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Barndominium Kits vs. Stick-Built Homes: An Honest Look at Costs and Value

by Cliff Co 4 min read

How Do Barndominium Kits Compare to Traditional Homes in Value?

When comparing a Barndominium vs. Traditional Home, the primary difference lies in the construction process and the associated costs. Traditional stick-built homes often require extensive labor, architectural fees, and long construction timelines. In contrast, Best Barns barndominium DIY home kits, such as the Crafted Colossal and Handcrafted Homestead Series, offer a streamlined solution that can significantly reduce these expenses.

These kits come with precision pre-cut components, allowing for a DIY-friendly assembly that eliminates the need for expensive professional labor for the framing process. By utilizing high-quality materials like SecureTruss™ framing and TimberPrestige™ Eurowood, these kits provide dependable strength and refined design comparable to custom builds but at a fraction of the cost of pre-built units. Ultimately, these kits offer a flexible, durable foundation for homeowners to create a personalized living space without the heavy price tag of traditional construction.

Key Takeaways

  • Cost Savings: Kits reduce labor costs and waste through precision pre-cut components.
  • Top Models: The Crafted Colossal and Handcrafted Homestead XL are specifically designed with second-story lofts suitable for living conversions.
  • Durability: Built with Secure Truss™ framing and TimberPrestige™ Eurowood for long-term strength.
  • Exterior Protection: Features LP® SmartSide® siding which is durable, primed, and ready for paint.
  • Flexibility: Open interiors and customizable door/window placements allow you to design the perfect layout.

What Is Driving the Shift to Barndominium Living?

The dream of building a custom home is shifting. More homeowners are looking for versatile, open-concept spaces that blend rustic charm with modern functionality. This is where the concept of the barndominium shines. Unlike restrictive traditional housing, a barndominium offers massive interior volume and the freedom to design a layout that fits your specific lifestyle.

If you are ready to take control of your building project, a DIY home kit from Best Barns provides the perfect structural shell to get started. Specifically, our Crafted Colossal and Handcrafted Homestead Series are engineered to help you bridge the gap between a simple barn and a fully realized living space.

Best Barns Crafted Colossal Transom Doors with Dormer Kit

Why Are Barndominium Kits More Cost-Effective?

The financial advantage of a kit comes down to labor and material efficiency. Traditional home building involves measuring and cutting lumber on-site, which leads to waste and increased labor hours. Best Barns kits arrive with every component precision pre-cut for a precise fit.

This design allows for a smooth assembly process that many homeowners can manage themselves or with a small team, drastically cutting down the labor costs associated with framing a house.

For example, the Handcrafted Homestead XL is designed for easy DIY assembly, allowing you to build a structure suitable for barndominium-style living without hiring a full construction crew for the shell. Additionally, because you are buying the material package directly, you avoid the complexity often found with general contractors.

Best Barns Handcrafted Homestead loft

Which Best Barns Models Are Best for Living Spaces?

While we offer many storage solutions, two specific lines stand out for those interested in the barndominium lifestyle: the Crafted Colossal and the Handcrafted Homestead.

Crafted Colossal Series Barndominiums Man door + Dormer Kit

The Crafted Colossal Series

This is a massive two-story barn-style structure designed for those who want a grand aesthetic. It features a gambrel roof for traditional styling and includes a loft with a full staircase, providing expansive second-story space for potential living areas.

It comes with an Elite Package that includes upscale windows and doors to give the exterior a refined, finished look immediately.


Best Barns Handcrafted Homestead XL

The Handcrafted Homestead Series

The Homestead XL is a true two-story structure built for versatility. It offers impressive headroom and a full second-story loft with staircase included, making it ideal for converting into a livable space or a "barndominium".


How Does the Structural Integrity Compare to Stick-Built?

You might wonder if a kit can match the strength of a traditionally framed house. Best Barns utilizes professional-grade materials that rival or exceed standard construction. Both the Crafted Colossal and Homestead series are built with Secure Truss™ framing and TimberPrestige™ premium Eurowood.

This structural system ensures exceptional stability and reliability. Furthermore, the exterior is clad in LP® SmartSide® siding, which is treated to resist fungal decay and termites and provides long-term protection. This siding comes primed and ready for paint, providing weather protection that stands up to the elements just as well as, if not better than, standard wood siding found on custom homes.

Best Barns Handcrafted Homestead XL with transom doors

What Customization Options Do You Have?

With a traditional tract home, you are often stuck with a pre-set floor plan. With a Best Barns kit, the interior shell is your canvas. The open-span truss systems and loft designs in models like the Crafted Colossal allow you to define your own rooms and layout.

Externally, you have full control over the finish. Since windows, shingles, and flooring are sold separately or as customizable options, you can choose the specific style and color that matches your vision. For instance, the Homestead XL does not include pre-set doors, allowing you to add your own type, size, and placement for complete customization of your entryway.

Best Barns Handcrafted Homestead workshop visualization


Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Crafted Colossal good for a barndominium?

It is a massive two-story structure with a full staircase and a gambrel roof, offering generous headroom and space for living areas.

Do these kits come with floors

Flooring is optional; you can upgrade to the commercial-grade Fortress Floor™ system, which features treated joists and runners for a stable foundation.

Are the windows included?

Some models, like the Crafted Colossal Man Door Kit, include an Elite Package with windows, while others allow you to purchase them separately to fit your design.

Is the siding weather-resistant?

Yes. We use LP® SmartSide® siding, which is engineered for weather resistance and comes primed and ready for you to paint.

Cliff Co
Cliff Co

Cliff, a passionate storyteller and hardcore seller, here to share insights and knowledge on all things prep. He firmly believes in only selling things he'd use himself, making sure only the best get to his readers' hands.

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