framing requires special fasteners (ie: interior furnishings and fixtures/lighting, etc.).
• Currently, more expensive upfront than lumber – 20% or more
• Not a good insulator
• It is an electrical conductor
• Can rust if not maintained

What are the pros of wood framing?

• Readily available
• Labor market is more familiar with working with wood
• Versatility in shaping, modifying, connecting, and adapting
• Good insulator
• Not an electrical conductor
• Easier to modify/renovate post-market

What are the cons of wood framing?

• Subject to rot, decay, and insects
• Tends to warp or split
• Structurally less reliable, limited to shorter spans
• Requires more long-term maintenance than steel

What are the main differences between metal framing and wood framing?

• Upfront costs vs. long-term life cycle costs
• Structural capabilities
• Resistance to certain weather conditions
• Labor force with experience working with materials
• Availability

What regions does metal framing work best in?

• Coastal areas are subject to extreme weather/winds/hurricanes
• Seismic areas dealing with earthquakes and unstable terrain
• Fire-prone areas
• Areas with high humidity

What regions does wood framing work best in?

• Mild climates with low humidity
• Rural areas where trade skills are limited
• Areas with higher availability of lumber
• Areas not prone to high seismic activity
• Colder climates

Why are these both great options for barndominiums?

• Metal framing is a great solution for a barndominium due to its ability to achieve longer spans, resist extreme weather conditions, and provide more precise construction tolerances.

• Wood framing is a great choice for a barndominium in mild rural climates where labor markets are less skilled, and lumber is highly available.

Interested in learning more? Check out this cool blog about metal vs wood framing.

Are barndominium house plans with lofts suitable for small lots or rural properties?

Barndominium house plans with lofts are a great fit for small lots and rural properties. The loft gives you extra living space without taking up more land, making the most of your square footage.

It also gives you room for bedrooms or a home office above the main area, so your home feels bigger and more open. In rural settings, barndominium house plans with lofts blend perfectly with the surroundings and can include features like workshops or big windows for lots of natural light.

Whether you need a cozy space on a small lot or want flexible living in the country, barndominium house plans with lofts offer an efficient (and stylish) solution.

What are the most popular layout options for barndominiums with open loft designs?

Barndominiums with open loft designs showcase roomy, flexible layouts. Most feature a big, open living area on the main floor with high ceilings, letting in plenty of light. The loft above often serves as an extra bedroom, a home office, or a lounge space. The loft usually overlooks the main living area to keep things connected and bright. Many designs also feature large windows, covered porches, and bonus rooms, creating a comfortable home that's easy to customize.

Can a barndominium loft be used as a bedroom, office, or bonus space?

A loft is a flexible space that can be used as a bedroom, an office, or a bonus space. Whether you want an extra spot for guests, a quiet work area, or somewhere for hobbies or movie nights, a loft gives you plenty of options. You can easily adjust how you use the space as your needs change over time.

Are there barndominium plans with lofts under 1,500 square feet for smaller budgets?

Of course! We have many barndominiums with lofts under 1,500 square feet. These plans usually feature an open floor plan with high ceilings and a loft that can be used as a bedroom, office, or extra space. Note that sometimes the loft area is considered bonus space and is not included in the totals – look carefully on the plan detail page or give us a call to discuss.

These homes often feel bigger than they are because of their open, airy layouts. Many also include a garage, a workshop, or even a wraparound porch. For maximum affordability, look for small plans with simple footprints and minimal interior walls.

More Helpful Links

• Houseplans FAQ
• Houseplans Modification FAQ
• Houseplans Cost to Build FAQ