What Makes a Barndominium So Cost-Effective?

When folks first come to me asking about barndominiums, one of the biggest things they’re curious about is cost. They’ve heard these unique homes are affordable, flexible, and fast to build—but they want to know: Why? What exactly makes a barndominium so cost-effective, especially compared to a traditional home?

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve been building barndominiums across the Spokane area for years, and the cost savings aren’t just hype. There are real, structural, and strategic reasons why barndos can offer more square footage, more function, and more value per dollar.

In this article, I’ll break down the key reasons why barndominiums are a smart financial move and why more people are choosing this modern, rural-friendly home style.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Barndominium?

2. Simplified Structural Design

3. Faster Build Time = Lower Labor Costs

4. Lower Foundation and Framing Expenses

5. Flexible Interior Layouts

6. Built-In Multi-Use Spaces

7. Energy Efficiency and Insulation Savings

8. Easier Maintenance and Long-Term Durability

9. Ideal for Rural Land and Lower Property Taxes

10. Conclusion: Maximum Value for Your Investment

1. What Is a Barndominium?

A barndominium is a custom-built home—usually designed with post-frame or steel-frame construction—that combines traditional home comfort with the open layout and functionality of a barn or shop.

They’re especially popular in rural areas like Spokane County where space, land, and flexibility matter. And while they look rustic on the outside, inside they can be just as modern and luxurious as any conventional home.

2. Simplified Structural Design

Barndominiums are built using post-frame construction, which means fewer materials and labor compared to traditional stick-built homes. The wide-span framing allows us to cover more square footage with fewer load-bearing walls, beams, and interior supports.

That simplicity = big savings on structure and materials.

3. Faster Build Time = Lower Labor Costs

Time is money—and barndominiums go up significantly faster than traditional homes. On average, a custom barndo can be framed, enclosed, and ready for finishing in just a few weeks.

Shorter construction time means:

• Lower labor costs

• Reduced loan interest during the build

• Faster move-in = less overlap with rent or temporary housing

4. Lower Foundation and Framing Expenses

Traditional homes often require deep foundations, stem walls, or basements. Most barndominiums use monolithic slabs or pier footings that are simpler, faster, and cheaper to pour.

Combine that with efficient framing materials like engineered posts and pre-fab trusses, and you’re cutting thousands off your upfront costs.

5. Flexible Interior Layouts

Thanks to clear-span framing, barndominiums allow for open-concept floor plans with minimal interior support walls. This lets you:

• Save on unnecessary framing and drywall

• Skip costly reconfigurations down the road

• Design around your exact lifestyle and needs

And when you’re not forced into a standard floor plan, you avoid paying for space or features you don’t actually need.

6. Built-In Multi-Use Spaces

Need a garage, workshop, or RV bay? In a barndo, these can be part of the same structure—under one roof and built at the same time.

That means:

• One foundation

• One set of utilities

• One roof system

Instead of building a home and a separate shop, you’re combining the two—saving tens of thousands in construction costs.

7. Energy Efficiency and Insulation Savings

Barndominiums are built with modern insulation systems like spray foam, rigid foam, or batt insulation that create a tight, efficient building envelope.

You’ll benefit from:

• Lower heating and cooling bills

• Fewer drafts and cold spots

• Energy code compliance (and possible rebates)

Many clients tell us their barndo is the most comfortable—and affordable to operate—home they’ve ever lived in.

8. Easier Maintenance and Long-Term Durability

Metal siding and roofing aren’t just cost-effective to install—they’re extremely low maintenance. You’ll spend less on:

• Paint and siding repairs

• Roofing replacements

• Pest damage

• Exterior cleaning or staining

That adds up to long-term savings over the life of the building.

9. Ideal for Rural Land and Lower Property Taxes

Because barndominiums are so well-suited to rural properties, many are built in areas with:

• Lower land costs

• Fewer development restrictions

• Reduced utility connection fees

• Lower annual property taxes

You’ll often get more land, more space, and more freedom—for less money.

10. Conclusion: Maximum Value for Your Investment

Barndominiums make sense not just because they’re different—but because they’re smarter. From faster builds and lower materials costs to energy efficiency and integrated design, every part of a barndo is built with value in mind.

At Stimson Contracting, we specialize in crafting cost-effective barndominiums that don’t cut corners. Whether you’re building your forever home or a mixed-use structure with space to live, work, and play, we’re here to help you get the most for your investment.