Do you have your eye on a barndominium? We get it—those barn-turned-living spaces are as enticing as they are trendy.
Yet before you hop on the seemingly never-ending barndominium craze, you might be wondering what it’s actually like to live in one.
Although barndominiums aren’t entirely different from conventional homes—they still have four walls and a roof—there are some key differences to be aware of before you move in.
To shed light on this unique living experience, we tracked down experienced barndominium dwellers and other experts in the field.
Here are the must-know takeaways that will help you decide if buying or building a barndominium is right for you.
Barndominiums have open, spacious layouts
The first thing to know about barndominium living is that the wide-open interior isn’t merely about aesthetics; it provides a tangible sense of freedom.
“Imagine walking into a space with wide-open layouts, high ceilings, and big windows that let in all the warmth and sunlight,” says Don Howe of Barndominium Plans.
That feeling of spaciousness also extends outside of a barndominium’s walls.
“Neighbors aren’t close, so we can leave the curtains open and don’t have to worry about things like stolen packages,” says Texan barndominium owner Patty Eberhart.
Everything you need is under one roof
Want to tuck your favorite car into bed each night, then pad across the floor to your bed? Barndominium owners can and do just that as most barndominiums come with a garage or workshop area.
“I know one owner who likes the idea that he can work on his 1967 Super Sport Chevelle in the garage—complete with a lift—that’s a short walk from his bedroom,” says Brandon Savage of barndominium financing company Rural 1st.
If slumbering next to your favorite toys isn’t for you, don’t worry. Building a barndominium from scratch (or refurbishing an old barn) allows you to customize spaces in any way you like.
While many barndominium owners are content with a small workshop corner, others ditch traditional home layouts altogether. Barndominium owners can easily swap out the living room or dining area for something less conventional.
“You get to make it uniquely yours,” Howe says.
You’ll get to embrace the outdoors
Whether you want to start a home business, create an art studio, or create a custom space for your weekend hobbies, the open concept of barndominiums allows you to marry your home with your lifestyle.
For many barndominium owners, their best life revolves around proximity to nature.
“We’re on 72 acres,” says Eberhart. “We have a fenced yard but not a manicured landscape. There are cows and deer and turkey just outside the yard.”
Other owners love how the indoor space is so immediately connected with their natural surroundings.
“In Florida, our setup is very open to the outdoors and can be controlled with retractable barn doors opening up to the outside,” says barndominium owner Darrell Brown. “It’s all about freedom and relaxing.”
Entertaining can be a breeze
The customizable nature of barndominiums seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics, providing a large backdrop for gatherings of any size—and shortcuts for cleaning.
“One owner has the kitchen set up with stainless-steel countertops and drains—so the kitchen can be completely hosed down after parties,” says Savage.
Or you could spread the entertaining around to your three (yes, three) kitchens.
“We have a main kitchen, a downstairs kitchen, and an outdoor kitchen—which is great for larger-scale entertaining,” says Brown.
You might get chilly
Living in a barndominium comes with one big caveat: cold floors.
All of those windows and high ceilings mean it’s harder to keep a comfortable indoor temperature, especially if you don’t have proper insulation in a cold climate.
“Like any challenge, this can be alleviated, but it has to be done during construction,” says Savage. “Spend time with your contractor discussing ways to make your home more efficient.”
Before buying a barndominium, take a good, hard look at the structure’s insulation. And if you plan to build one, Michigan barndominium owner Mike Prestonhas some advice.
“My outside walls are over 6 inches thick, and the attic has blown-in insulation,” says Preston. “We also have radiant heat, so there’s never mechanical furnace sounds. You don’t hear outside noises, and it’s never chilly.”
You’ll need a good plumber
A barndominium’s lack of walls means most of your plumbing will live under the floors.
If you have poured concrete floors—as many barndominiums do—you’ll want to get your plumbing right the first time.
“All of your drain lines are set in concrete,” says Savage. “You’ll need to be confident in the location of sinks and toilets ahead of time because those lines, as well as conduits for electrical and water supply lines,” will be permanent.
You won’t waste tons of time on maintenance
These atypical dwellings are generally considered low maintenance compared with a traditional stick-built home, but there are a few things owners have to keep up with.
“A barndominium exterior should be cleaned once a year,” says Savage. “Mildew will grow on the north side of a home without sunlight, regardless of the construction type.”
Last but not least, be sure to inspect your windows for any cracks or damage, particularly after a big storm.
“Windows should be kept clean and well-sealed, checking for drafts and fixing any cracked panes,” says Howe. “Barndominium maintenance is all about routine checkups and addressing issues promptly to ensure a comfortable living space.”
