10 Barndominium Myths Debunked

Barndominiums have surged in popularity across the country—and Spokane is no exception. As a builder who’s worked on dozens of these versatile, beautiful structures, I’ve seen firsthand how barndos offer the perfect mix of modern comfort and rural charm. But along with their growing reputation comes a lot of misinformation.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve heard it all: “They’re cold.” “You can’t finance them.” “They’re just glorified barns.” And while we get where these myths come from, most of them simply aren’t true—especially when you work with an experienced builder who knows how to do it right.

So, in this article, I’m setting the record straight. Here are 10 common barndominium myths—debunked—so you can make informed decisions if you’re planning your dream home.

Table of Contents

1. Myth 1: Barndominiums Are Just Metal Barns

2. Myth 2: They’re Cold and Uncomfortable Year-Round

3. Myth 3: You Can’t Get Financing

4. Myth 4: They Don’t Appreciate in Value

5. Myth 5: Barndos Are Only for Rural Properties

6. Myth 6: You Can’t Customize Them

7. Myth 7: They’re Cheaper Because They’re Lower Quality

8. Myth 8: They Can’t Withstand Spokane’s Climate

9. Myth 9: There Are Too Many Zoning Restrictions

10. Myth 10: They’re Just a Trend That Will Fade

11. Conclusion: Barndominiums Built on Facts, Not Fiction

Myth 1: Barndominiums Are Just Metal Barns

Truth: While barndominiums may look like barns on the outside, they’re engineered and built to residential standards on the inside. At Stimson, our barndos include everything from vaulted ceilings and modern kitchens to hardwood floors and custom finishes.

Myth 2: They’re Cold and Uncomfortable Year-Round

Truth: When properly insulated and outfitted with energy-efficient HVAC systems, barndominiums are just as comfortable as traditional homes. We use spray foam insulation, double-pane windows, and zoned heating to ensure year-round comfort—even in Spokane’s winters.

Myth 3: You Can’t Get Financing

Truth: This used to be true in some cases, but today many local lenders offer construction-to-permanent loans for barndominiums—especially when you work with a licensed builder and submit professional plans. We can even help connect you with barndo-friendly lenders.

Myth 4: They Don’t Appreciate in Value

Truth: A well-built barndominium on a permitted, zoned parcel of land will appreciate just like any other custom home—especially as they continue to gain popularity. In Spokane’s rural and semi-rural areas, barndos are in high demand among buyers.

Myth 5: Barndos Are Only for Rural Properties

Truth: While most barndominiums are built on rural land, we’ve also built them in suburban zones—pending local zoning and HOA guidelines. In many Spokane neighborhoods, a barndo can be a stylish, efficient alternative to a stick-built home.

Myth 6: You Can’t Customize Them

Truth: This might be the most misleading myth of all. Barndominiums are highly customizable—from floor plans and rooflines to porches, lofts, finishes, and room layouts. Want a wraparound deck, a two-story entryway, or a hybrid shop-home? We can do it all.

Myth 7: They’re Cheaper Because They’re Lower Quality

Truth: Barndominiums are often more cost-efficient than traditional builds, but that doesn’t mean they’re “cheap.” You’re saving money on foundation work and framing, not on materials or craftsmanship. We build barndos with the same quality standards as high-end homes.

Myth 8: They Can’t Withstand Spokane’s Climate

Truth: With proper engineering, barndominiums easily withstand Spokane’s snow loads, wind speeds, and temperature swings. Every building we design is tailored to meet or exceed local code requirements, making them durable for decades to come.

Myth 9: There Are Too Many Zoning Restrictions

Truth: Spokane County is actually very barndominium-friendly—especially in agricultural and rural residential zones. We take care of the permitting and design process to ensure your barndo meets all local requirements before we break ground.

Myth 10: They’re Just a Trend That Will Fade

Truth: Barndominiums are here to stay. Their blend of style, function, and flexibility is exactly what today’s homebuyers are looking for. In fact, demand is increasing—not fading. More builders, lenders, and jurisdictions are embracing them every year.

Conclusion: Barndominiums Built on Facts, Not Fiction

Barndominiums aren’t just a design trend—they’re a smart, stylish, and incredibly functional way to build a home that truly fits your life. If you’ve been hesitant because of something you heard or read online, we hope this post clears things up.

At Stimson Contracting, we specialize in building custom barndominiums from the ground up—designed for Spokane’s climate, codes, and way of life. We handle everything from permitting to final finish, and we’ll walk you through the process with honesty and experience.