Barndominium Cost Calculator
Free calculator to estimate barndominium build costs. Calculate by square footage or budget, with detailed cost breakdowns for kits, turnkey builds, and custom construction.
Average Barndominium Costs (2025)
Kit Only: $20-$50/sq ft | Basic Turnkey: $65-$120/sq ft | Mid-Range: $130-$160/sq ft | High-End: $160-$250+/sq ft
📐 Project Details
Quality finishes, upgraded features
📊 Estimate
Estimated Total Cost
$260,000 - $400,000
2,000 sq ft @ $130-$200/sq ft
📋 Cost Summary
Est. Monthly Payment: $1,756/mo (20% down, 7% rate, 30yr)
📍 Barndominium Costs by State (Turnkey)
| State | Low | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $130/sq ft | $160/sq ft | $200/sq ft |
| Oklahoma | $110/sq ft | $140/sq ft | $170/sq ft |
| Tennessee | $120/sq ft | $150/sq ft | $185/sq ft |
| Georgia | $125/sq ft | $155/sq ft | $190/sq ft |
| Florida | $150/sq ft | $190/sq ft | $250/sq ft |
| Ohio | $125/sq ft | $160/sq ft | $200/sq ft |
| Michigan | $130/sq ft | $165/sq ft | $210/sq ft |
* Prices are for mid-range turnkey construction (2025 estimates). Actual costs vary by contractor, site conditions, and finishes.
🏠 What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium (or "barndo") is a steel or metal building converted into living space, combining the aesthetics of a barn with modern home amenities. They're popular for their affordability, durability, and open floor plans that don't require load-bearing interior walls.
Kit vs Turnkey: What's the Difference?
Kit builds ($20-$50/sq ft) include the steel shell and materials—you handle interior finishing yourself or hire contractors separately. Turnkey builds ($130-$250/sq ft) are move-in ready with all finishes, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installed by the builder.
Why Build a Barndominium?
Cost savings: 30-50% cheaper than traditional homes. Speed: 3-6 months construction vs 6-12 months for stick-built. Durability: Steel frames resist rot, termites, and fire. Flexibility: Open spans allow customizable layouts without structural limitations.
📐 Size Guide
1,000 sq ft → 1-2 bed
1,500 sq ft → 2-3 bed
2,000 sq ft → 3-4 bed
2,500 sq ft → 4 bed
3,000+ sq ft → 4-5 bed
⚠️ Budget Extra For
• Land: $50K-$150K+
• Well/Septic: $15K-$30K
• Driveway: $5K-$15K
• Contingency: 15-20%
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Frequently Asked Questions
With a $250,000 budget, you can build approximately 1,500-2,000 square feet for a mid-range turnkey barndominium, or up to 3,500 square feet for a basic build. In lower-cost states like Oklahoma or Tennessee, your budget stretches further. This assumes you already own land—land costs can add $50,000-$150,000+ to your total investment.
A $100,000 budget typically allows for a 750-1,200 square foot basic turnkey barndominium, or a larger 2,000-3,000 square foot shell-only kit that you finish yourself over time. Many owners start with a kit ($30-50/sq ft) and complete interior work gradually to spread costs. This budget works best in rural areas with affordable land.
A 2,000 square foot barndominium costs $130,000-$320,000 on average, depending on finish level and location. Basic turnkey builds run $130,000-$180,000, mid-range builds $200,000-$260,000, and high-end custom builds $260,000-$400,000+. Add $50,000-$100,000 for land, site prep, and utilities in rural areas.
Building is typically 30-50% cheaper than buying a comparable traditional home. Barndominiums cost $65-$160/sq ft vs $150-$250/sq ft for conventional construction. However, barndominiums may have lower resale value in some markets. Financing can be trickier—many lenders treat them as construction loans with higher rates until completed.
Barndominium kits cost $20-$50 per square foot. A basic shell kit (materials only) runs $20-$35/sq ft, while kit + assembly costs $30-$50/sq ft. For a 2,000 sq ft barndominium, expect $40,000-$70,000 for the kit. Kits include exterior shell materials but not foundation, utilities, or interior finishes—budget an additional $50,000-$150,000 to complete the build.
Turnkey pricing ($130-$250/sq ft) typically includes: foundation, steel frame and shell, roofing, siding, windows and doors, insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchen and bath fixtures, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and basic landscaping. NOT included: land purchase, well/septic ($15,000-$30,000), driveway, detached structures, and premium upgrades. Always get a detailed scope of work from your builder.
🏠 Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly based on location, contractor, site conditions, material choices, and market conditions. Always get multiple quotes from licensed contractors before starting your project.