Are Barndominiums Worth It?

In a recent episode of the Caffeinated Contractor podcast, host Chris Tighe sat down with Brady Winder, an SEO expert from Roseburg, OR, who works for Carrot HQ. Brady isn’t just knowledgeable about search engine optimization—he’s also got hands-on experience building his very own barndominium house. Alongside his wife, Brady took on the challenge of building a barndominium, working evenings and weekends to complete the project. They did most of the work themselves, with the exception of the foundation, drywall, and roof.

In this episode, Brady shared invaluable insights into the barndominium-building process, his mistakes, his successes, and his overall thoughts on whether barndominiums are truly worth it. Below, we’ll explore key takeaways from Brady’s experience and some practical advice for anyone considering a metal building home.

Getting Started: Planning and Design

Brady started by discussing the barndominium plans he used for his build. While many homeowners might purchase pre-designed barndominium plans online, Brady emphasized the importance of reviewing the plans with experienced contractors before breaking ground. He had several contractors review his plans to ensure they were practical and feasible. This extra step allowed him to make adjustments early on, avoiding costly mistakes later in the process.

One of the critical lessons Brady learned during this phase was that getting multiple perspectives can save you time and money. Even if you’re going the DIY route, having professional feedback on your plans can help identify potential pitfalls or complications that might not be obvious to someone without a background in construction.

Choosing the Right Land

Before building, acquiring the right piece of land is essential, and Brady had to navigate this process as well. In the podcast, he detailed how he researched and chose his land. Factors such as local zoning laws, utilities, and land suitability for a metal building all came into play. Brady explained that building a barndominium isn’t just about the structure itself; it’s about ensuring the land is prepared to support your vision.

When looking for land, Brady advised listeners to pay attention to infrastructure like water, electricity, and septic systems. Getting land at a lower cost might seem like a good deal, but it can come with the hidden expense of adding utilities if they aren’t already in place. For prospective barndominium builders, this is a critical part of calculating the overall barndominium cost.

The Contractor Dilemma

Brady’s journey also underscored the importance of working with reliable contractors. While he and his wife did much of the work themselves, they outsourced certain key aspects of the build, such as the foundation, roof, and drywall. Brady was candid about the mistakes he made when vetting contractors, particularly when it came to securing solid contracts and not fully understanding the scope of the work.

One mistake Brady mentioned was giving an unnecessarily large deposit to a contractor, something that could have been avoided with a well-written contract. He shared that this experience taught him the importance of setting clear expectations with contractors and not paying more than what’s agreed upon upfront. Brady also had a frustrating experience with his roofing contractor, who installed the roof poorly. Tracking down the contractor afterward to correct the problem became a headache, reinforcing the lesson that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best option.

For anyone considering a barndominium house or any significant construction project, Brady’s advice is clear: invest time in researching your contractors, and don’t go for the lowest bid just to save money. It’s often worth paying a little more for experienced professionals who will do the job right the first time.

Cost Considerations

One of the most common questions potential barndominium builders ask is: “How much will it cost?” Brady provided an in-depth breakdown of his barndominium cost and how it compared to a traditional home build. While barndominiums are often touted as a more affordable alternative to conventional homes, there are still significant expenses involved, particularly if you’re building from scratch and need to handle land preparation, utility installation, and contractor fees.

Brady emphasized that while barndominiums can be more cost-effective, the final cost largely depends on the choices you make along the way. Opting for higher-end finishes, customizations, or even certain design choices can quickly increase your budget. On the flip side, if you’re willing to put in the labor like Brady and his wife did, you can save a lot on labor costs.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Looking back on his barndominium project, Brady shared some key lessons. One of the main takeaways was the importance of managing expectations and timelines. Building a home—especially a DIY barndominium—takes time and patience. While the idea of doing it yourself can be appealing, it’s essential to be realistic about what you can handle and what you should leave to the professionals.

Another critical point Brady made was about communication with contractors and suppliers. He learned the hard way that having clear, detailed contracts can save you from a lot of headaches later on. He also advised future barndominium builders to think carefully about ventilation, insulation, and other critical systems that can affect the longevity and comfort of the home.

In terms of whether a barndominium is worth it, Brady believes that it can be—especially if you’re looking for a cost-effective, customizable home that fits your lifestyle. However, like any major project, it requires careful planning, research, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Brady’s Passion Project: Song Worthy

Aside from building barndominiums and his work in SEO, Brady is also passionate about helping people through his music. He created a project called Song Worthy (https://songworthy.org/) where he writes personalized songs for individuals who are going through difficult times. Having battled depression himself, Brady understands the power of music and its ability to heal. Through Song Worthy, he hopes to bring comfort to others facing hardships.

Conclusion

Building a barndominium can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Brady Winder’s story, shared on the Caffeinated Contractor podcast, offers valuable insights into the process—from planning and contracting to the actual build and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re planning to hire contractors or do it yourself, Brady’s experiences serve as a guide for anyone considering a barndominium house. With careful planning, proper vetting of contractors, and realistic expectations, a barndominium can be an excellent and cost-effective home choice.

For more insights, tune into this episode of the Caffeinated Contractor or visit Song Worthy to learn more about Brady’s passion project aimed at helping others through music.