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Finding the Best Barndominium Kits: A Comprehensive Guide to Brands and Pricing
Building a barndominium is a dream for many, but starting from scratch can feel overwhelming. That is why kits are so popular. They bridge the gap between a raw pile of lumber and a finished home. If you are hunting for the best barndominium kit to jumpstart your project, you need to know exactly what you are paying for and what you get in the box.
We will focus on wood post-frame kits because they are the most accessible option for DIYers. They offer the classic barn aesthetic without the welding and heavy machinery required for steel buildings. Here is a look at some of the top options available, specifically from the Best Barns lineup, to help you find the right fit for your land and your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Cost-Effective DIY: Wood kits offer a budget-friendly entry point for building a barndominium shell compared to custom builds.
- Best Barns Homestead: A versatile series with gambrel roofs and loft options, perfect for smaller footprints or guest houses.
- Best Barns Colossal: The go-to choice for massive two-story structures featuring dormers and ample living potential.
- Essential Inclusions: Look for kits that include premium siding like LP® SmartSide® and pre-cut framing for easier assembly.
- Hidden Costs: Remember to budget for the foundation, insulation, interior finishing, and local permits, as kits are shell-only.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Barndominium Kit "The Best"?
- Top Pick for Flexibility: Handcrafted Homestead Series
- Why It Stands Out
- Homestead Pricing and Sizing
- Top Pick for Size: Crafted Colossal Series
- Why It Stands Out
- Crafted Colossal Pricing and Sizing
- What Does the Price Actually Include?
- How to Choose Between the Models?
- Final Tips for Buyers
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Barndominium Kit "The Best"?
Price is important, but value is what matters. The cheapest kit might leave you with warped lumber and vague instructions. When we evaluate the best kits, we look for three things:
- Material Quality: Does it use treated wood and durable siding?
- Design Versatility: Can you move doors and windows to match your floor plan?
- Completeness: Does it include the expensive hardware and pre-cut trusses?
The Best Barns kits score high in these areas because they use TimberPrestige™ Eurowood and SecureTruss™ systems. This means your frame is straight, strong, and ready for assembly right off the truck.
Top Pick for Flexibility: Handcrafted Homestead Series
If you are looking for a manageable project that can serve as a guest house, studio, or compact home, the Handcrafted Homestead Series is a strong contender. These kits feature a traditional gambrel roof which maximizes the overhead space.
Why It Stands Out
This series is modular. You are not stuck with a rigid floor plan. The walls are designed so you can place the windows and doors where they make the most sense for your interior layout.
Homestead Pricing and Sizing
- Smallest Footprint (12′×16′): This size is ideal for a home office or a tiny house build. It is affordable and quick to assemble.
- Largest Footprint (16′×32′): This is the Homestead XL. It offers a full second floor with a staircase. It provides enough room for a living area downstairs and a bedroom upstairs.
Who Is This For?
This kit is perfect for the first-time builder. The components are manageable, and the sizes are large enough to be useful but not so huge that they become a construction nightmare.
Top Pick for Size: Crafted Colossal Series
When you need serious square footage, the Crafted Colossal Series is the answer. These are true two-story buildings. They are not just tall sheds; they are structural shells ready to be finished into impressive homes.
Why It Stands Out
The visual appeal is immediate. These kits come with the "Elite Package," which adds dormers to the roof. Dormers are not just for looks; they add crucial headroom and natural light to the second story, making the upstairs feel like a proper room rather than an attic.
Crafted Colossal Pricing and Sizing
- Standard Size (16′×28′): This offers a substantial footprint for a workshop with a living quarters above.
- Max Size (16′×32′): This provides maximum interior volume. With the Transom Door option, you get large 8-foot wide doors, making it easy to move furniture or equipment in and out.
Who Is This For?
This is for the property owner who wants a legacy building. It works best as a primary residence conversion or a high-end carriage house.
What Does the Price Actually Include?
When you see the price tag on a kit, you must understand it is for the "shell." Here is a breakdown of what you typically get and what you still need to buy.
Included in the Kit
- Pre-cut Framing: All the wall studs, rafters, and trusses are cut to length.
- Siding: High-quality LP® SmartSide® panels that are primed and ready for paint.
- Hardware: The specialized screws, nails, and brackets needed for the structure.
- Stairs: For the XL and Colossal models, the internal staircase is part of the package.
- Trim: Exterior trim to seal the corners and edges.
Not Included (Budget for These)
- Foundation: You will need to pour a concrete slab or build a wood floor system.
- Roofing Materials: Shingles, felt paper, and drip edge are usually sold separately or locally to save on shipping weight.
- Windows and Doors: While the rough openings are there, you often choose your specific windows separately unless you buy a premium package.
How to Choose Between the Models?
The decision usually comes down to "headroom vs. footprint."
Choose the Homestead Series if:
- You have a tighter budget.
- You want a simpler roofline to shingle.
- You are building on a smaller plot of land.
Choose the Colossal Series if:
- You plan to live in the upstairs space permanently.
- You want the aesthetic of dormer windows.
- You need wide access for vehicles or large equipment.
Final Tips for Buyers
Before you click "buy," take a trip to your local building department. Show them the specs of the kit you want. Confirm that the snow load and wind ratings meet your local codes. It is much easier to get approval before the truck arrives with your lumber.
Building from a kit is a rewarding journey. You save labor costs and get the satisfaction of raising your own roof. By choosing a reputable brand like Best Barns, you ensure that your hard work is supported by quality materials that will last for decades.
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 is the best barndominium kit for beginners?
The Best Barns Homestead series is ideal for beginners. The sizes are manageable, and the gambrel roof offers great space without complex assembly steps.
Do barndominium kits include the concrete slab?
No, kits do not include the foundation. You must hire a local contractor to pour a concrete slab or build a wood subfloor before assembling the kit.
Are these kits cheaper than building from scratch?
Yes, usually. Kits reduce material waste and save days of labor on cutting lumber. They also lock in your material price, protecting you from lumber market spikes.
Can I insulate a Best Barns kit?
Yes. The wood frame construction uses standard stud spacing (16" or 24" on center), creating cavities that are easy to fill with fiberglass or spray foam insulation.
How long does it take to ship a barndominium kit?
Shipping times vary by demand but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks. The kit arrives on a large pallet, so you will need space for the delivery truck to unload.
Do I need a crane to assemble the kit?
No. Best Barns kits are designed for DIY assembly. The trusses and wall sections can generally be lifted and set in place by two or three people without heavy machinery.
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