The True Cost of Building a Barndo in Texas

Let's shed some light on the cost of building your dream barndominium in Texas.

• Location: Where you're building can affect the cost of the overall project. From the availability and cost of local building materials to the availability of labor, location is often a big factor in price.
• Site Requirements: From site clearing, dirt work, utilities, and water wells, to sewer & septic, these can significantly affect the total cost of the project.
• Foundations: The expansive clay soils in Texas require specific foundation designs to prevent settling and cracking, which can make them more expensive than in other regions. Another foundation factor to consider is basements. Basements are a great way to gain space, add safe room features, and more, but they do add to the overall cost. Even though they add to the overall cost, they can often help bring the cost per square foot down on a large project. Another option is concrete walls, like an ICF building. This has huge long-term benefits but has a steep upfront cost.
• Flatwork: Everyone loves spacious parking, driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete features, but this adds to the overall price.
• Framing: Wood post-frame, weld-up, 2x4 walls, 2x6 walls, and the list goes on. Some of these options are advertised as cheap but are often misleading as to the long-term cost of a properly constructed building.
• Insulation: Are you doing basic fiberglass/blow-in insulation, or are you doing spray foam?
• Exterior Finishes: From siding or brick, and roofing, to windows and doors, the options are limitless.
• Interior Finishes: Flooring, wall finishes, paints, trim packages, doors, window treatments, cabinets, countertops, hardware, shelving, tile, stone, plumbing, HVAC, electrical fixtures, fireplaces, and more. Your selection of these items will drastically affect the overall pricing.
• MEP: Mechanical, Electric, and Plumbing - we already mentioned the finishes for some of these, but now we're talking about the core components behind the finishes. For example, how many SEERs is your AC, does it have a heat pump, and how many tons is it? Many options range from builder-grade to features and solutions that may cost more now but may save time and money in the long term.
• Allergen Factors: If you are prone to allergies, discuss this with your builder early on in the project. Many building products, including but not limited to insulation, paint, flooring, glues, etc., can have VOCs that can affect some people. Some products with low VOCs can be purchased; they often cost more but are less expensive than the potential cost of getting sick from a product and having to remove and replace it after moving into your new home.
• Construction Supervision: This boils down to how your project is constructed and documented. One area where many barndominium builders save a lot of money is by not having anyone on-site overseeing and properly documenting the progress. While a full-time superintendent is often not necessary, we believe that having the appropriate supervision on-site when needed is key to building a quality project.

The Bottom Line: Barndominiums are an Investment

A well-built barndominium is an investment in your future. While it's tempting to cut corners to save money, remember that quality construction and attention to detail will pay off in the long run.

Common Misconceptions:

1. "A contractor told me he could build my barndominium for $135 per square foot."
   One of the common misconceptions is that Barndominiums can be built cheaply. While possible, opting for the lowest bidder can lead to substandard construction and costly issues down the line. We've seen cases where inadequate foundations or non-compliant plumbing led to major problems and expensive repairs. Remember, saving a few dollars per square foot upfront might not be worth the long-term headaches.
2. "Someone told me it's cheaper to build a barndominium than a traditional house."
   This isn't always true. Costs can be comparable depending on your choices and finishes. While a large, open-concept barndominium or one with a basement might have a lower cost per square foot, the overall cost can still be significant.
3. "My bank said they won't finance a Barndominium."
   We have access to lenders who specialize in barndominium financing. Don't let this misconception deter you from pursuing your dream home!
4. "But I found these cheap plans online..."
   Many people buy a set of plans cheaply online and think that's all they need. Most plans online lack multiple aspects, including customization, structural and foundation plans, applicable designs for the specific site the project is being built on, CAD files, or duplication rights. Hence, your contractor has the required files to make modifications, etc. It's important to remember that these plans might not be tailored to Texas' unique soil conditions or local building codes, potentially leading to costly issues during construction or even after you move in. Investing in professional plans tailored to your specific needs and goals ensures your barndominium is built to last and meets all necessary requirements.

Ready to Get a Real Estimate?

Pricing is always changing, and the only way to get an accurate price is to request a quote. But for general planning purposes, we often see basic Barndominiums, builder-grade, building only (does not include site services, utilities, driveways, etc.), starting in the $170-$200 per square foot range, depending on the area.

At Texas Builder Pros, we are transparent in providing accurate, personalized quotes. Contact us today for a consultation, and let's turn your barndominium dream into a reality!