Barndominium Costs: How Much Does It Cost To Build A Barndominium?

Barndominiums are a hot new trend at the moment, offering a beautiful open-plan home with unique benefits. Also known as “barndos,” these properties offer open-plan living spaces and are great for those looking for unique, mixed-use designs.

Due to their unique structure, barndominiums are typically cheaper than traditional house builds. In this article, we’re going to look at common barndominium costs, including different types of construction and sizing. 

One of the most attractive parts about barndominiums is their price. The average cost to build a barndominium tends to be lower than traditional homes, making them an attractive choice for newcomers to the housing market or people looking for a more affordable option.

According to data from Angi, the average cost to build a barndominium in 2025 is $230,000. However, the final cost of your barndominium will depend on its size, location, materials, labor, and type of build. Typical barndominium prices range from $112,800 to $504,000.

Here are some cost breakdowns for different types of barndominium builds:

For a truly custom design, you’ll want to build your barndominium from scratch. This involves buying and preparing land, laying the foundation, securing permits, buying materials, and hiring contractors to put the property together. Fully custom builds are often the most expensive barndominium option. Materials alone can cost between $25,400 and $102,700 and labor typically costs between $29,000 and $58,000. You will also need to design a barndominium floor plan, which can cost between $50 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of your design.

You can also purchase a DIY barndominium kit. These kits cut out some of the planning stages that give you a pre-designed barndominium and the building’s exterior shell. Choosing a barndominium kit reduces barndominium prices by forgoing a custom design. If you’re handing, you can put together a barndominium kit yourself, further reducing costs.

Materials for a DIY barndominium kit can cost between $20,000 to $90,000, depending on the size and complexity of the kit — a considerable savings compared to a barndominium built from scratch.

If you’re not comfortable putting up a barndominium kit yourself, hiring a contractor is the way to go. Contractors can help put together a barndominium kit and ensure it is built to code. This typically costs between $25,000 to $50,000 on top of the cost of your barndominium kit. 

According to Home Guide, the average cost for barndominium kits ranges from $30 to $50 per square foot. This includes the cost of the barndominium shell and on-site assembly.

With these prices in mind, a 40 by 60-foot barndominium kit will provide 2,400 square feet of living space and would cost between $72,000 and $120,000. Just keep in mind this price doesn’t include essential expenses such as:

• Land preparation (clearing, grading, surveying)

• Foundation (concrete slab, basement, or crawlspace)

• Utilities (septic, water, electricity, HVAC)

• Interior finishes (flooring, drywall, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical work)

With those in mind, the final price for your barndominium will be significantly higher and will vary depending on factors like material quality, labor rates, and regional pricing variations.

You’ll also need to budget for insulation, HVAC, and interior build-out expenses. Keeping these things in mind will ensure you can accurately estimate your barndominium costs.

Of course, the larger your barndominium, the more materials and labor will cost, increasing your overall budget.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for other common barndominium sizes using the same $30 to $50 per square foot guideline:

Let’s break down some other costs of building a barndominium.

Creating or purchasing a floor plan is the first step of designing your barndominium. The floor plan will ensure you layout your barndominium efficiently in adherence with local building codes.

You can purchase a pre-designed plan or work with a professional to create a custom layout. Pre-made plans are often more affordable, while custom designs provide flexibility but come at a higher cost.

My Site Plan can help you create a detailed floor plan for your barndominium project.

You'll need a suitable plot of land for your barndominium, but you will also need to be prepared for additional costs before building gets underway. These costs include a land survey ($100 to $3,000), land clearing ($1,200 to $3,700), and driveway installation. You can save money at this stage by choosing a gravel driveway, which costs $1 to $3 per square foot, over an asphalt driveway, which ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot.

Before you start building your barndominium, you’ll need to secure any necessary permits.

A building permit for a new barndominium typically costs between $500 and $2,000. Additional permits for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work range from $50 to $300 per permit. Costs vary based on location, local regulations, and project scope.

Checking with your local building authority will ensure compliance with zoning laws and can help you avoid potential fines or delays.

Most barndominiums are built on concrete slab foundations, which cost between $6 and $14 per square foot, according to Home Guide. If you’d like to add a basement to your barndominium, expect a significantly higher price of $35 to $50+ per square foot. Foundation type impacts long-term durability and insulation, so choose the option that best suits your budget and climate. 

Labor costs depend on experience, project complexity, and local market rates. Typical hourly rates for contractors are:

• General contractors: $50 to $150

• Electricians: $50 to $130

• Plumbers: $45 to $150

According to Angi, interior finishing materials, like drywall, flooring, and fixtures, range from $25,400 to $100,700.

Choosing cost-effective materials and sourcing from local suppliers can help keep expenses manageable. Planning ahead for things like insulation, roofing, and cabinetry ensures a well-finished and comfortable living space at a budget you can afford.

Now you know the average barndominium costs you can expect to pay. While spending an average of $230,000 to build a barndominium may seem like a lot at first glance, it’s much less than the average cost to build a traditional house. This makes barndominiums a great option for those looking to build a home on a smaller budget.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive site plan or floor plan for your barndominium project, look no further than MySitePlan. We can create detailed site plans or floor plans in under 24 hours, protected by our 100% Money Back Guarantee. Contact us today for your quote.