Can You Build A Barndominium In Washington?

Washington has the perfect scenery, resources, and finances for barndominiums. However, some places discourage people from building barndos for various reasons. If you’re thinking about setting your sights on Washington, it’s important to know if the state permits barndominiums.

You can build a barndominium in Washington for around $240 to $300 per square foot. Washington is one of the most affordable places to design a barndominium, not to mention the healthy soil, construction companies, and kits you can choose from. However, it can be tough to get a barndominium loan.

Throughout this article, we’ll discuss whether or not you can build a barndo in Washington, what you should know beforehand, and what difficulties you might encounter.

Does Washington Allow Barndominium Construction?

Washington allows barndominium construction, but it’s worth checking which counties permit it. The state doesn’t have laws against barndominiums. You’re allowed to build a barndominium as a single-family home wherever you own land unless the city or county says otherwise.

Barndominium Life claims it’s much easier to find a loan for the land than it is to get a loan for the barndominium. However, you can negotiate and try to combine them in the same loan if the company allows it.

In the following section, we’ll break down how much you should expect to pay to build a barndominium in Washington.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium in Washington?

It costs an average of $240 per square foot to build a barndominium in Washington. That doesn’t include the cost of the land. Some barndos have separate costs for plumbing, electrical, and so on. You can use solar panels to lower your utility bills. Remember, materials change based on the price of lumber and steel.

Barndominiums explains many people choose Washington for their barndos because it saves $50 to $100 per square foot in construction costs. That being said, there are a few variables that influence how much you’ll have to pay. Let’s explore them here:

• Labor costs vary based on location, supply, and demand. That’s why it’s crucial that you get a quote and check how long it’s good for. You’ll also have to consider how big the barndominium will be and how long it’ll take. Some companies charge per hour, while others charge per square foot.
• Material costs can drastically alter your Washington barndominium’s final price tag. Lumber and steel costs change quite often, especially when the stock market shifts. These materials will undoubtedly influence your barndo’s quote. Don’t forget all of the other materials used in the construction process.
• Customizations and kits will change the price. Many people buy barndominium kits because they come with blueprints. These kits cost between $500 to $1,500 or more. If you want customizations, you’ll have to pay for various upgrades. These changes could add $10 to $50 per square foot (or more, depending on the customizations).

What to Know Before Building a Barndominium in Washington

Before building a barndominium in Washington, you should know that the state has a lot of protected wetlands that prevent building (even if you own the land). Furthermore, the barndo has to meet the state’s strict building codes. Washington is built along several fault lines, which means it’s prone to earthquakes.

Let’s analyze everything you need to know before building a Washington barndominium below.

• Washington has a lot of building codes that apply to barndominiums. The state requires your building to prevent earthquake damage, from being unstable, and more. Each state has unique building regulations, so make sure you find out local county building codes before choosing the land.
• You’ll have to avoid the state’s wetlands. Washington has a lot of protected land. Wetlands often prevent building because they’re preserved for nature. Unfortunately, there could be a 1’ x 1’ square of land on your property that prevents you from building anything on it. This could disrupt plumbing, wiring, and more.
• Washington has excellent soil for growing trees, flowers, and other plants. This state is the perfect place for building a barndominium if you want to farm, raise cattle, or surround your home with hedges. The soil is fertile throughout the year, thanks to the constant rain and shifting topsoil.
• You’ll likely have to use top-notch insulation to deal with Washington’s cold winters. Consider triple-glazed windows and insulation batts. If your barndominium has a lot of steel (which almost all of them do), you could cover the inside with wooden panels, drywall, and spray foam insulation.
• Building a barndo in Washington is much quicker than building a traditional house. You can expect to have the barndominium completed between four to twelve weeks (though some take up to six months). Compared to the one or more years it takes to build a house, Washington’s barndominium construction timeframe is quite fast.

There are numerous benefits for those building barndos in Washington. However, it’s essential to keep all of the troubles you might experience in mind. Read on to learn everything you should know about what you might have to deal with before choosing a location for your WA State barndominium.

Potential Challenges for Washington Barndominiums

Potential challenges while building a Washington barndominium include difficulty finding mortgage loans, insurance companies, and building companies. Many parts of Washington are far away from local cities, so you might have to wait a little longer before the construction date. However, this depends on what time of year you build the barndo.

Here’s a list of five challenges you might have to deal with:

1. Barndomiuniums don’t always qualify for home loans in Washington. According to Barndos, most mortgage companies don’t count barndominiums as houses. This means you’ll have to pay out of pocket or search for a private loan. Not only do private loans usually have lower caps, but they also often come with higher interest rates.
2. You’ll have to shop for insurance companies (though they’re usually cheaper than house insurance once you find one). Much like mortgage company loans, it can be difficult to find insurance for your barndominium. The good news is that you can often get a quote and approval before construction begins.
3. Construction seasons vary based on local weather patterns since the metal can rust. Most companies won’t build a barndominium in Washington when it rains too often. The materials will corrode, making your home much less durable. It also slows the building process, so it’s worth waiting for the summer.
4. There aren’t very many companies that build barndominiums in Washington. Solid Structures, Worldwide Steel Buildings, Steel Structures America, and a few other companies build barndominiums and ship construction kits. It’s worth getting a quote from as many local companies as possible to save time and money.
5. Washington barndos typically require regular rust inhibitor applications. The state has tons of rain, which can quickly damage your metal barndominium. Fortunately, many companies keep this in mind. We suggest inquiring about the construction materials and rust inhibitors used in the construction process.

Final Thoughts

Building a barndominium in Washington can be the perfect affordable solution for you and your family. Make sure you get multiple quotes or find out which kit suits your needs. The prices may vary based on your location, but remember to look for mortgages and insurance companies for approval beforehand.