Open-Concept Barndominium Plans, Floor Plans & Designs

What are the cost considerations to build a barndominium?

When building a barndominium house plan, there are several cost considerations to keep in mind.

• Location: Land prices can vary depending on the location, so where you decide to build will have an impact on your overall expenses.

• Size: The size of your home is another important factor. Larger homes require more materials and labor, which increases costs.

• Design: The design and layout also matter. Simple, open floor plans are usually more affordable, while complex designs or unique features can make the project more expensive because they need extra materials, specialized workers, and more time to build.

• Finishes: Your choice of finishes (like flooring, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures) can significantly affect your budget. High-end or luxury materials will cost more, while standard or locally sourced options can help you save money.

How are barndominiums different from traditional house plans?

Barndominiums are different from traditional house plans because of their simple, open-concept layouts and efficient use of space.

Instead of lots of small rooms, you get a wide-open area that’s easy to customize for your needs. Their straightforward footprints make them builder-friendly and easy to maintain, while still offering plenty of style and comfort.

What are the pros and cons of building a barndominium?

Pros:

• Easy to build: They are (typically) builder-friendly thanks to their simple footprints
• Versatile: They offer versatility with big garages and workshops
• Flexible Interiors: Bright and open layouts open up all kinds of possibilities
• Low Maintenance: With uncomplicated footprints and fewer materials, these plans are usually low maintenance compared to more complicated design styles

Cons:

• Financing Issues: These popular plans are still not as mainstream as more traditional designs; therefore, you might discover that local builders, loan officers, and other professionals aren’t familiar with barndo homes.
• Limited Aesthetic Options: If you prefer a more traditional design, you may find barndominium house plans too limited in style, since they have a simple, rustic, boxy look

Love the look of traditional metal-framed barndominium house plans? We asked architect David Wiggins (one of our home design partners) about the pros and cons of metal-framed barndos (see next two FAQs!)

What are the pros of metal-framed barndominium house plans?

• 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-framed barndominium house plans?

• Lack of availability of skilled trades familiar with this type of construction
• Serviceability after market – hanging anything on metal framing requires special fasteners (i.e., 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

Learn more about this topic with this blog post: Metal Framing vs. Wood: What to Consider When Building a Home

What are the best barndominium house plans for retirees?

Looking to downsize? Building on a budget? Check out our smaller barndominium design options. Thanks to their simple layout, these plans are ideal for first-time homebuyers or empty-nesters seeking a smaller, more manageable space. Look for charming curb appeal and smart features like open-concept layouts and vaulted ceilings to make them feel bigger than they are.

One-story barndominium plans (sometimes called ranch barndominiums) are another option to consider, as they're usually small or medium-sized and present minimal stairs. Note: We also offer larger single-story options with up to five bedrooms if you need more space.

Why choose a two-story barndominium house plan?

Two-story barndominium house plans are best if you want more space or if your lot is narrow. These designs often include lofts, which can be used as a playroom, office, or extra living space. Two-story layouts can also be appreciated by homeowners who desire a clear separation of spaces, i.e. where bedrooms are situated upstairs, away from the main living areas.

Which barndominium house plans offer the most flexibility in terms of space?

Look for barndominium designs that offer basements or optional bonus rooms, both of which can usually be finished at a later date should more space be necessary for a growing family or something else life throws at you, e.g. a grown child needing to move back home for a period of time, or an elderly parent or in-law requiring housing.

Why choose a barndominium plan with a shop?

Barndominium plans that feature attached garages or shops – or both for maximum versatility – work best for car/gadget enthusiasts, or anyone requiring maximum storage or a spacious workshop.

Other Sources for All Things Barndominium

Barndominium.org (Barndominium.org is an affiliate partner of Houseplans)

Helpful Links:

Houseplans FAQ