Owner-Building vs. Self-Building: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your DIY Barndominium

Howdy, y’all! As many of you know, my husband and I embarked on a crazy journey of building our very own barndominium. With no formal training in house construction, my husband took on the challenge of a self-build, while I documented the entire process on Instagram and TikTok.

In this post, I will share our experiences and insights by comparing owner-building and self-building, specifically for those of you interested in building your own DIY barndominium. We will dive into the pros and cons of each method, explore what you should consider when deciding which route to take, and share some helpful tips to make your barndominium dream a reality.

So let’s get started helping you determine which path is best for you: owner-building or self-building your dream barndominium.

I. Understanding Owner-Building and Self-Building

Before we dive into the differences between owner-building and self-building, let’s briefly define these two terms.

A. Owner-Builder

An owner-builder is essentially a manager. An individual who oversees the construction of their own home or building project by  managing everything from obtaining permits to hiring contractors and scheduling inspections. Owner-builders often perform some of the building tasks themselves, but typically hire professionals for the majority of the work.

B. Self-Builder

A self-builder is an individual who takes on the entire construction process themselves. Everything from designing the plans to physically building the structure. This approach requires a significant amount of construction knowledge and skill, as well as access to the necessary tools and materials. But do not worry if you do not already have the construction knowledge, you can learn anything you want if your mindset is right!

II. Advantages and Disadvantages of Owner-Building and Self-Building

Now that we have a clear understanding of what owner-building and self-building entail, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method, with a focus on building a DIY barndominium.

A. Advantages of Owner-Building

1. Control Over Contractors: Owner-builders have the advantage of handpicking their contractors and subcontractors. This helps ensure that they hire professionals who align with their vision and budget. This can lead to significant cost savings since you can negotiate with each contractor directly and avoid markups from general contractors.
2. Customization: Owner-builders can customize their barndominium to their exact specifications. They choose literally everything from the materials used to the layout of the space which in turn creates a home that truly reflects their unique taste and needs.

B. Disadvantages of Owner-Building

1. Time and Effort: One of the biggest challenges of being an owner-builder is the amount of time and effort required to oversee the project. Managing the various tasks involved in the construction process can be overwhelming if you have a busy schedule.
2. Legal Responsibility: Another potential disadvantage of being an owner-builder is the increased legal responsibility. As the owner of the property, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the project complies with all building codes and regulations. This can be particularly challenging if you do not have construction experience. But all you need to do is research all the legal requirements.

C. Advantages of Self-Building

1. Control Over the Entire Process: One of the biggest advantages of being a self-builder is the level of control that you have over every aspect of the construction process. You get to choose every detail. Everything from the layout of the space to the materials used. This ensures that your DIY barndominium reflects your unique style and preferences.

1. Cost Savings: Self-building your barndominium can lead to significant cost savings. By taking on the majority of the labor yourself, you will save money by not having to pay contractors and subcontractors. This allows you to stretch your budget further.
2. Skill Development: Taking on a self-build project provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable construction experience. The knowledge and expertise acquired during the process can be applied to future projects or even shared with others looking to tackle their own DIY barndominium journey.

D. Disadvantages of Self-Building

1. Time Commitment: One of the main challenges of self-building is the amount of time required to complete the project. And I mean a LOT of time is required. We are 3 years in, and while we are moved into the barndo, we are still working on finishing the interior. We sacrificed evenings, weekends, and holidays to build. If you have a full-time job or other commitments, finding the time to dedicate to the construction process will be difficult, but completely possible.
2. Limited Expertise: Another potential disadvantage of self-building is the lack of professional expertise which can lead to mistakes and delays in the construction process. Without formal training in house construction, you will probably face challenges in addressing unforeseen issues that arise during the project.
3. Access to Tools and Materials: Self-builders may also face challenges in sourcing the necessary tools and materials for their project. This can be particularly difficult for those who live in remote areas or have limited access to suppliers. I have a post about this coming soon, so be sure to check back!

III. Tips for a Successful DIY Barndominium Build

Regardless of whether you choose to owner-build or self-build your DIY barndominium, the following tips can help ensure a successful project:

1. Create a Detailed Plan: Before embarking on your barndominium journey, it is essential to create a comprehensive plan that outlines the timeline, budget, and design specifications of your project. This plan will serve as your roadmap throughout the construction process which will help keep you on track and stay organized.
2. Seek Professional Advice: Even if you choose to self-build, it is super helpful to consult with professionals for whichever projects you feel you need extra help on. 
3. Stay Organized: Maintaining organization throughout your DIY barndominium build is essential for a successful project. Create a system for tracking progress, managing paperwork, and storing receipts and invoices to help keep everything in order.
4. Network with Other DIY Barndominium Builders: Connecting with others who are building their own barndominiums can provide valuable insights, advice, and support throughout the process. Consider joining online forums, social media groups, or attending local meetups to network with like-minded individuals.

Final Thoughts

Our journey of building a DIY barndominium has been an incredible learning experience and we hope that by sharing what we have learned, we can help others make informed decisions about whether to owner-build or self-build their dream barndominium. While both options have their unique advantages and challenges, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, resources, and commitment to the project.

If you have found this information helpful and would like to follow our ongoing barndominium journey, we invite you to follow our blog. You can subscribe to our blog by providing your email but do not expect any emails from us anytime soon (unless you email us, then I will reply!). Subscribing is essentially just a way for me to stay in contact with you if Instagram and TikTok get erased from existence. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more tips, inspiration, and advice on building your own DIY barndominium. I hope you found something helpful to you from this post!

Helpful links:

1. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provides resources and information on owner-builder and self-builder options: https://www.nahb.org/
2. The Owner-Builder Center offers resources and advice for owner-builders: https://www.ownerbuildercenter.com/
3. The Self-Build Portal provides information and guidance for self-builders in the UK: https://www.self-build.co.uk/