Is a Barndominium Right for Your Family?

If you’ve been dreaming of a custom home with room to grow, space to work, and the freedom to design exactly what you want—there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term “barndominium.” And if you’re like many Spokane-area families I’ve talked to, you’re wondering whether a barndominium is truly a smart choice for your household.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped families throughout Eastern Washington build barndominiums that are not only beautiful and functional, but also affordable and durable. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key benefits (and a few things to consider) to help you decide if a barndominium is right for your family.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Barndominium?

2. Why Families Love Barndominiums

3. Design Flexibility for Growing Households

4. Affordability Compared to Traditional Homes

5. Built-In Workspaces, Garages, and More

6. Energy Efficiency and Year-Round Comfort

7. Is a Barndo Right for Rural Living?

8. Things to Consider Before Building

9. How We Help Spokane Families Build Smart

10. Conclusion: A Custom Home That Fits Your Life

1. What Is a Barndominium?

A barndominium is a custom-built home that uses post-frame or steel-frame construction—often combining living space with a garage, workshop, or other functional area under one roof. While the term originally referred to repurposed barns, today’s barndos are built new and designed for modern families from the ground up.

2. Why Families Love Barndominiums

We’ve built barndominiums for all kinds of families—large and small—and here’s what they love most:

• Wide-open floor plans

• High ceilings and tons of natural light

• Space for hobbies, tools, and storage

• The ability to design every square foot their way

• Lower costs per square foot

Barndos give you flexibility, functionality, and value all in one.

3. Design Flexibility for Growing Households

Need a playroom now and a home office later? Want to add bedrooms as your family grows? Barndominiums are perfect for families who need flexibility.

With clear-span construction, there are no interior load-bearing walls—so you can reconfigure rooms as your needs change. That means less cost for future renovations and a layout that adapts to your lifestyle.

4. Affordability Compared to Traditional Homes

In today’s housing market, affordability is key. Barndominiums are often 20–30% more cost-effective than traditional stick-built homes, thanks to:

• Faster build times

• Lower material and labor costs

• Integrated spaces (home + garage/shop in one)

You get more square footage for your money—without compromising on quality or comfort.

5. Built-In Workspaces, Garages, and More

One of the most exciting things about a barndo is the built-in extras you can’t get in most homes:

• Oversized garages

• Home workshops or studios

• RV bays or storage for recreational gear

• Attached home offices or small businesses

All of these spaces can be integrated into your barndominium from the very beginning.

6. Energy Efficiency and Year-Round Comfort

Modern barndominiums are highly energy efficient—especially when built with:

• Spray foam or batt insulation

• Energy-efficient windows and doors

• High-performance HVAC systems

• Well-sealed roof and wall systems

We build to meet or exceed Washington State Energy Code so your home stays comfortable through Spokane’s cold winters and hot summers.

7. Is a Barndo Right for Rural Living?

Barndominiums are ideal for rural and semi-rural properties, giving families the ability to:

• Live closer to nature

• Keep animals or equipment on-site

• Avoid HOA restrictions

• Enjoy peace, privacy, and plenty of land

We work with clients across Spokane County, Deer Park, Mead, Cheney, and other rural communities to bring barndominiums to life in wide-open spaces.

8. Things to Consider Before Building

Before you jump into your barndominium project, make sure to think through:

• Access to utilities (water, power, septic)

• Local building codes and zoning

• School district preferences

• Long-term property goals (resale, farming, home business, etc.)

We help our clients navigate all of these during the planning process—so nothing catches you by surprise.

9. How We Help Spokane Families Build Smart

At Stimson Contracting, we guide families through:

• Site selection and evaluation

• Custom design and layout

• Engineering, permitting, and inspections

• Full construction—from dirt work to finishes

We’re proud to build barndominiums that feel like home and are built to last for generations.

10. Conclusion: A Custom Home That Fits Your Life

Barndominiums aren’t just a trend—they’re a better way to build. For families looking for more space, flexibility, and value, a barndo can be the perfect fit. And with the right contractor, it’s easier to bring your vision to life than you might think.

At Stimson Contracting, we’re here to help you create a barndominium that fits your land, your lifestyle, and your future. From concept to completion, we’ll be your partner every step of the way.