25 Exclusive Barndominium House Plans: Small, Large, & Custom Designs

The Soulful Call of the Open-Concept Barndo

There’s a deep, quiet yearning that comes when you scroll through endless cookie-cutter homes. You see four walls, a roof, and a price tag, but you don’t feel the soul of a home designed for a life less ordinary. Perhaps you dream of a space where the kitchen flows seamlessly into a great room, where light pours in through towering windows, and where a workshop for your passions is just steps from your living room.

That dream isn’t just a fantasy, it’s the core promise of a barndominium. For too long, barndominium house plans were seen as a niche, rustic option, but they’ve evolved into the ultimate expression of modern, flexible, and cost-effective living. They offer a blank canvas for your deepest desires, merging country charm with industrial chic.

If you’re ready to move past the ordinary and embrace a home that truly reflects your lifestyle, then you’re in the right place. We’ve scoured the best architectural minds to curate 25 exclusive barndominium house plans from cozy, small footprints perfect for a getaway to sprawling, large designs for multi-generational living, and every custom detail in between to help you find the blueprint that finally feels like home. This extensive guide will not only showcase diverse designs but will also equip you with the knowledge to make an informed, confident decision about your future build.

Why Choose a Barndominium? Comparing Barndo Plans to Traditional Homes

Barndominiums, or “barndos,” are rapidly moving from a trend to a mainstream home-building choice. Understanding the foundational benefits is the first step in choosing the right plan, as this structure provides distinct advantages you simply won’t find in conventional residential construction.

The decision to build a barndo often comes down to practicality, aesthetics, and budget. You’re looking for a structure that works harder for your money, offering durability without sacrificing style.

Key Advantages of Barndominium House Plans

When you select one of the many available barndominium house plans, you are choosing a building methodology that offers quantifiable benefits across the board:

• Cost-Effective Construction: This is perhaps the most compelling reason for many people. Building the primary structure of a barndominium leverages the efficiency of pre-engineered steel and post-frame construction. This efficiency translates directly to your bottom line.
  • Data Point: Industry averages suggest that the cost to build a finished barndominium typically ranges between $70 and $120 per square foot. Compare this to a traditional wood-framed home, which can often cost upwards of $100 to over $200 per square foot for the shell and basic finishes. This difference stems from reduced labor time and minimized material waste associated with metal framing.
• Design Flexibility (The Open-Concept Appeal): The core design of a barndo, whether it utilizes steel or post-frame, eliminates the need for numerous load-bearing interior walls. This structural freedom is what makes the signature open-concept possible. You can design massive, light-filled great rooms, implement towering vaulted ceilings, and plan for future, easy remodeling without structural headaches. Your interior space is a blank, uninterrupted canvas.
• Durability and Low Maintenance: The steel-frame construction isn’t just budget-friendly; it’s incredibly robust. This material offers superior resistance to common residential threats:
  • Fire: Steel is non-combustible.
  • Pests: Termites and wood rot are non-issues.
  • Weather: The structure handles high winds and severe weather better than traditional framing.These features lead directly to lower long-term maintenance costs and, in many cases, lower homeowner’s insurance premiums.
• Faster Build Time: Time is money, and when you choose a barndo kit, the main structure is quick to assemble. The shell of a typical barndominium can often be erected in a matter of weeks, dramatically shortening the overall construction timeline compared to a conventional, stick-built home, which often stretches into a year or more. You can move into your dream home sooner.

Barndominium vs. Traditional Home Comparison

To solidify your decision, review this concise comparison showing how a barndo structure stacks up against a conventional wood-framed home:

Feature	Barndominium (Metal/Post-Frame)	Traditional Home (Stick-Built)
Average Cost/Sq. Ft. (Finished)	$\sim \$70 – \$120$ (Cost-Efficient)	$\sim \$100 – \$200+$ (Higher Entry Point)
Construction Time	Faster (Often completed in months)	Slower (Often takes 1+ year to complete)
Interior Layout	Highly Flexible, Open-Concept, Vaulted Ceilings	More Structural Walls, Layout Restrictions
Durability	High (Resistant to pests, fire, and severe weather)	Medium (Vulnerable to pests, rot, and fire)
Long-Term Maintenance	Generally Lower (Due to steel construction)	Standard to High (Requires more upkeep)
Resale Value	Growing rapidly, depends on local market and finish quality	Established, but less unique selling proposition

Spotlight on Small Barndominium House Plans (Under 2,000 Sq. Ft.)

The philosophy of “less is more” finds a perfect home in the barndominium structure. The beauty of a barndo doesn’t rely on massive square footage; it relies on clever design and maximizing every inch of available space. Our collection includes brilliant, efficient small barndominium house plans that maximize space and budget without sacrificing style or comfort.

Choosing a smaller footprint allows you to allocate more of your budget to high-quality finishes and advanced insulation, ensuring a luxurious feel in a manageable size. These plans are perfect for minimalists, those seeking lower property taxes, retirees, or anyone looking for a highly efficient second home.

Top 8 Small Barndominium Designs for Efficient Living

The small barndo category often showcases the most creative uses of vertical space and open planning. Look for these design styles among the best plans:

• The Weekend Retreat (700 – 1,000 sq. ft.): These are the coziest options, offering a simple, functional layout that is easy to heat and maintain. These often resemble modern cabins.
  • Key Feature: They frequently feature a loft bedroom tucked beneath the vaulted ceiling and a surprisingly spacious, combined living/kitchen area. The vaulted ceiling is strategically used to make the space feel enormous, effectively doubling the perceived size.
• The Single-Story Ranch Barndo (1,200 – 1,600 sq. ft.): These are some of the most efficient barndominium floor plans for full-time living. They typically include 2 to 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, keeping everything on the main level for ease of access, excellent for families with young children or those planning for retirement.
  • Key Feature: Look for plans incorporating a large, covered wrap-around porch. This feature effectively expands your main living area outdoors, providing sheltered space for dining or relaxing, which is crucial for smaller footprints.
• The ‘Shouse’ Starter (1,800 – 2,000 sq. ft.): This hybrid design is extremely popular. The plan dedicates about 1,200 square feet to the actual living quarters while seamlessly integrating a substantial 600- to 800-square-foot shop or garage area under the same roof.
  • Key Feature: A dedicated, insulated workshop or large garage space that is accessible directly from the home’s main living area. This layout is ideal for hobbyists, mechanics, or small business owners who need immediate access to their workspace.

When selecting a small plan, focus on:

1. Natural Light: Maximize window placement to prevent the interior from feeling claustrophobic.
2. Built-in Storage: Look for plans that cleverly incorporate built-in shelving, cabinetry, and under-stair storage to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
3. Kitchen Efficiency: Prioritize a galley or L-shaped kitchen layout that provides high functionality in a compact area.

Exploring Large Barndominium House Plans (Over 3,000 Sq. Ft.)

When your needs include space for a growing family, multi-generational living, extensive hobbies, or luxurious amenities, the large barndominium house plans deliver on a truly grand scale. The inherent structural integrity of the steel frame allows architects to design vast, column-free spaces that traditional builders can only dream of.

These large designs are perfect for those who want to merge their lifestyle and passion projects under one enormous, resilient roof. You can include everything from a full-sized basketball court to a massive home theatre, all without compromising the elegance of your main living quarters.

The Luxurious Features of 10 Large Barndominium Layouts

The expansive nature of these floor plans allows for the inclusion of truly unique and functional elements:

• Multi-Generational Barndos: A leading use for large barndos is accommodating extended family. You can find plans that include a dedicated in-law suite or a fully equipped apartment-style wing with its own separate entrance, kitchen, and laundry facilities.
  • Design Consideration: When reviewing these plans, pay close attention to acoustic insulation between the main and secondary living spaces to ensure privacy and comfort for all residents.
• The Equestrian/RV Barndo: If you own recreational vehicles, boats, or have agricultural needs, the barndo is unparalleled. These plans feature extra-tall, extra-wide bays often with 14- or 16-foot ceilings specifically designed to house an RV, a large boat, or even space for a horse tack room (if your property is on acreage). The seamless transition from living to working/storage space is a key selling point.
• The Two-Story Monitor Barn Style: This design creates a dramatic visual impact and maximizes vertical space. It features a raised center section (the “monitor”) running the length of the structure, often topped with clerestory windows.
  • Focus Point: This architectural feature floods the expansive great room and main hallway with natural light, creating an airy, cathedral-like atmosphere that is truly breathtaking. It elevates the barndo aesthetic to a luxury level.
• Integrated Recreation Spaces: Use the wide-open square footage to include dedicated rooms that are difficult to fit in a conventional home, such as:
  • A professional-grade home gym or yoga studio.
  • A fully soundproofed media room or home cinema.
  • A massive hobby room for crafting, art, or model building.

The advantage of a large barndo is not just the size, but the deliberate separation of function. You can create distinct zones for privacy, work, and recreation, all while maintaining the overall sense of unity inherent in the barndo’s open-concept design.

Custom Barndominium House Plans: Designing Your Personalized Dream

The greatest advantage of the barndo structure is its limitless potential for customization. Many of the 25 plans you explore are easily adaptable, allowing you to move walls, resize rooms, and designate spaces to fit your exact lifestyle. This ability to personalize is why so many people choose a barndo over a pre-existing home.

7 Ways to Customize Your Barndominium Floor Plan

As you review different barndominium floor plans, consider these customization opportunities that the structure makes uniquely simple:

1. Flex Rooms & Lofts: Capitalize on the vast open interior by designating a Flex Room. This is a non-permanent space that can transition easily from a productive home office today to a nursery tomorrow, or a dedicated homework zone later. Similarly, use the high ceilings to build a usable loft above the main living area for guest accommodations or a quiet reading nook.
2. Exterior Aesthetics: Your home doesn’t have to look like a simple metal barn. Customize the façade with a range of beautiful materials. Choose your siding (vertical metal panels, warm wood planks, modern shiplap, or rustic stone veneers) and select a roof style (classic gable, curved gambrel, or striking monitor) to achieve the exact blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance that suits you.
3. Porch and Outdoor Living: Leverage the structural simplicity to design an oversized, covered porch or wraparound deck. This effectively extends your main living area outdoors, providing sheltered space regardless of the weather.
   • Inclusion: Incorporate a built-in outdoor kitchen, a screened-in dining area, or a gorgeous masonry fireplace to maximize year-round use of your exterior spaces.
4. Window Placement and Size: The large, open wall sections are perfect for maximizing views. Work with your designer to utilize enormous picture windows, floor-to-ceiling glass panels, or rows of large casement windows that flood the interior with natural light, a crucial component in contemporary, high-end design.
5. Floor Surface Selection: The concrete slab foundation is an excellent, durable, and highly customizable base. You can choose to leave it as polished concrete, a modern, low-maintenance, and cost-effective option, or cover it with luxury vinyl plank, tile, or wood.
6. Kitchen Configuration: Since load-bearing walls are minimized, you have the freedom to design the ultimate chef’s kitchen, often incorporating an enormous central island that serves as the social hub of the home.
7. Mudroom and Laundry: In a home designed for country or active living, an over-the-top mudroom, often connected to the garage/shop area, becomes a necessity. Dedicate generous space for lockers, benches, sinks, and storage to keep the main living area pristine.

Key Custom Elements to Budget For in Your Barndominium Plan

While the shell saves you money, the quality of your customizations will define your home’s luxury and comfort. Be sure to allocate appropriate budget for these crucial items:

• Insulation: Investing in high-quality spray foam insulation is non-negotiable for optimal energy efficiency and sound dampening in a metal structure. This will ensure your home is cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and surprisingly quiet.
• Interior Finishes: This is where the cost-savings of the shell can be strategically reinvested. High-end custom cabinets, luxury stone countertops, and curated lighting fixtures are the elements that create a true “home” feeling and elevate the entire design.
• HVAC System: Given the expansive, open-concept spaces and often vaulted ceilings, a properly sized and zoned HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is absolutely essential for consistent temperature regulation and comfort throughout the entire structure. Consult with a specialist early in the design phase.

(FAQ) about Barndominium House Plans

We’ve gathered and answered the most common inquiries to provide clarity as you move forward with your build.

Q: Are barndominium house plans cheaper than traditional home plans?

A: Yes, generally speaking, they offer significant savings. The overall construction method, utilizing pre-engineered components and simpler steel or post-frame structures, drastically reduces construction time and material costs compared to traditional stick-built homes. This is most noticeable in the cost to erect the shell. However, the final, finished price is entirely dependent on the quality of your chosen interior finishes and how many high-end customizations you choose. A highly customized, luxury barndo can cost as much as a conventional home, but a standard one will offer considerable savings.

Q: Is it difficult to get a loan for a barndominium construction?

A: It can be more challenging than a conventional mortgage, but the difficulty is rapidly decreasing. In the past, barndominiums were sometimes classified as “unconventional” housing, making traditional conventional mortgages unavailable. Today, as barndos have exploded in popularity, many lending institutions, particularly those in rural or agricultural areas, now offer construction loans specifically tailored for metal-building homes. Your best strategy is to find a lender who is experienced and comfortable with barndominium house plans and understands the unique appraisal process.

Q: Do barndominiums hold their resale value in the current market?

A: Yes, they are increasingly holding and often appreciating in value. As the popularity of the structure grows and more high-quality, architecturally designed barndos are built, the stigma of them being “just a barn” has evaporated. A well-designed, professionally finished, and well-maintained barndominium in a desirable location can appreciate just as much as a traditional home. The key determinants of strong resale value are the quality of construction, the appeal of the interior finishes, and the inclusion of desirable features like open-concept living and dedicated shop/garage space.

Q: What are the main differences between a metal frame and a post-frame barndominium?

A: Metal Frame: Uses structural steel columns and beams, offering the greatest clear-span distances (meaning fewer interior supports) and superior fire resistance. It’s often associated with a higher initial kit cost but faster assembly. Post-Frame (Pole Barn): Uses wooden posts set into the ground or onto a foundation, offering a slightly more traditional wood-framing interior but with the same open-concept flexibility. It’s often the most cost-effective entry point.

Conclusion: Your Barndo Awaits

The shift toward barndominium house plans is more than just a passing trend; it’s a move toward intentional, flexible living, a desire for a home that is as versatile and resilient as the life you want to build within it. You are not just building a structure; you are creating a custom environment that truly serves your needs, whether that means a hyper-efficient small footprint, a vast luxury estate, or a perfect combination of home and workshop.

Reviewing these 25 exclusive barndominium house plans should be more than a task; it should be the moment you start seeing your unique vision take tangible shape. The structural freedom, cost savings, and durability of the barndominium concept put the power of personalized design squarely in your hands.

Ready to take the next crucial step in your building journey? I can help you find and research reputable architects, local builders, or barndominium kit providers in your region to get detailed quotes and start turning your chosen plan into a reality. Tell me your desired location, and let’s find the best professionals to bring your barndo to life.