What’s the Difference Between a Barndominium and a Traditional Home?

Alright, let's dive into the differences between barndominiums and traditional homes.

I’ll try to bring in a mix of what I’ve learned and what others have shared from living in both types of homes, and I’ll throw in some things that surprised me about each style along the way.

When I first heard of barndominiums, I had no clue what to expect.

“Is it a barn?

Is it a home?”

It sounded like a quirky concept straight out of a magazine.

But once I started looking into it (and honestly, dreaming a bit), I realized barndominiums are a lot more practical and versatile than I originally thought.

A barndominium, or “barndo” as some call it, combines the structural elements of a barn with all the comforts and customizations of a home.

It’s essentially a hybrid—a structure that gives you that rustic barn exterior but with a fully finished, often modern, interior.

This is quite different from your average traditional home, which is built from the ground up to look like… well, a home.

Structure & Materials: Metal vs. Wood

One of the main differences between a barndominium and a traditional home is the materials used.

Most barndominiums are built with a steel frame, which makes them incredibly sturdy and often cheaper to construct (surprisingly, steel is a bit more budget-friendly than wood these days).

Traditional homes, on the other hand, typically use wood framing. This difference in materials also plays a big role in maintenance.

Wood-frame homes are more susceptible to things like termites and weather damage, while steel-framed barndos tend to hold up better against things like extreme weather and pesky critters.

I’ve heard people say, “You’ll never have to worry about termites in a barndominium.”

And while that’s mostly true, there are still other upkeep tasks to consider, like rust-proofing and dealing with insulation.

Steel can be a bit harder to insulate effectively, so a lot of people spend a little extra on spray foam insulation to keep the indoor temps comfortable year-round.

Aesthetic & Design Flexibility

Another big difference that caught my eye is the look and feel. Barndominiums are known for their open-concept spaces—often with lofts or mezzanines—and soaring ceilings that make the interior feel huge.

It’s a style that works great if you love a more industrial, open vibe. Traditional homes, on the other hand, offer more options for compartmentalized rooms and privacy.

For some, the open floor plan of a barndo might feel too exposed, but others see it as an invitation to create a more fluid, flexible living space.

When it comes to design freedom, barndominiums are like a blank slate. Because they’re based on a steel frame, you don’t have the same limitations with load-bearing walls as you do in traditional homes.

This means you can pretty much design the interior however you want, which is a huge win if you’re a DIY or customization enthusiast.

Cost Differences: Upfront and Long-Term

Now, onto a topic that everyone cares about: cost. Barndominiums generally have a lower construction cost, partly because they require fewer materials and less labor than traditional homes.

For example, you might spend around $70 to $90 per square foot for a barndo, depending on how fancy you want it, while a traditional home might cost upwards of $100 per square foot.

That’s a pretty big gap, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

However, the upfront savings of a barndo might get offset in other ways over time.

For instance, heating and cooling a barndominium can be a bit pricier because of the metal structure, which doesn’t insulate as well as wood.

You may find yourself investing in energy-efficient windows, thick insulation, and a robust HVAC system to keep things comfy.

So, while the initial build might be cheaper, the long-term energy costs could end up being a bit higher than with a traditional home.

Maintenance & Durability

This part really depends on where you live, but barndominiums are known for being pretty low-maintenance, thanks to that durable steel frame.

With a traditional home, especially if it’s wood-sided, you might be repainting or treating the exterior every few years.

Barndos, on the other hand, tend to need less TLC, which can be a major perk if you’re not into constant upkeep.

But like anything, there are trade-offs. For example, if you live in a particularly humid or coastal area, rust can be an issue with a barndominium.

You might need to treat the exterior with a protective coating to keep it looking fresh. Traditional homes don’t have that problem, but they do have issues like rot or insect damage.

So, it's kind of a pick-your-battles situation when it comes to maintenance.

Zoning & Location Flexibility

Here’s something I didn’t realize until I started reading up on barndominiums: they aren’t allowed in all residential areas.

Because of their unconventional look and structure, some cities or towns have restrictions on where you can build them.

They’re usually easier to set up in rural or semi-rural areas where zoning laws are a bit more flexible. Traditional homes, obviously, don’t run into this problem.

You can pretty much build them wherever residential construction is allowed.

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re deciding between a barndominium and a traditional home, it really comes down to what you want out of your living space.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, open-concept home that can stand up to the elements, a barndo could be perfect.

But if you value a more classic design, consistent insulation, or the ability to build in residential neighborhoods, a traditional home might be the way to go.

Whichever way you lean, both options have their unique perks and quirks. Living in a barndo can feel like having a part of the countryside under your roof, while a traditional home is… well, the classic choice, with a setup most people are already comfortable with.