Barndominiums
An architectural style of homebuilding influenced by modern barn-style homes,
creating a unique and highly adaptable living space.
What is a barndominium?
A barndominium is a versatile style of home that blends the durability of a barn-inspired structure with the comfort and functionality of a modern residence. Often referred to as barndominiums, these homes can be built using steel or traditional wood framing and feature open-concept floor plans, high ceilings, and flexible living spaces. While some barndominiums resemble classic barns with metal siding and simple rooflines, others look like modern farmhouses or contemporary homes, proving there is no single “barndo” style. Known for their cost efficiency, design flexibility, and structural strength, barndominiums have become a popular housing option for homeowners seeking customizable, durable, and affordable homes across rural and suburban markets.
Learn about barndos
Barndominiums offer flexibility that traditional homes simply can’t match.
Most barndos are designed with steel or post-frame construction, meaning interior walls are typically non-load-bearing. This allows buyers to easily customize layouts, adjust room sizes, or repurpose spaces over time without major structural changes—perfect for growing families or evolving lifestyles.
They can be more energy-efficient than many conventional homes.
When properly engineered, barndominiums often feature superior insulation systems, tighter building envelopes, and fewer thermal breaks. These design advantages help reduce heating and cooling costs while improving year-round comfort, especially in larger open-concept floor plans.
Barndominiums excel at combining living and working space.
Unlike many traditional homes, barndos are well-suited for mixed-use living—such as attached shops, garages, storage areas, or home offices—all under one roof. In many rural and semi-rural areas, this flexibility is easier to permit, making barndominiums an ideal solution for homeowners who want both function and freedom in a single, efficient design.
Learn about floor plans
Floor plans can be challenging to read at first. Let us explain how to read a floor plan.
Barndominium floor plans
A barndominium floor plan is a scaled drawing that shows how living space, garages, and workshops are organized within a single structure. By reviewing room labels, building dimensions, wall types, and traffic flow, you can understand how a barndominium plan functions before construction begins. Learning how to read barndominium floor plans helps you compare layouts, evaluate shop-to-living ratios, and choose the right barndominium design or kit for your property and lifestyle.
Floor plans include:
Front, rear and side elevations
Floor plans with measurements
Roof design
Electrical plan
Plumbing plan
One-time build license
3D Renderings offer a realistic view of the design
3D renderings allow you to visualize your barndominium before construction begins, helping you better understand the home’s layout, exterior style, and overall design. While 3D renderings are not exact representations of the finished build, they highlight key architectural features, materials, and proportions so you can confidently evaluate barndominium floor plans and make informed decisions before building.
3D renderings include:
Front, rear and side elevations
Steps to reading a barndominium floor plan
1. Check the Overall Footprint
Barndominium plans often feature a large rectangular or square footprint to maximize efficiency with steel or post-frame construction. Start by reviewing the total square footage and building dimensions to see how much space is dedicated to living areas versus garages, workshops, or storage.
2. Identify Living Space vs. Shop or Garage Areas
Unlike traditional homes, barndominium floor plans clearly separate conditioned living space from non-conditioned areas such as:
- Workshops
- RV or equipment storage
- Oversized garages
These areas are usually labeled and outlined to help you understand how the structure is divided.
3. Read Room Labels and Dimensions
Each room is labeled with its name and often its square footage. Pay close attention to:
- Great rooms and open-concept layouts and vaulted ceilings
- Kitchen and dining placement
- Bedroom locations for privacy
- Utility and mudroom access from garages or shops
This helps you visualize daily use and workflow.
4. Understand Wall Types and Structure
Barndominium plans may show fewer interior load-bearing walls, especially in steel-framed designs. Thicker lines usually indicate exterior or structural walls, while thinner lines show interior partitions. This flexibility allows for wide-open living spaces and easier future modifications.
5. Follow Traffic Flow and Access Points
Look at how people move through the home:
- Entry points from porches or garages
- Connections between kitchen, great room, and outdoor spaces
- Direct access from shop or garage to utility rooms
Efficient flow is a key advantage of barndominium layouts.
6. Review Ceiling Heights and Open Spaces
Many barndominium floor plans include notes for vaulted ceilings, lofts, or second-level spaces. These details help you understand volume and openness, not just square footage.
7. Note Expansion and Customization Potential
Barndominium plans are often designed with flexibility in mind. Open shop areas, large spans, and simple footprints make it easier to:
- Add bedrooms or offices later
- Convert shop space into living space
Customize layouts for steel or wood framing systems
