Are Barndominiums Really Cheaper?

Is a Barndominium Really Cheaper? A 2026 Buyer’s Guide

For years, barndominiums have dominated social media feeds, real estate listings, and build-your-own-home conversations. With their tall ceilings, wide-open spaces, rustic-modern look, and flexible layouts, it’s easy to see why they’ve become one of America’s most sought-after home styles.

But there’s one question nearly every homeowner asks:

“Are barndominiums really cheaper than traditional homes?”

The answer:
Yes… sometimes. But it depends on how you build them, where you build them, and what materials you choose.

This guide breaks down the real costs so you can decide if a barndominium is the right financial choice for your family.

What People Think Makes a Barndominium Cheaper

A lot of buyers assume a barndominium automatically means cutting costs because:

• It’s metal siding instead of brick

• It’s one big open space

• It seems faster to build

• The rooflines are straightforward

• They’re often built on rural land

• You see influencers online claiming they built theirs for $150k

Some of these things were true 10–15 years ago — especially when barndominiums started in Texas using very basic metal building kits.

But today, the truth is more nuanced.

What Really Impacts Barndominium Costs

1. Metal Building vs. Post-Frame vs. 2×6 Stud Frame

Not all barndominiums are the same.

• Metal Buildings (Pre-Engineered Steel)
  Strong, durable, and can be cheaper on large clear-span buildings, but engineering and steel pricing fluctuate.

• Post-Frame Barndominiums
  Fast to build, use fewer materials, and often cheaper up front. But finishing the interior still costs the same as any home.

• 2×6 Stud Frame Barndominiums
  Look like barndos, but cost nearly the same as a traditional home.

Most families are surprised to learn:
The interior finish work is 70% of your total cost — not the shell.

Flooring, drywall, cabinets, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation…
Barndominium or not, those prices don’t change.

2. The Cost Per Square Foot Reality (2025–2026)

Across the U.S., Buckeye Plans is seeing the following averages:

• Living Space: $140–$210 per sqft

• Garages/Shops: $40–$70 per sqft

• Porches: $25–$45 per sqft

This means a “cheap” barndominium often ends up costing nearly the same as a farmhouse or ranch unless you keep the layout extremely simple.

For example:
A 2,000 sqft barndominium with a 1,500 sqft shop and big porches can quickly exceed $300k–$500k depending on finishes.

3. The Size of the Shop or Garage Changes Everything

This is where barndominiums can actually save money.

A massive garage or workshop in a traditional home is expensive.
But with post-frame or metal buildings?

• Clear spans are cheaper

• You use fewer materials

• You can get 1,000–2,000 sqft of garage for half the cost of a stick-built garage

This is why barndominiums are popular with:

• Mechanics

• Woodworkers

• Hobbyists

• Farmers

• People needing RV or boat storage

If the garage/shop is a big part of your dream — a barndominium usually is cheaper.

4. Porches Are Much Cheaper With Barndos

Barndominiums often include long, covered porches wrapped around the structure.

The cost difference?
Huge.

Because the roofline extends over the porch area without needing complex framing, porches can be built for a fraction of what they cost in a stick-built home.

This adds a ton of value without a massive price tag.

5. Your County’s Requirements Matter

Some counties require:

• Full engineered plans

• Higher wind loads

• Higher snow loads

• Structural upgrades

• Deeper footers

• Stricter insulation values

These can add thousands.

Buckeye Plans provides fully engineered barndominium plans in 47 states, and we always encourage buyers to check their county’s requirements before they finalize their design.

6. Finishes Decide the Final Price

Two barndominiums of the same size can differ by $150k+ simply because of interior finishes.

High-end kitchen
🔥 Quartz countertops
🔥 Custom cabinets
🔥 Black-on-black modern exterior
🔥 High ceilings with timber beams
🔥 Designer lighting
🔥 Stone fireplaces

All of this increases the price significantly.

If you choose simpler finishes, a barndominium can absolutely be cheaper.

So… Is a Barndominium Really Cheaper?

YES if:

• You’re building post-frame or metal.

• You want a large garage or shop.

• You choose simple layouts and finishes.

• You’re in an area with relaxed permitting.

• You don’t need a basement.

• You lean into the rectangular “barndo” footprint.
  

NO if:

• You want luxury finishes.

• You add complicated roof designs.

• You need high engineering requirements.

• You add big timber framing or stonework.

• You’re treating it like a traditional farmhouse interior with a barndominium exterior.
  

How to Keep Your Barndominium on Budget

Here are the top design strategies Buckeye Plans recommends:

1. Stick with a rectangle footprint

Cheapest to build, fastest for contractors.

2. Keep the roof simple

A basic gable roof saves thousands.

3. Avoid unnecessary interior walls

Open concept = cheaper electrical + framing.

4. Build a big shop and a smaller living area

This is where barndos offer true savings.

5. Use pre-designed barndominium plans

Custom plans cost more, and complicated layouts get expensive fast.

Barndominiums Can Be Cheaper — If Designed the Right Way

A barndominium isn’t automatically a budget home.
But when you design smart, simplify the footprint, and understand where the real costs come from… it can absolutely deliver more space for less money.

If you want help designing a barndominium that fits your budget:

👉 Buckeye Plans can design it, engineer it, quote the materials, and even help find installers.