Over the past decade, barndominiums have become a popular trend in the real estate industry. This trend can be primarily attributed to the great features this type of home comes with. What most people may ask themselves is whether these homes can be classified as single-family homes.
A barndominium is considered a single-family home. It is a structure made from a metal barn and has all the amenities of a traditional home. It also meets the criteria for the ‘single-family home’ classification, such as being a detached home.
In this article, I’ll take you through the most important aspects of a barndominium in relation to its being a single-family home and why it might be an excellent choice for you.
What Makes a Barndominium a Single-Family Home?
The following paragraphs will examine those important features that make barndominiums unique single-family homes.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium, or barndo, is just what it sounds like it would be – a barn + condominium. Typically, they’re large, converted barns made habitable for those who want to live in them. They may or may not also have an area used as a dedicated workspace.
Trent Tyson, the vice president of lending with Plains Land Bank in Texas, while talking about barndominiums, said, “In the beginning, they were simply living quarters built inside of a barn.” The first barndominium was actually a barn that was improved to create a living space, and this has since then been the main idea behind the design.
These homes have all the amenities of a traditional home, but they are often more spacious and open. Barndominiums are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want the best of both worlds – the rustic charm of a country home with the modern conveniences of a city home.
What Is a Single-Family Home?
A single-family home is any house that is built for only one family. According to Bankrate (who pulled their information from the U.S. Census Bureau), this includes any of the following:
- Townhouses
- Semi-detached houses (semi-attached, side-by-side)
- Row houses
- Stand-alone, fully detached houses
However, for a building that’s attached to other homes to be considered a single-family home, it must have a ground-to-roof wall separating it from the units on either side.
As long as the home’s structure and design are only intended for one family, it qualifies as a single-family home.
How Does a Barndominium Qualify as a Single-Family Home?
- It is a detached home: One of the main criteria for a single-family home is that it must be detached. This means that the home cannot be attached to another house or structure. A barndominium qualifies as a detached home because it is made entirely of metal – no other homes or structures attached to it.
- It has its own kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms: Another criterion for a single-family home is that it must have its own kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. A barndominium has all these things – in fact, many barndominiums have more than one kitchen and bathroom. This makes them ideal for families who want plenty of space and privacy.
- It is intended for one family’s use: As long as a home is only intended for one family’s use, it qualifies as a single-family home. This means that a barndominium, which is explicitly designed for one family’s use, qualifies as a single-family home.
Why Choose a Barndominium as Your Single Family Home?
There are many reasons why you might choose a barndominium as your single-family home. Here are my top six reasons why you should consider investing in a barndominium:
Barndominiums Are Less Expensive Than Traditional Homes
Several contributing factors ensure that barndominiums are a worthy investment and frequently less expensive than other styles of houses.
First, they are usually made out of metal, which is a cheaper material than wood. Second, they often require less construction and labor costs because they are not as complicated to build.
Barndominiums Offer More Space Than Conventional Houses
Another reason why barndominiums make wonderful single-family homes is that they offer more space than traditional homes. This is because they are often built on a larger scale than conventional homes. Additionally, the open floor plan of most barndominiums means less wasted space and more room to roam.
Barndominiums Are Less Work to Maintain
Another benefit of barndominiums is that they don’t require a lot of upkeep. Remember, your typical barndominium isn’t a brick house or log cabin; it’s metal.
None of the three little piggies built their homes out of metal. If they had, though, chances are it would have withstood the big bad wolf and everything else that came it’s way.
Additionally, barndominiums often have metal roofs that last longer and require less maintenance than shingle roofs.
Barndominiums Are More Energy Efficient Than Traditional Homes
One of the most significant benefits of barndominiums is that they are more energy efficient than traditional homes.
This is because metal is a great conductor of heat and cold, which means that your barndominium will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Additionally, barndominiums often have double-paned windows, which help to keep the heat and cold out.
Barndominiums Offer a Unique and Rustic Charm
Lastly, if you are looking for a country home with all the modern conveniences of the city, then a barndominium is the perfect choice for you. They’re a unique mixture of simple life and city life.
To get a feel of the many benefits of a barndominium below is a video containing a two-story barndominium tour:
Barndominiums Can Be Built To Fit Your Specific Needs
Another great thing about barndominiums is that they can be built to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a large home for a growing family or a small house for your transition into empty-nester life, there is a barndominium out there that will undoubtedly work for you.
Barndominiums Can Be Built To Fit Your Specific Needs
Another great thing about barndominiums is that they can be built to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a large home for a growing family or a small house for your transition into empty-nester life, there is a barndominium out there that will undoubtedly work for you.
Despite these advantages, barndominiums are often harder to insure. I’ve explained the reasons in another guide.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Owning a Barndominium?
While there are many advantages to owning a barndominium, there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Barndominiums Can Be More Difficult and Expensive to Heat and Cool
One of the biggest disadvantages of barndominiums is that they can be more difficult and expensive to heat and cool. This is because metal is a great conductor of heat and cold, which means that your barndominium will lose heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer.
Additionally, barndominiums often have double-paned windows, which help to keep the heat and cold out, but this can also make it more challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home.
Barndominiums Can Be Noisy
Another disadvantage of barndominiums is that they can be noisy. This is because metal is a great conductor of sound, which means that exterior noises will still be loud inside. Additionally, barndominiums often have metal roofs which can amplify the sound of rain and thunder.
Barndominiums Can Attract Lightning
Another thing to consider is that barndominiums can attract lightning because metal is a great conductor of electricity. Therefore, your home could be struck by lightning if it is in the path of a storm. Additionally, barndominiums’ metal roofs can attract lightning strikes.
Final Thoughts
A barndominium is a type of single-family home made from a metal barn with all the amenities of a traditional home. Barndominiums are a wise investment that will save you money in the long run.
Not only are they more affordable than traditional homes, but they also require less maintenance and are more energy efficient. If you are looking for an affordable, spacious, and low-maintenance home, a barndominium is a perfect choice.
