Barndominiums in Spokane: Trendy, Durable, and Affordable

*By Stimson Contracting*

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve been building in the Inland Northwest for decades, and we’ve seen trends come and go. But one trend that’s not only here to stay—it’s thriving—is the rise of barndominiums. These unique structures are turning heads and changing the way people think about homebuilding. In Spokane, barndominiums are more than just a passing fad; they’re a smart, stylish, and sustainable choice for modern living. Let us walk you through why barndominiums are making waves in our region and why they might be the perfect fit for your next home.

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What Are Barndominiums?

Barndominiums—often affectionately called “barndos”—are a hybrid of a barn and a condominium. Originally popularized in rural Texas, these structures combine the rustic charm of a barn with the comfort and functionality of a modern home. At their core, barndominiums are metal or post-frame buildings that can be customized to include living quarters, workshops, garages, and more. They’re incredibly versatile, which is one of the reasons they’ve gained so much traction.

What sets barndominiums apart is their open-concept design and structural efficiency. Unlike traditional stick-built homes, barndos use steel or post-frame construction, which allows for wide, open interior spaces without the need for load-bearing walls. This means you can design your interior layout exactly how you want it—whether that’s a spacious kitchen, a home office, or a large family room. The possibilities are nearly endless.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve built barndominiums for families, retirees, hobbyists, and even small business owners. Some clients want a cozy 1,200-square-foot home with a shop attached, while others go big with 4,000 square feet of living space and a full equestrian setup. The beauty of a barndominium is that it can be whatever you need it to be.

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Why Spokane Is Embracing the Barndominium Trend

Spokane is uniquely positioned to be a hotspot for barn homes or barn-style homes, also known as barndominiums. With its mix of rural charm and urban convenience, the region offers the perfect backdrop for this type of home. Land is more affordable here than in many other parts of the country, and zoning laws in many areas are friendly to alternative housing styles. That makes Spokane an ideal place to build a barndominium.

We’ve seen a significant uptick in inquiries and builds over the past five years. According to local real estate data, rural property sales in Spokane County have increased by over 20% since 2020, and many of those buyers are looking for something different than a traditional home. Barndominiums offer that difference—without sacrificing comfort or style. As one of our recent clients put it, “We wanted something that felt like home but also gave us space for our hobbies. A barndo was the perfect solution.”

Another reason Spokane residents are drawn to barndominiums is the lifestyle they support. Whether you’re into farming, woodworking, car restoration, or simply want more room to breathe, a barndominium gives you the space to live your life your way. And with the natural beauty of Eastern Washington as your backdrop, it’s hard to imagine a better setting for this kind of living.

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The Durability Factor: Built to Last

One of the biggest advantages of barndominiums is their durability. At Stimson Contracting, we use high-quality steel and engineered wood products that are designed to withstand the elements. Spokane’s climate can be tough—cold winters, hot summers, and everything in between—but barndominiums are built to handle it all.

Steel-framed barndominiums are especially resilient. They’re resistant to pests like termites, they don’t warp or rot like traditional wood framing, and they hold up well against wind and snow loads. In fact, many of our barndos are engineered to exceed local building codes for snow load, which is crucial in areas like Spokane where winter storms can be intense. According to the National Association of Home Builders, steel-framed homes can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance.

We also incorporate energy-efficient materials and insulation systems to ensure your barndominium stays comfortable year-round. Spray foam insulation, energy-efficient windows, and metal roofing all contribute to a structure that’s not only tough but also cost-effective to heat and cool. As builders, we take pride in creating homes that are as strong as they are beautiful.

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Affordability Without Compromise

One of the most compelling reasons people choose barndominiums is affordability. Traditional homes in Spokane have seen a steady rise in price—according to Zillow, the median home price in Spokane County rose by nearly 40% between 2020 and 2023. Barndominiums offer a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality or comfort.

Because barndominiums use simpler construction methods and fewer materials, they can often be built for less per square foot than a conventional home. On average, our clients spend between $120 and $160 per square foot for a fully finished barndominium, depending on the level of customization and finishes. Compare that to $200+ per square foot for many traditional homes in the area, and the savings become clear.

But affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners. We work closely with our clients to ensure every barndominium we build meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. From granite countertops to custom cabinetry, you can have all the high-end finishes you want—just in a more efficient and cost-effective package. As we like to say, “You don’t have to spend more to get more.”

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Customization and Design Flexibility

One of the most exciting aspects of building a barndominium is the freedom to design it exactly how you want. Unlike traditional homes that often come with fixed floor plans, barndominiums offer a blank canvas. Whether you want a modern farmhouse aesthetic, a rustic lodge feel, or a sleek industrial vibe, we can bring your vision to life.

We’ve built barndominiums with wraparound porches, vaulted ceilings, loft spaces, and even indoor basketball courts. Want a three-car garage with a workshop? No problem. Need a mother-in-law suite or a home office? We can do that too. The open-span design of a barndominium means you’re not limited by interior walls or structural constraints.

Our design team works hand-in-hand with clients to create floor plans that reflect their lifestyle. One recent project in Deer Park featured a 2,500-square-foot living space with an attached 1,200-square-foot shop for woodworking. Another in Green Bluff included a gourmet kitchen, spa-like master bath, and panoramic windows overlooking the orchard. The only limit is your imagination—and maybe your budget.

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Getting Started: Building Your Barndominium in Spokane

If you’re ready to explore the world of barndominiums, we’re here to help. At Stimson Contracting, we guide you through every step of the process—from site selection and permitting to design and construction. Building a barndominium is a unique journey, and we’re committed to making it as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

The first step is finding the right piece of land. We can help you evaluate potential properties for access, utilities, zoning, and buildability. Once you’ve secured your site, we’ll work with you to design a floor plan that fits your needs and budget. Our in-house team handles engineering, permitting, and construction, so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about delays.

We believe in transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction. That’s why so many of our clients come back to us for additional projects—or refer their friends and family. As one happy homeowner told us, “Stimson made the process easy and fun. We love our barndo and can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

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Conclusion

Barndominiums are more than just a trend—they’re a lifestyle choice that offers durability, affordability, and unmatched design flexibility. In Spokane, where the landscape is as diverse as the people who live here, barndominiums are the perfect fit. At Stimson Contracting, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, helping our clients build homes that are as unique as they are.

If you’re ready to start your barndominium journey, give us a call. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.