Two-story barndominiums are taking the housing world by storm, offering homeowners a unique blend of rustic charm and modern living. These versatile structures provide ample space, cost-effective construction, and endless customization options.
Whether you’re looking to build your dream home or invest in a multi-purpose property, a two-story barndominium might be the perfect solution. Explore the ins and outs of two-story barndominiums, from their advantages and costs to design considerations and popular floor plans.
What is a Two-Story Barndominium?
A two-story barndominium is a residential structure that combines the aesthetic of a barn with the functionality of a modern home. Originally designed with animals on the ground floor and living quarters above, today’s two-story barndominiums typically feature a garage or workshop on one end of the first floor, with living spaces spread across both levels.
These unique homes often sport a metal exterior, giving them a distinctive barn-like appearance. However, homeowners can customize the exterior with wood, brick, or stone to achieve their desired look. Inside, two-story barndominiums can be as luxurious or minimalist as the owner’s budget and taste allow, with interiors that rival traditional homes in comfort and style.
Advantages of Two-Story Barndominiums
Two-story barndominiums offer several benefits over traditional homes and their single-story counterparts.
Building a two-story barndominium is often more affordable than constructing a traditional two-story home. A simple design with minimal building materials contributes to lower overall costs. This means you can allocate more of your budget to interior finishes and custom features.
Adding a second floor to a barndominium nearly doubles the available living space without significantly increasing the foundation size. This efficient use of vertical space often costs less than expanding the footprint of a single-story structure.
Two-story barndominiums are more energy efficient than more traditional home designs. Metal construction and ample insulation help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round and result in lower utility bills. When budgeting your barndominium, invest in high-quality insulation for long-term energy cost savings.
Two-story barndominiums feature straightforward designs and pre-fabricated elements that contribute to a quicker construction process. Shorter build time can translate to reduced labor costs and let you move in sooner.
Two-story barndominiums offer multi-purpose functionality, often combining living quarters with workspace or storage areas. This versatility makes it a perfect design if you work from home, have hobbies requiring dedicated space, or need extra storage for vehicles or equipment.
Costs to Build a Two-Story Barndominium
The cost of building a two-story barndominium can vary widely depending on your location, materials, and level of customization. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $112,800 – $504,000 for a basic two-story barndominium.
Customization, size, and build type also factor into your barndominium building costs. More customization and greater square footage translate to higher prices. You can also expect to pay more if you are building from scratch rather than using a build kit.
These figures translate to a total cost of around $230,000 for an average-sized two-story barndominium, compared to approximately $319,225 for a traditional home of similar size.
The savings can be substantial, but you should factor in all costs, including land purchase, utilities installation, and interior finishes.
* All costs for this article are sourced from Angi.
What to Keep in Mind When Building a Two-Story Barndominium
When planning a two-story barndominium project, consider the following:
Setting up electricity, water, and plumbing is a significant expense, especially in rural areas. The distance from existing utility lines will impact costs. To save on energy costs and installation, it’s worth considering alternative energy sources like solar panels. Renewable energy systems reduce your energy costs over time, and may also qualify for certain tax benefits or incentives.
Work with a reputable contractor who understands local building codes and can secure necessary permits. Your project should comply with all regulations from the start. Securing permits early in the process helps you avoid potential fines and keeps your barndominium consistent with safety standards. In addition, consider how wildlife conservation and environmental protection regulations in your area can affect your permitting and building design.
Don’t forget to budget for finishing both floors of your barndominium. Unless you plan to leave the upper floor as attic space or the lower level as a basic garage, factor in the costs of creating livable spaces throughout. The choice of interior materials can greatly affect the feel and functionality of your home. Consider using reclaimed or environmentally friendly materials that align with the rustic charm and sustainability ethos of barndominiums.
Insulating between floors helps dampen sound from inside and outside the home, providing comfort and privacy for all occupants. Soundproofing is especially important if your barndominium is located in a noisy environment near a busy road or airport. Insulation doesn’t have to be bulky or obvious. Many innovative soundproofing materials provide effective solutions without compromising your home’s aesthetic.
Popular Two-Story Barndominium Floor Plans
Two-story barndominium floor plans offer endless possibilities for customization. Popular layouts include:
- Open-concept living on the first floor with bedrooms upstairs
- Master suite on the first floor with additional bedrooms and a bonus room upstairs
- Workshop or garage on one end of the first floor, with living spaces spread across both levels
When designing a two-story barndominium, consider factors like natural light, traffic flow, and the separation of public and private spaces. Opt for large windows to maximize natural light and showcase views, especially on the upper level. Position the building to take full advantage of natural lighting throughout the day, which can help you save energy and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Take your customization further by incorporating a rooftop terrace or balcony on the upper level. This provides additional outdoor living space with views of your city or natural surroundings. For growing families, dedicating a section for a children’s play area or homeschooling setup can add versatility to the floor plan.
