LOCAL LOOK – WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Wouldn’t it be great if a single building could be used both as a home for individuals or families as well as a storage and operations facility for farms, livestock businesses, or other commercial enterprises?
Barndominiums are the answer, and in Texas, the barndominium craze is in full swing. These ingenious structures are the very definition of innovation, and there’s a lot we can learn about why they’ve become one of the top trends in the US steel building market.
Contractors and agricultural investors alike are wise to take note of the successful rise of barndominiums in Texas, as it’s looking more and more likely that this trend will spread to other parts of the country. Is your locale next?
BARNDOMINIUM BEGINNINGS
A barndominium, or barndo, is a relatively new term for the housing industry. The term was first coined in 2016 and originally referred to a steel barn building with interior renovations to create living space. The term now includes either a wood or steel-framed “utility structure” that has been converted into a living space. Hence, Texas barndominium plans result in buildings that look like a barn on the outside, but the interior is finished like a condominium, complete with bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and other living spaces.
GAINING AWARENESS WITH HGTV
The term really took off after the HGTV show “Fixer Upper” converted a barn, sitting on a 10-acre parcel, into an absolutely stunning dream home for one of their clients. Since the show aired, the barndominium craze has been spreading like wildfire towards the west coast, and with good reason, too!
(1) TRULY OPEN CONCEPT
When you step inside a barn, what do you see?
Aside from the columns and beams that support the building, there’s not much else to see inside of a barn. There may be a small upper level for some storage space, otherwise you can look up to see the underside of the roof and see all the way across the space to the opposing wall.
There’s nothing to see here but a truly open-concept floor plan, ready to become your forever dream home.
(2) BOLT TOGETHER BUILDINGS
Simply follow the included assembly instructions.
With steel barndominiums available to purchase in a kit form, all you need to do is determine the size that you want or need. After that, make a few choices regarding door and window locations, and you’re done!
The Capital Steel Industries contractor partner will assemble all of the components necessary to complete the shell of your new steel barndominium.
DELIVERED TO YOUR PROPERTY
When the kit arrives, other than anchor bolts, it will include everything you need to erect the barndomium with its easy bolt together construction system. All of the steel columns, roof beams, and sub-purlins are there, and everything is marked or numbered, which means you or your contractor simply follow the detailed assembly instructions, and your barndominium will be ready in no time.
(3) INDOOR OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE
Just open the barn door to bring the outdoors, inside.
One of the best benefits of a Texas barndominium is just how easy it is to bring the outdoors in, or to extend your living space outside. Simply slide open the barn door, and your guests can easily step out onto your patio or deck, for more room to mix and mingle.
Opening that same barn door will bring the scenic beauty of the Texas outdoors right into your home. You can enjoy the stunning views and vistas that nature has created while you relax on the couch, prepare a meal, or even while you’re sitting in your soaker tub, it’s totally your choice.
(4) CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Up to 50% cheaper than a typical wood-framed building.
While construction costs vary from one area to another, a prefab steel barndominium can cost as much as 50% less than a comparable wood-framed barndo. The current square-foot pricing for a home in Texas is $130.00, and a “basic” steel barndominium shell kit can cost from $40.00 to $65.00 per square foot.
COMPARE IT TO TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION
If we do the math on a 2,000 square foot home, a traditional home would cost you $260,000.00. Alternatively, a steel barndo kit would cost between $80,000.00 – $130,000.00, leaving you between $80K – $130K to build out the rooms and finishes to make your barndominium a picture-perfect dream home.
And, don’t forget that steel is much easier to maintain than wood, so your maintenance costs are significantly less expensive. No need to worry about pests like termites or carpenter ants either, which will also lower your homeowner’s insurance rate.
(5) ADAPTABLE
Plenty of space for everything on your “must-have” list. Since your assembled barndominium is completely open concept, the walls and rooms can be configured to meet whatever needs you might have.
CONSIDER INCLUDING:
• An on-site workshop and family home combination
• Room and privacy for an elder family member or frequent guests
• Downstairs master suite and kids’ rooms upstairs
• A comfortable and private home office
• Hobby/Art studio for expressing your creativity
• Media room where the whole family can be comfortable
• Barn-use on the first floor, with stunning living areas above
WE'RE LOCAL IN TEXAS
When you consider all of the benefits that a steel barndominium provides including cost, versatility, true indoor/outdoor living, and fast construction time, it’s easy to see why the barndo craze in Texas just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Of all the options available out there, the research consistently points to steel as being a top choice for construction materials.
Capital Steel Industries reliably provides contractors with the tools and materials needed to leverage these trends in your business. Please reach out to your local CSI dealer to get the conversation started if you are ready to move forward or have any questions about partnering with us at all.
