How to Build a Small Barndominium on a Budget: Tips and Tricks (2024)

Today, we are going to discuss small barndominiums and the benefits of building one on a budget. Small barndominiums are becoming more and more popular due to their unique design, affordability, and versatility. They can be used as your main house, a vacation home, or even as a home-based business. Additionally, they can be customized to fit your specific needs and style preferences. Below, I am going to give you some tips and strategies to help you create a cost-effective and comfortable small barndominium that meets your needs and fits your budget.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Small Barndominium

Let’s talk about the breakdown of construction costs for a small barndominium. How much it cost to build a small barndominium will vary depending on factors such as location, size, materials, and labor costs.

Here’s a general breakdown of the cost of a barndominium:

• Land purchase: This can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the location and size of the land.
• Materials: This includes the cost of the metal building, insulation, roofing, windows, doors, fixtures, and finishes. This can range from $50 to $100 per square foot.
• Labor: This includes the cost of hiring contractors or doing the work yourself. Labor costs can range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the location and expertise of the contractor.
• Permits and fees: This includes the cost of obtaining building permits and other fees associated with building a small barndominium. This can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Now let’s talk about all the things to consider when building that will lower your barndominium cost.

Small Barndominium Interiors

Designing the interior of your small barndominium is an important part of the building process. A well-designed interior can enhance the livability and functionality of your space. Here are some tips and strategies for creating a functional and efficient small barndominium interior:

Open-Concept Living Spaces

Open-concept living spaces are a popular design choice for small barndominiums. Open-concept designs create a feeling of spaciousness and flexibility, which is important in small spaces. Some benefits of open-concept designs include:

• Increased natural light: Open-concept designs allow natural light to flow freely throughout the space, which can make the space feel larger and more welcoming.
• Flexibility: Open-concept designs allow you to create different functional zones within the same space. For example, you can create a living area, dining area, and kitchen area within the same space.
• Better social interaction: Open-concept designs promote social interaction by allowing people to move freely throughout the space and engage in different activities.

Creating Functional Zones within Open Spaces

Creating functional zones within open spaces is important for maximizing the functionality and livability of your small barndominium. Some ways to create functional zones within open spaces include:

• Using area rugs: Area rugs can define different zones within an open space, such as a living area or dining area.
• Using furniture: Furniture can also define different zones within an open space. For example, you can use a sofa to create a living area or a dining table to create a dining area.
• Using lighting: Lighting can also be used to define different zones within an open space. For example, you can use pendant lighting over a dining table or a floor lamp in a reading area.

Space-Saving Furniture and Storage Solutions

Maximizing storage in a small barndominium is crucial for keeping the space organized and clutter-free. Here are some tips and strategies for incorporating space-saving furniture and storage solutions in your small barndominium:

Multi-Functional Furniture

Using multi-functional furniture is a great way to save space in a small barndominium. Some examples of multi-functional furniture include:

• Sofa beds: Sofa beds can serve as both a seating area and a guest bed.
• Storage ottomans: Storage ottomans can serve as both a seating area and storage for blankets, pillows, or other small items.
• Foldable tables and chairs: Foldable tables and chairs can be stored away when not in use, which can save space in the living area.

Built-In Storage

Built-in storage is another great way to maximize storage in a small barndominium. Some examples of built-in storage include:

• Built-in shelves: Built-in shelves can be used for storing books, decorative items, or kitchen supplies.
• Built-in cabinets: Built-in cabinets can be used for storing clothing, bedding, or kitchen supplies.
• Built-in drawers: Built-in drawers can be used for storing smaller items, such as utensils or office supplies.

Vertical Storage Options

Using vertical storage options can also help you maximize storage in a small barndominium. Some examples of vertical storage options include:

• Wall-mounted shelves: Wall-mounted shelves can be used for storing decorative items, books, or kitchen supplies.
• Over-the-door storage: Over-the-door storage can be used for storing shoes, clothing, or accessories.
• Ceiling-mounted storage: Ceiling-mounted storage can be used for storing bicycles, sporting equipment, or seasonal items.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Options

Incorporating energy-efficient and renewable energy options in a small barndominium can help you save money on energy costs and reduce your environmental footprint. Here are some tips and strategies for incorporating energy-efficient and renewable energy options in your small barndominium:

Energy-Efficient Windows, Doors, Insulation, and HVAC Systems

Using energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC systems can help you save money on heating and cooling costs. Here are some energy-efficient options to consider:

• Windows: Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce heat transfer and air leakage, which can help you save money on heating and cooling costs.
• Doors: Energy-efficient doors are designed to reduce air leakage and drafts, which can help you save money on heating and cooling costs.
• Insulation: Proper insulation can help you maintain indoor temperature levels and reduce heating and cooling costs.
• HVAC Systems: Energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as heat pumps or geothermal systems, can help you save money on heating and cooling costs.

Renewable Energy Options, such as Solar Panels or Geothermal Systems

Using renewable energy options, such as solar panels or geothermal systems, can help you reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and lower your environmental footprint. Here are some renewable energy options to consider:

• Solar panels: Solar panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, which can help you power your small barndominium while reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources.
• Geothermal systems: Geothermal systems use the earth’s natural heat to heat and cool your small barndominium, which can help you save money on heating and cooling costs while reducing your environmental footprint.

Use Small Barndominium Kits and DIY When Possible

Using small barndominium kits and DIY projects can help you save money on construction costs. Here are some benefits of using small barndominium kits and DIY projects in your small barndominium:

Benefits of Small Barndominium Kits

Using small barndominium kits can help you save time and money on the construction process. Some benefits of using small barndominium kits include:

• Pre-designed floor plans: Small barndominium kits come with pre-designed floor plans, which can save you time and money on the design process.
• Materials included: Small barndominium kits often include all the necessary materials for construction, which can save you money on material costs and reduce the risk of material waste.
• Simplified construction process: Small barndominium kits often come with detailed instructions and support, which can simplify the construction process and reduce the risk of errors.

Save on Labor Costs with DIY Projects

Obviously, building a barndominium yourself will save the most money. But if that is not the route you are planning on taking, using DIY projects can also help you save money on construction costs. Some DIY projects to consider include:

• Painting: Painting your small barndominium yourself can save you money on labor costs and give you more control over the color and finish.
• Flooring: Installing flooring yourself can save you money on labor costs and give you more control over the type and quality of flooring.
• Landscaping: Doing your own landscaping can save you money on labor costs and give you more control over the design and maintenance of your outdoor space.

Shop Around for Subcontractors and Bundle Utilities and Services

Shopping around for subcontractors and bundling utilities and services can help you save money on construction costs. Here are some tips and strategies for shopping around for subcontractors and bundling utilities and services in your small barndominium:

Obtain Multiple Quotes from Subcontractors

Obtaining multiple quotes from subcontractors can help you compare prices and choose the most cost-effective option. Some tips for obtaining multiple quotes include:

• Research: Research subcontractors in your area and ask for referrals from friends and family.
• Request quotes: Contact multiple subcontractors and request quotes for the same project specifications.
• Compare prices: Compare prices and choose the most cost-effective option that meets your needs.

Work with a Single Contractor for Multiple Aspects of Construction

Working with a single contractor for multiple aspects of construction can also help you save money on construction costs. Some benefits of working with a single contractor include:

• Reduced labor costs: Working with a single contractor can reduce labor costs because they can work on multiple aspects of construction simultaneously.
• Streamlined communication: Working with a single contractor can streamline communication and reduce the risk of miscommunication.
• Bundled services: Working with a single contractor can also help you bundle services, such as plumbing and electrical work, which can save you money on service costs.

Purchase Land Strategically and Time Your Construction Wisely

Purchasing land strategically and timing your construction wisely can help you save money on construction costs. Here are some tips and strategies for purchasing land strategically and timing your construction wisely in your small barndominium:

Affordable Land Options in Less Expensive Areas or on the Outskirts of More Developed Areas

Purchasing land in less expensive areas or on the outskirts of more developed areas can help you save money on land costs. Some tips for finding affordable land options include:

• Research: Research land options in your desired location and consider less expensive areas or areas on the outskirts of more developed areas.
• Ask for referrals: Ask for referrals from friends and family who have purchased land in the area.
• Attend auctions: Attend land auctions in your desired location to potentially find affordable land options.
• For lots more information about picking the perfect land for your build, click here.

Build During the Off-Season for Lower Costs

Building during the off-season can also help you save money on construction costs. Some benefits of building during the off-season include:

• Reduced labor costs: Building during the off-season can reduce labor costs because subcontractors may have more availability and lower rates.
• Reduced material costs: Building during the off-season can also reduce material costs because materials may be more readily available and cheaper.
• Faster construction process: Building during the off-season can also result in a faster construction process because there may be fewer competing projects.

Monitor Construction Expenses

Monitoring construction expenses is important to staying on budget and avoiding unexpected costs in your small barndominium. Here are some tips and strategies for monitoring construction expenses:

Regularly Review and Track Expenses to Stay on Budget

Regularly reviewing and tracking expenses can help you stay on budget and avoid unexpected costs. Some tips for reviewing and tracking expenses include:

• Set a budget: Set a budget for your small barndominium and break it down into categories, such as materials and labor.
• Keep receipts: Keep receipts and invoices for all expenses related to the construction process.
• Review expenses regularly: Review expenses regularly to ensure you’re staying on budget and to identify areas where you may need to cut costs.

Final Thoughts

Building a small barndominium can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to create a comfortable home. However, it is important to carefully plan and execute your project to stay on budget and avoid unexpected costs. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Choose a simple design and utilize pre-designed floor plans to save time and money.
• Monitor construction expenses to stay on budget and avoid unexpected costs.
• Source cost-effective building materials and consider using salvaged or reclaimed materials to create a unique and cost-effective space.
• Incorporate energy-efficient and renewable energy options to save money on utility costs.

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