How Long Does It Take to Build a Barndominium?

So, let’s talk about building a barndominium—yes, the ultimate blend of barn and condominium that’s taking over rural and suburban areas. If you're thinking about building one, you might be wondering, "How long is this actually going to take?" Honestly, this is a bit of a “how long is a piece of string” question because the timeline can vary widely based on a few key factors. But I’ll break down what I’ve learned (through both personal experience and from friends who’ve tackled these projects) so you can get a realistic sense of what to expect.

The Quick Answer: 6 Months to a Year

Generally speaking, most people spend somewhere between 6 months and a year building their barndominium. That might sound like a big range—and it is! If you’ve got an experienced contractor, a clear plan, and decent weather, it might lean closer to the 6-month mark. But if you’re dealing with custom designs, supply chain delays, or want to do parts of it yourself, the process could easily stretch to a year or more.

Let me walk you through the phases so you get a better idea of what takes up the time and where you might be able to speed things up (or where things could drag on).

Phase 1: Planning and Permits (1–3 Months)

First things first, planning and permitting can take a surprising amount of time. When I started the process, I thought, “I’ll just put in an application, and they’ll rubber-stamp it, right?” Nope. If you’re working with a company that specializes in barndominiums, they might have a handle on permits and codes, but if you’re doing a more custom build, be prepared for this phase to last one to three months.

A few tips here: get your design finalized before you apply for permits, and make sure it complies with local codes. I made the mistake of changing my floor plan halfway through, and it set me back a few weeks. Trust me, once you submit those designs, try not to change them unless absolutely necessary. Building departments are not fast, and any tweaks could push your project back.

Phase 2: Site Prep and Foundation (1 Month)

Next up is preparing the land and pouring the foundation. Assuming your lot is already cleared and level, this phase usually takes around a month. But if your land has rocks, trees, or needs grading, tack on another few weeks. Foundation work is critical; any mistakes here could mess up the whole project.

I’ll admit, I underestimated how long it’d take just to get the ground ready. A friend of mine had to wait almost a month for a contractor to come in and finish grading the site because they were short-staffed. A lesson here? Book your contractors early.

Phase 3: Building the Shell (2–3 Months)

Now, this is where things start to look like an actual barndominium! Building the shell (or the outer structure) generally takes around two to three months. If you’re going with a pre-fabricated metal building, it’ll be faster. These kits often come together in a matter of weeks since they’re manufactured off-site and just need assembly.

But if you’re doing custom framing or want a more traditional look, that’s going to take longer. I went with a semi-custom build, and it took around two and a half months to get the structure up. Keep in mind, though, this part depends a lot on the weather. If you’re building in the winter or rainy season, expect delays.

Phase 4: Interior Work (3–6 Months)

Alright, here’s the fun (and sometimes frustrating) part: the interiors. This phase includes insulation, drywall, plumbing, wiring, and all those other things that turn an empty shell into a livable home. The timeline here can vary a lot based on what kind of finishes you want. If you’re looking for a sleek, minimalistic style, it’ll take less time than a custom rustic look with exposed beams and high-end finishes.

My barndominium’s interior work took around four months because I wanted custom cabinetry and unique finishes like reclaimed wood accents. If you’re doing any DIY interior work, remember that this can be a time-sink. I spent way too many weekends wrestling with plumbing fixtures and waiting for materials to arrive, which added at least an extra month to my timeline.

Potential Delays and Tips to Stay on Track

Supply chain issues are a real headache right now, especially for things like windows, doors, and fixtures. I know one person who had to wait three months for their custom windows to arrive. So, if you can, order these items as soon as you know your dimensions, ideally while the foundation work is still underway.

Weather is another factor that can throw a wrench in your plans. Heavy rains or snow can slow down both exterior and interior work. If you’re building in an area with unpredictable weather, maybe plan for extra time—or consider starting the project in a season where you’re less likely to get weather delays.

Final Thoughts

In short, plan for a minimum of six months and prepare for it to take longer. If you’re organized, work with a reliable builder, and stay on top of ordering materials, you might just finish in that six-month window. But most of us hit a few bumps in the road, and that’s okay. A barndominium is a unique project, and there’s a lot of joy in making something that’s both a home and an expression of your style.

Just remember, the timeline isn’t the only thing that matters here. The end result—a space that feels right for you—is worth a few extra weeks (or months). So, take your time, plan well, and enjoy the process!