Barndominium Size: Factors to Consider When Determining the Right Square Footage for You
Hey, y’all! Today’s post is to help you navigate the process of finding the perfect size for your very own barndominium. There are so many barndominium floor plans online to look at and dream about, but how do you know which barndominium floor plan is right for you?
If you are new here, my husband, Alfredo (Fredo), and I embarked on a crazy adventure of building a barndominium from scratch with no prior experience in home construction. Our build began in February 2020 and here at the end of May 2023, we are moved in but still finishing out the interior. I tracked every step of our self-build journey on Instagram and TikTok along with DIY tutorials and money-saving tips. Now the purpose of this blog is to help provide you with valuable information and resources that we learned from first-hand experience so your barndominium build journey is smooth sailing. But before you get to the building stage, you have to figure out your barndominium floor plan. And before you get to your barndominium floor plan, you have to know what barndominium size best suits you and your family.
Assessing Your Lifestyle and Functionality
Tailoring Your Barndominium Size to Fit Your Unique Needs
When it comes to building your dream barndominium, understanding your lifestyle and functionality requirements is very important. Take a moment to envision how you and your family will utilize the living spaces. Are you a family with young children seeking ample room for play and growth? Or perhaps you are empty nesters looking to downsize while maintaining a comfortable and functional living environment. Consider the number of occupants, their individual needs, and the overall flow of daily activities within your future barndominium.
Exploring the Versatility of Metal Buildings
Metal buildings, specifically barndominiums, offer a wide range of design possibilities that allows you to create any barndominium floor plan you can dream of. With the strength and durability of steel structures, you have the freedom to create versatile layouts that cater to your unique lifestyle. From open concept barndominium floor plans that foster togetherness and ease of movement to strategically designed spaces that offer privacy and functionality, a barndominium home can provide the flexibility to bring your vision to life.
Making the Most of Available Land
The size of your available land will play a significant role in determining the dimensions of your barndominium. Consider the shape, topography, and any restrictions or regulations that may impact the build. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can optimize the utilization of your land and design a barndominium that seamlessly integrates into its surroundings. Whether you have a sprawling countryside property or a compact urban lot, finding the right balance between the size of your land and your barndominium is key to creating a harmonious living space. To read all about how to pick the perfect land to build a barndominium on, click here.
Budgeting for Your Barndominium Size
It is no secret that budgeting is a crucial aspect of any construction project. As you determine the size of your barndominium, it is essential to align it with your financial resources. Remember, larger sizes will have higher construction and maintenance costs. Take the time to evaluate your budget, factoring in not just the initial construction expenses but also ongoing expenses such as utilities, maintenance, and potential future expansions. Having the right balance between size and budget will help ensure that your dream barndominium remains a sustainable and enjoyable investment for years to come.
Assessing Living Space Requirements
Designing a Home that Fits Your Unique Lifestyle
When determining the ideal size for your barndominium, it is essential to assess your living space requirements. Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas you will need to accommodate your family and guests comfortably. Do you envision a spacious kitchen where you can gather and create wonderful memories? Or perhaps a cozy living room where you can unwind and enjoy quality time together? By understanding your specific needs and desires, you can tailor your barndominium size to create the perfect space that enhances your daily living experience.
Optimizing Space Utilization
While determining the size of your barndominium, it is also important to optimize space utilization. With clever design and efficient use of square footage, you can maximize the functionality of your living areas. Explore creative storage solutions, such as built-in cabinets or multi-purpose furniture, to make the most of every nook and cranny. We used the dead-space under our stairs to create a playroom for our boys. Remember, a well-designed barndominium does not just provide ample space but also ensures that each area serves a purpose, contributing to a harmonious and organized living environment.
Planning for Additional Features
Beyond the essential living spaces, consider any additional features you desire in your barndominium. Are you an avid hobbyist who requires a dedicated workshop or office space? Or perhaps you long for a large bonus room where you can indulge in various activities, from movie nights to gaming sessions. These additional features should be factored into your size calculations to ensure that your barndominium accommodates all your passions and hobbies. By carefully planning and integrating these elements, you can create a personalized sanctuary that truly enhances your lifestyle.
Future Expansion Considerations
As you dream up your barndominium, it is important to consider potential future growth and expansion. Will your family be growing? Are there any lifestyle changes on the horizon? By thinking ahead, you can design a barndominium that allows for flexibility and adaptability. Whether it is designing space for future additions or incorporating load-bearing walls to support potential expansions, considering future needs will save you time, effort, and expenses down the road. Your barndominium should be a space that evolves with you and your family, accommodating the changes that life brings.
Consulting Professionals for Barndominium Size Evaluation
Partnering with Architects and Designers
If you are struggling to figure out the barndominium size you need, there is no harm in collaborating with architects and designers who can bring a wealth of expertise and creativity to the table. They can help you fine-tune your plans and ensure that every square foot of your barndominium is optimized for functionality and aesthetics. With their guidance, you can navigate through the intricacies of space planning, building codes, and design principles, creating a harmonious living environment that aligns perfectly with your vision.
The Role of Contractors and Builders
If you are using a builder to build your barndominium, contractors and builders play a crucial role in evaluating the feasibility of your barndominium size. If you are self-building or self-contracting your barndominium and have no prior home building experience, consulting with contractors and builders will be helpful as they possess the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to assess the structural requirements, materials, and construction processes involved. By collaborating closely with these professionals, you can gain insights into cost-effective solutions, construction timelines, and any potential challenges that may arise. Their expertise will ensure that your barndominium is not only beautiful but also built to withstand the test of time.
Effective Communication and Collaboration
If you are using a builder or contractors throughout your barndominium planning journey, effective communication and collaboration with these professionals are paramount. Clearly articulate your expectations, needs, and desires to architects, designers, contractors, and builders. Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback. This collaborative approach fosters a strong working relationship, allowing everyone involved to contribute their expertise and insights to help you achieve the perfect barndominium size. Remember, your vision combined with their professional guidance will create a synergy that leads to remarkable results.
Bringing Your Dream Barndominium to Life
If you are here, you are probably seeking to self-build or self-contract and therefore will not be shelling out the money on builders, contractors, architects, and/or designers. But as you begin your barndominium journey, just know that they are there if you ever need someone to consult with. Do not underestimate the power of working with professionals. They can be your allies in transforming your dreams into reality. From envisioning the ideal size to overcoming construction challenges, their expertise will ensure that your barndominium is not just a house but a true reflection of your unique personality and lifestyle.
Barndominium Sizes: Square Footage, Dimensions, and Bedroom/Bathroom Count
The following is a barndominium size guide to give you a starting point when playing around with designing your barndominium floor plan:
1. Small Barndominium Sizes:
Small barndominiums typically range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. They are ideal for individuals or couples seeking a compact and efficient living space. Despite their smaller footprint, these barndominiums can offer creative layouts and essential amenities.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of small barndominiums can vary depending on the design and layout, typically ranging from 20×30 to 30×40.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Small barndominiums generally feature one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. The specific configuration can be customized to suit your preferences and needs.
2. Medium Barndominium Sizes:
Medium-sized barndominiums typically range from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet. These offer more living space, making them suitable for growing families or those who desire additional room for various activities.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of medium-sized barndominiums can vary, typically falling within the range of 30×40 feet to 40×60.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Medium-sized barndominiums can accommodate two to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living.
3. Large Barndominium Sizes:
Large barndominiums provide expansive living spaces, ranging from 2,500 to over 5,000 square feet. They are perfect for those seeking generous room for large families, entertaining guests, or incorporating specialized areas like home offices, gyms, or hobby rooms.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of large barndominiums can vary significantly, typically exceeding 40×60 and going up to 60×100 or larger.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Large barndominiums can comfortably accommodate three to six or more bedrooms and two to four or more bathrooms. The layout can be customized to fulfill the unique needs of your family and lifestyle.
Considerations for Customization:
While the general guidelines above provide an overview of barndominium sizes and their potential bedroom and bathroom configurations, it is important to note that these can be customized to meet your specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
Empowering You to Build Your Dream Barndominium
My aim in writing these articles is to empower you to embark on your own barndominium build journey. Whether you choose to build from the ground up or self-contract the construction (or even hire a builder), I want to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. From assessing your lifestyle and land availability to planning for the future and considering collaborating with professionals, every step is essential in creating a barndominium that truly feels like home. And just for fun, I have created a Barndominium Size Quiz to help guide you to what size may be best for you and your family! It is completely free, you just need to leave your email address and it will be sent to you. Click here to access it!
I want to wish you the very best on your barndominium build journey. I hope the construction process is filled with excitement, creativity, a sense of accomplishment, and most importantly, memories to last a lifetime. And when you finally step foot into your finished barndominium, I hope it brings you comfort, joy, and such pride. Remember, your dream barndominium is just a step away from becoming a reality. Embrace the possibilities, trust your instincts, and let the journey unfold. Happy building!
Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult with architects, designers, contractors, and builders for personalized guidance and expertise during your barndominium construction process.
