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How much does it cost to build a Barndominium?
If you’ve been wondering how much it costs to build a barndominium, you’re in the right place. Barndominiums have become popular for homeowners who want space, flexibility, and a structure they can shape around their lifestyle. Whether you’re imagining a workshop with a loft apartment, a full-time home, or a multi-use building, a barndominium gives you more control over your layout and your budget.
To give you a realistic look at the cost of a barndominium, we’re using the Best Barns Crafted Colossal Series Barndominium as the main example. Its size, two-story layout, and upgrade options make it a practical starting point for anyone considering a barndominium project.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of a barndominium depends on the shell + interior finishing.
- Shells for the Crafted Colossal Series usually cost $15,000–$25,000.
- Full conversions generally fall between $60,000–$145,000+.
- Barndominiums let you control your layout, budget, and timeline.
- You can customize both the exterior and interior to suit your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
- What is a Barndominium?
- The Crafted Colossal Barndominium Series
- How Much It Costs to Build a Barndominium
- 1. Cost of the Shell
- 2. Cost to Convert the Shell Into a Home
- 3. Total Cost of a Barndominium
- Additional Barndominium Costs People Often Forget
- Foundation Options and How They Affect Cost
- Ways to Customize Your Barndominium
- Is a Barndominium Cheaper Than a Regular Home?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium (or “barndo”) is a barn-style building that you can finish like a home. What makes it appealing is how customizable it is. You can build it as a comfortable living space, a workshop that doubles as a home, a large hobby area, or a combination of everything. If you want more usable space for the cost, a barndominium gives you room to work with.
Some people build a barndominium because they want the freedom to create a layout that traditional homes don’t offer. Others build one for long-term flexibility: living space upstairs, workshop below, or a large open interior that you can divide into rooms later.
The Crafted Colossal Barndominium Series
The Best Barns Crafted Colossal Series gives you a two-story gambrel-style structure with plenty of room to convert into a barndominium. You get tall ceilings, a full loft with a real staircase, LP® SmartSide® siding, SecureTruss™ framing, and pre-cut components that make the build smoother. You can choose between the Man Door + Dormer Kit or the Transom Door model if you want a larger entry for vehicles or equipment.
Because of its structure and layout potential, the Crafted Colossal Series is often used as a starting shell for barndominium conversions.
How Much It Costs to Build a Barndominium
Getting the total cost of a barndominium requires looking at two main expenses: the cost of the shell and the cost of turning that shell into a livable home.
1. Cost of the Shell
The base price of the Crafted Colossal Series ranges from about $10,000–$17,000, depending on the size and model. Once you factor in popular upgrades, like the roof package, premium flooring, extra windows, or a different door setup, most buyers end up spending between $15,000 and $25,000 for the complete shell.
This gives you the structure, siding, dormers, windows, framing, and staircase. From there, you’ll be ready to start interior finishing.
2. Cost to Convert the Shell Into a Home
Finishing a barndominium is where most of your budget goes. Your total cost depends on how simple or detailed you want your interior to be. Utilities, drywall, insulation, flooring, and layout changes all play a role.
Here’s what most homeowners spend:
- Insulation typically falls between $2,500 and $7,000
- Electrical work ranges from $4,000 to $12,000
- Plumbing usually costs $5,000 to $18,000
- Interior walls and drywall average $3,000 to $10,000
- Flooring can be $1,500 to $8,000
- HVAC installation ranges from $4,000 to $15,000
- Kitchens can cost $8,000 to $25,000
- Bathrooms generally run $6,000 to $20,000
The wider the layout and the more rooms you add, the higher your total investment will be. A simple layout with one bathroom and open-concept living keeps costs lower, while a more residential design brings the cost up.
Most full conversions land between $45,000 and $120,000+.
3. Total Cost of a Barndominium
When you combine the shell with all finishing work, the total cost of a barndominium usually falls between:
$60,000 and $145,000+
This range offers more flexibility and space than building a traditional home, and you can build in phases if you want to spread out your expenses.
Additional Barndominium Costs People Often Forget
When pricing out the cost of a barndominium, most people start with the shell and interior finishing—but there are other expenses that can influence your total budget. These aren’t hidden fees; they’re just easy to overlook if this is your first build.
The first is site preparation. If your land isn’t already level, you may need clearing, grading, or compacting before you can start the foundation. Tree removal, soil correction, or adding gravel can raise costs depending on your property.
You’ll also want to plan for permits and inspections, which vary by county and sometimes require engineered drawings. Barndominiums often fall under residential or accessory structure categories, and local rules may differ widely.
Another major expense is utility access. Running electrical lines, installing a septic system, or connecting to a well can add significant cost. Rural properties may require trenching or extended conduit runs, and those expenses add up quickly.
Many builders also forget about tool and equipment rentals. Even if you plan to DIY part of the project, you may need scaffolding, saws, ladders, or dumpsters. Small costs like fasteners, sheathing, caulk, and consumables also accumulate over time.
Finally, consider driveway improvements and delivery access. If heavy trucks can’t reach your building site, you may need gravel or grading to accommodate them.
Foundation Options and How They Affect Cost
Your foundation plays a major role in the cost, performance, and long-term stability of your barndominium. The Crafted Colossal Series shell gives you several foundation options, each with its own advantages.
A concrete slab is the most common. It offers a durable, level surface and works well if you want a finished lower-level floor right away. This option typically costs more due to labor and concrete volume, but it provides excellent stability and low maintenance.
A post-and-beam foundation uses concrete footings with beams to support the structure. It can reduce material costs and works well on uneven land. If you don’t need a finished slab immediately, this is a cost-effective and sturdy choice.
You can also build on concrete piers, which support the structure through individual footings. Piers often cost less than a full slab and are ideal for rural settings or sloped properties. They also give you easier access to plumbing and electrical under the structure.
A wood platform foundation is another option, usually built from treated lumber. It’s the most budget-friendly foundation type, though you may want to reinforce it if you're converting the building into a full-time residence.
Ways to Customize Your Barndominium
One of the biggest benefits of starting with a kit like the Crafted Colossal Series is that you can personalize almost every part of your build.
You can choose the door style, the number of windows, the color of your shingles, and whether you upgrade to the FortressFloor™ system. Inside, you can decide where you want your bedroom(s), how big your kitchen will be, how many bathrooms you need, and whether you want part of the building to function as a workshop, office, or creative studio.
If you like a layout that adapts to your lifestyle, a barndominium makes that possible.
Is a Barndominium Cheaper Than a Regular Home?
For many people, yes. You can build the shell first, then finish your interior room by room. You’re not locked into one massive upfront construction cost, and you get more control over the total price. This is one of the reasons barndominiums continue to grow in popularity.
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
How much does a barndominium shell cost?
Most shells cost $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the model and upgrades.
What is the total cost to build a finished barndominium?
Most finished barndominiums range from $60,000 to $145,000+.
What increases the cost the most?
Plumbing-heavy layouts, kitchens, and multiple bathrooms usually add the most to your total.
Can I build the shell myself?
Yes. Best Barns kits are pre-cut and DIY-friendly. Pros are recommended for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Does a barndominium last long-term?
Yes, especially with materials like LP® SmartSide® siding and engineered truss systems.
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