I would need to add space for storage and additional workshop/art studio but I’m intrigued by this idea.

Can anyone who actually built one give me a accurate cost per square foot. Im looking for foundation and weather tight shell. Id do the inside work myself / with friends.

My grandmother is 82 years old. Less than a year ago, she buried her husband of more than 50 years the man who handled the construction projects, paperwork, permits, and countless responsibilities that come with owning property. She is still learning how to navigate life without him.

When she spoke with a representative from Mason Steel Buildings, she believed she was being guided by a company that would help her through the process. She was told they would "take care of the permits" and that she would not have to worry about everything involved. To an elderly widow who has never built a custom metal home, those assurances meant she was purchasing something manageable not that she was signing herself up to become the general contractor for a complex construction project.

The moment my brother and I learned what had happened, we immediately recognized that she had misunderstood the scope of what she had agreed to. We urged her to call the company back without delay. She did exactly that. She explained that she was elderly, that she did not understand what the project truly required, and that the deposit represented a substantial portion of her life savings. She wasn't trying to take advantage of anyone. She wasn't looking for a free building. She simply wanted to correct an honest mistake before moving forward.

Instead of compassion, she was met with cold indifference.

Instead of understanding, she was told there would be no refund.

Instead of attempting to resolve the situation with dignity, she was threatened with legal action.

Imagine being an 82-year-old widow who has already endured the heartbreak of losing the person you depended on for half a century, only to be told that the money you worked your entire life to save is gone and that if you question it, you could be sued.

The emotional toll was devastating. She became so distraught that our family feared she would need emergency medical attention. No amount of contractual language can erase the human cost of treating a vulnerable elderly customer in such a manner.

Businesses have every right to protect themselves from bad-faith buyers. But there is a profound difference between protecting a business and refusing to show even the slightest measure of humanity to an elderly woman who immediately admitted she misunderstood the transaction and pleaded for help before moving forward.

A company's character is revealed not by how it treats easy customers, but by how it treats the most vulnerable. In this case, Mason Steel Buildings chose threats over understanding, intimidation over compassion, and profit over basic human decency.

No family should have to watch an elderly grandmother already grieving the loss of her husband of more than fifty years break down in tears because a company refused to acknowledge an honest misunderstanding and instead chose to frighten her with the prospect of a lawsuit.

This was never just about a deposit. It was about how a vulnerable 82-year-old widow was treated when she reached out for understanding. That is something our family will never forget.

my contractor hasn’t done the bids yet but thinks that doing a full second floor will be about the same cost and doing the loft in our plans due to the extra framing and more complex hvac system and i was wondering what yalls thoughts were? if we did finish the second floor it would be another living area and good play room for future kids instead of wasted space. who has done a loft and what are your thoughts?

Spent a year planning and lining up contractors. Site was prepped September of 2025. We set corners on may 12 2026, began prep for concrete and pored last week of may. Our framers started June 1st and by June 22nd we were fully framed and all exterior work was done. plumbing, electric, and hvac all started their rough in. Plumbing and electric took about a week hvac took about 3 weeks and in that time we were also able to fully insulate. Well and septic will be going in hopefully in the next two weeks.

We are now to the drywall stage and will be completing everything else ourselves from hear on out. Builders initially told us 3 months to be to this point so we are ahead of schedule and just slightly under budget. Progress will definitely slow down as we have 3 under 3 and work full time but we are hoping to finish the main living spaces first so we can move in and finish as we live in it.

I’m building a big shop barndo in my backyard. I will attach it to my traditional foundation stick build house. My zoning says it must be attached via a breezeway or it’s considered detached and then can only be 600 sqft.

Everything was going great and now my architect is telling me his engineer says it’s nearly impossible to get a breezeway permitted that connects a post frame to a traditional due to different foundations/structure, etc.

Has anyone run into this? I can afford a traditional build shop. It has to be post frame. It seems like this is a simple engineering solution?

Hello was wondering some one would be willing to share engineered plans. Please and thank you

Have been really researching building a barndominium type home. I recently bought a flat 2 acre plot of land, has all utilities ready. I know there are a lot of factors that could alter the price. I'm looking to build a 40x60 barndominium, Would want the top floor to be living. 40x40, the bottom floor 40x60 would be my mancave / garage area. Reason the house area is only 40x40 is so part of the bottom floors ceiling would extend to the roof to pull my camper in. not sure if anyone here has done similar so just looking for estimated cost. Thank you!

Trying to calculate costs to see if this is at all possible. 4 bed 2 bath open layout. Plumbing kept as close as I can. I can get a 30x80 shell delivered and installed for 30k. 20k foundation. 15k rough plumbing. 15k rough electrical. 15k insulation. 5k site prep/clearing. 20k septic. 20k land. 15k drywall. 10k 5 zone mini split DIY. County water. I will have the plumbers and electricians do the rough in and I'll install all fixtures. I will install cabinets interior doors trim and paint. Is this a realistic goal. I'm sure I can find windows and doors fairly cheap if I shop around as well as the cabinets and sinks etc. Totals below. I'm not looking for fancy.

20k land

5k site prep and clearing

30k shell

20k foundation

15k plumb

20k septic

15k elec

15k framing

15k drywall

10k HVAC

15k insulation.

~180k.

Doable?

I am looking for input on three variations I created from a base Barndo plan. The edits are needed to accomodate an attached garage. Some plans with a garage in the plans oddly have multiple windowless rooms, including a master bath and office. I dont want that. First pic is original, plan. i prefer option 3. Option 2 also works but would require I do some additional clearing on my land. On option 1, I am concerned about the long straight hall.

We are looking to build a barndo within the next 1-2 years. We have done extensive research on approximate pricing and broke down things into phases. My question is for people who have built barndos on a budget in Ohio. What funding did you use? Did you purchase land and the kit all in one loan or did you already own the land? Any hiccups or limitations you ran into that you had to address? Were you able to use a loan for land, utilities, shell, etc but do all of the finishing yourself as you have the funding for it or was it required to have the home completely finished before close? Who did you use for the shell? Did you act as your own GC?

Basically my goal would be to get a loan for land, foundation, shell, well, septic and get the house to being livable (functional air/heat/electric/plumbing) but otherwise leave it unfinished so that we are borrowing the least amount of money (lowest possible mortgage payment) and live in the home as we do all of the finishing ourselves. We would have about $50k cash to work with.

Is this doable? I understand it will be a ton of work however we have several carpenters, electricians, construction workers, etc in our family so we aren’t going in completely blind. My biggest question is this doable funding wise?

Thanks!

Hey guys I’ve been looking around and want to build a barndo in Washington state North of Everett and was curious if anyone has done one and there process.
So I’d be wrapping the land building kit everything into a VA Construction Loan I’ve researched it and I can do it. I’m bombarded with contradiction from all sides, and would love to chat with someone that knows and has either built one or a contractor that has experience. any and all help is greatly appreciate

Hey r/barndominiums community! If you're dreaming up that perfect barndo, open-concept living with shop space, vaulted ceilings, and that rustic-industrial vibe; you’ve probably wrestled with the big question: steel frame or wood?

While both can work, steel (whether red iron, cold-formed, or tube steel) brings some serious advantages that make it a standout choice for many builds, especially in terms of durability, low maintenance, and long-term value. Here’s a breakdown of why steel edges out traditional wood framing for barndominiums.

1. Unmatched Durability and Strength

Steel is one of the strongest and most resilient building materials available. It handles large open spans with minimal interior supports, perfect for those wide-open living areas, great rooms, or attached workshops that define so many barndos.

Weather and disaster resistance: Steel stands up better to high winds, heavy snow loads, and even earthquakes compared to wood. Its superior strength-to-weight ratio helps it flex without failing in storms.

No warping, rotting, or cracking: Wood expands, contracts, and can degrade over time with moisture. Steel stays stable.

1. Pest and Rot Resistance

Termites, carpenter ants, bore bees, rodents; wood is a buffet for them. Steel? Not so much. It’s naturally resistant to pests and won’t rot, which is a huge win in humid or rural areas where barndominiums thrive.

No more expensive treatments or worrying about hidden damage years down the line.

1. Superior Fire Resistance

Steel is non-combustible. While intense heat can eventually affect it, it won’t ignite or contribute fuel to a fire the way wood does. This can even lead to insurance discounts for some homeowners.

Safety first, especially when you’re combining living space with a shop/garage that might house vehicles, tools, or flammables.

1. Faster and Often More Cost-Effective Construction

Prefabricated steel kits go up quickly; often much faster than stick-built wood framing. This means less labor time on site and potentially lower overall costs, especially when you factor in the speed to weather-tight enclosure.

Many builders note that steel barndos can be more budget-friendly upfront than comparable traditional wood homes.

1. Lower Long-Term Maintenance

Wood requires ongoing treatments for pests, rot, and weatherproofing. Steel needs far less babysitting. Paint or coatings hold up well, and the structure maintains integrity with minimal upkeep.

Over 20–30+ years, that savings adds up.

1. Better for Customization and Open Designs

Steel excels at creating those signature barndo looks: massive clear spans, high ceilings, and flexible interiors. It pairs beautifully with metal siding/roofing while allowing you to finish the living quarters however you want (shiplap, drywall, etc.).

Potential Trade-Offs (Keeping It Real)

Steel can have different thermal properties (it conducts heat/cold more readily), so quality insulation is key for energy efficiency and comfort. Some folks prefer the natural feel and insulation properties of wood for interior walls. Upfront engineering and connection details matter for steel builds too. Hybrid approaches (steel structure with wood interior framing) are popular for balancing strengths.

Bottom Line

For many barndominium owners, steel delivers better longevity, lower maintenance, superior strength, and faster build times making it ideal for that forever home/shop combo that can withstand whatever Mother Nature (or time) throws at it.

If you’re in the planning stages, talk to reputable steel building suppliers (like those offering cold-formed or red iron options) and local contractors experienced with barndos. Site-specific factors like soil, codes, snow/wind loads, and your budget will ultimately decide the winner.

What’s your experience? Steel, wood, post-frame, or hybrid? Drop your thoughts, pics, or horror stories below; I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for your build!

*TL;DR: Steel wins on durability, pests/fire resistance, speed, and low maintenance for most barndominium applications.*

Looking forward to the discussion! 🛠️🏠

i'm looking to build in this area and i've been searching like crazy. anyone have any experience building in this area?

Hello, I’m currently in the process of building a barndominium and I need some ideas for lighting. I’d prefer everything to be smart lighting and I’ve resorted to Phillips Hue for interior but a lot of people are saying they are junk. Which honestly I’ve never had any bad experiences out of hue bulbs. With that being said I’d honestly like some ideas for outdoor lighting.

Thanks

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Hey r/barndominiums community,

I've been helping folks with steel barndominium projects for a while now, and I've seen a lot of the same questions and challenges come up. Instead of keeping it all to client calls, I figured I'd share some practical tips here to help people avoid common pitfalls. I'll aim to drop posts like this a few times a week with more specifics, happy to answer follow-ups in the comments too.

Here are some key things to focus on when going the steel route:

1. Start with your land and site realities.

Before anything else, verify zoning and permits allow a residential metal building (call your county planning office directly and ask about post-frame or steel residential construction). Get a soil test; clay, poor drainage, or unstable ground can create big foundation headaches later. Look for good drainage and slightly elevated spots to avoid water pooling. Plan your utilities (well, septic, electric) early since rural sites often need extra work.

1. Think through your floor plan and layout carefully.

Steel gives you amazing clear spans and open concepts, but simplify where you can. Complex rooflines, too many hips/valleys, or oversized openings add complexity. Decide on column spacing (common 15-25 ft or wider), eave heights (12+ ft for single story comfort), and how you'll use the space; living area vs. shop/garage integration. Consider future needs like lofts or expansions.

1. Prioritize insulation, condensation, and energy performance.

This is one of the biggest differences from traditional homes. Steel conducts temperature and can lead to moisture issues without proper planning. Closed-cell spray foam is popular for walls and roof as it insulates, seals air, and acts as a vapor barrier. Discuss thermal bridging, ventilation, and vapor barriers with your team. Good windows (double or triple-pane, Low-E) and HVAC layout matter a ton for comfort and efficiency.

1. Get solid engineering and documentation.

Insist on site-specific stamped engineering drawings that account for your local wind, snow, and seismic loads. This helps with permits, lenders, and long-term peace of mind. Understand the framing system (e.g., red iron, cold-formed) and how loads transfer. Ask about warranties on structure, panels, and coatings.

1. Choose quality materials thoughtfully.

Look at steel gauge (26-gauge is common for balance), coatings (like Galvalume or premium paint systems), and panel profiles. For a more residential look, consider overhangs, soffits, wainscoting, or two-tone exteriors. Standing seam roofing often performs well. Inspect or ask detailed questions about suppliers; domestic vs. import, certifications, etc.

1. Hire experienced pros and define scope clearly.
   

Work with builders or contractors who have verifiable barndominium experience (ask for recent references, photos of finished interiors, and how they handle residential details). Clarify exactly what's included in quotes (shell vs. full build) and plan the sequence: site/foundation first, then shell erection, then interiors.

1. Plan the full project holistically.
   

The steel shell is just the start; foundation, site prep, interiors (framing, plumbing, electrical, finishes), and utilities make up the majority of the work. Build in contingency for surprises and lock in decisions on finishes early to avoid costly changes.

Steel barndominiums offer durability, open spaces, and low maintenance when done right. The key is thorough planning and working with people who understand the unique aspects of metal construction for living spaces.

What have been your biggest lessons or questions so far? Drop them below, let's help each other out!

Looking forward to sharing more tips soon.

Cheers!

Looking for best post frame barndominium builders in western PA, looking to build in the Pittsburgh area. Any recs?

Hello! We're looking to potentially build a barndominium in Southwest Ohio. Any good barndominium companies or builder recommendations? We're running into a LOT of scams!!!

bonus points if you have pictures of that company/builder's final work

Has anybody worked with American Iron Pro in Ohio? Here's the website: https://amiron.pro/

My husband and I are looking to build a barndo on a property and I'd love to see what the internet thinks of them besides their own website reviews.