11 Best Temporary Housing Ideas While Building a Barndominium

Hey y’all! Building a barndominium is so exciting. But a question we are frequently asked is, “Where did you live while building a barndominium for so long?” The answer: with family. We needed a budget-friendly option so we could use any extra money towards our build. Thankfully, staying with family was an option for us. But it is not always an option for everyone. So I thought a post covering all the different possible places you can consider living while building a barndo might be helpful to someone out there. 

What is a barndominium? If you are unfamiliar with this type of house, click here to learn more!

Staying in Your Current Home

A. Advantages

1. Familiar environment and comfort: One of the most significant benefits of staying in your current home is the familiarity and comfort it offers. You will continue to enjoy the same amenities and routines which makes the transition to your new barndominium smoother.
2. No need for additional moving expenses: By remaining in your current home, you will save on the cost of moving to a temporary location. This can help you allocate more funds towards your barndominium construction.
3. Ability to oversee construction at a comfortable distance: Staying in your current home allows you to monitor your DIY barndominium project without being directly on-site. This can provide peace of mind while still allowing you to be involved in the process.

B. Disadvantages

1. Potential for a longer commute to the construction site: Depending on the distance between your current home and the construction site, you may have to deal with a longer commute. This can add stress and time to an already busy schedule.
2. May require planning for the sale or lease of the current home: If you plan to sell or lease your current home once your barndominium is complete, you will need to factor in the time and effort required for this process. This could potentially distract you from focusing on your barndominium project.
3. Less immersive experience during construction: Staying in your current home means you will not be as immersed in the construction process. This could limit your opportunities to make on-the-spot decisions or address any issues that arise promptly.

Renting an Apartment or House

A. Advantages

1. Privacy and comfort: Renting an apartment or house provides a private and comfortable living space for you and your family during the barndominium construction. It is a great option if you prefer more personal space than other temporary living arrangements might offer.
2. Amenities and facilities: When you rent an apartment or house, you will have access to various amenities and facilities, such as laundry, parking, and sometimes even a pool or gym. These can help make your temporary living situation more enjoyable and convenient.
3. Stable living environment: Renting a place provides stability, ensuring you have a consistent living environment throughout the construction process. This can help you maintain a sense of normalcy and reduce stress during this transitional period.

B. Disadvantages

1. Cost: Renting an apartment or house can be expensive, especially if you are trying to save money for your barndominium build. You will need to consider the monthly rent, utility bills, and any additional costs like deposits or pet fees.
2. Commitment to a lease: Most rental agreements require a lease commitment, which might not align with your barndominium construction timeline. You could end up paying for a rental property longer than necessary or face penalties for breaking the lease early.
3. Distance from the construction site: Depending on the location of your rental property, you might be further away from your barndominium construction site than you would like. This can make it more challenging to oversee the build and could lead to increased travel time and expenses.

Living in an RV or Camper

A. Advantages

1. Mobility and proximity to construction site: Choosing an RV or camper as your temporary living space allows you to stay mobile and close to your barndominium construction site (or even on-site). This proximity makes it easier to monitor progress and make on-the-spot decisions.
2. Cost-effective: Living in an RV or camper can be a more affordable option compared to renting an apartment or house. You will save on rent, utilities, and other associated costs, allowing you to allocate more funds to your barndominium project.
3. Flexibility in living arrangements: RVs and campers offer flexibility, letting you adjust your living arrangements as needed. For example, if you need to move your construction equipment or materials, you can easily relocate your RV or camper.

B. Disadvantages

1. Limited space and comfort: RVs and campers typically offer limited living space, which might not be as comfortable as a house or apartment. The lack of space can be challenging, especially for larger families or those with pets.
2. Limited amenities: While RVs and campers may have basic amenities, they often do not provide the same level of convenience as traditional housing options. You may need to find alternative solutions for laundry, cooking, and other daily tasks.
3. Potentially challenging weather conditions: Living in an RV or camper can be difficult in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or high temperatures. You will need to be prepared for these challenges and have a plan in place to stay comfortable and safe.

Staying with Friends or Family

A. Advantages

1. Financial support: Staying with friends or family during your barndominium build can provide financial support which can make the process less stressful. They might even become more invested in your build and help out with projects…or maybe they are just helping you in order for your to move out faster haha.
2. Familiar environment: Living with people you know and trust can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This can help you maintain a positive mindset throughout the construction process.
3. Potential cost savings: Staying with friends or family can save you money on rent and utilities. This can be especially helpful if you are building your barndominium on a tight budget.

B. Disadvantages

1. Limited privacy and personal space: Living with friends or family might mean giving up some privacy and personal space. It is essential to set boundaries and communicate openly to ensure everyone’s comfort.
2. Potential strain on relationships: Staying with friends or family for an extended period could put a strain on relationships. It is important to discuss expectations, responsibilities, and timelines upfront to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
3. Dependence on others’ schedules and routines: When living with others, you will need to adapt to their schedules and routines, which might not always align with your barndominium construction needs. This can create challenges in balancing your project with the household dynamics.

Temporary Housing or Extended-Stay Hotels

A. Advantages

1. Furnished and equipped with amenities: Temporary housing and extended-stay hotels typically come furnished and equipped with essential amenities, such as kitchen appliances, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. This can save you the hassle of setting up a temporary living space and make your stay more convenient.
2. Short-term lease flexibility: Unlike traditional rentals, temporary housing and extended-stay hotels often offer flexible, short-term lease options. This can be beneficial if your barndominium construction timeline is uncertain or subject to change.
3. Housekeeping services: Many extended-stay hotels provide housekeeping services, which can save you time and effort during your barndominium construction project. This allows you to focus more on building your dream barndo.

B. Disadvantages

1. Cost: Temporary housing and extended-stay hotels can be more expensive than other temporary living options. You will need to factor this cost into your barndominium budget and weigh the benefits against the expense.
2. Impersonal environment: Temporary housing and extended-stay hotels can feel impersonal and lack the warmth of a home. This may impact your comfort and overall experience during the construction process.
3. Limited customization options: Unlike a rental property or your own home, temporary housing and extended-stay hotels do not offer much room for customization. You may have to adapt to the existing layout and design, which might not suit your personal preferences.

Renting or Purchasing a Small, Prefabricated Cabin or Tiny Home

A. Advantages

1. Customizable living space: Prefabricated cabins or tiny homes offer a customizable living space that you can tailor to your needs and preferences. This can make your temporary living arrangement more comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Can be repurposed or sold after construction: Once your barndominium is complete, you can repurpose the cabin or tiny home as a guest house, office, or rental property. Alternatively, you can sell it and recoup some of your investment.
3. Proximity to construction site: Depending on your property and local regulations, you may be able to place your cabin or tiny home close to your barndominium construction site. This can make it easier to oversee the project and stay involved in the process.

B. Disadvantages

1. Initial cost: Purchasing or renting a prefabricated cabin or tiny home can be expensive upfront. You will need to factor this cost into your barndominium budget and determine if it is a feasible option.
2. Limited space: Like living in an RV or camper, cabins and tiny homes offer limited living space. This might not be ideal for larger families or those with pets and it could impact your comfort during the construction process.
3. May require additional permits or zoning approval: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain permits or zoning approval to place a cabin or tiny home on your property. This can be a time-consuming and potentially costly process.

Building a Small Barndominium

A. Advantages

1. Customizable living space: Building a small barndominium as your temporary living space allows you to create a customized environment tailored to your needs and preferences. This can make your temporary living arrangement more comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Seamless transition to the main barndominium: Once your primary barndominium is complete, you can easily transition from the smaller one without the need for additional moving or adjustments. This can help reduce stress and make the move to your new home smoother.
3. Can be repurposed or expanded after construction: After completing your main barndominium, you can repurpose the smaller one as a guest house, office, workshop, or rental property. Alternatively, you can expand it to create additional living space or integrate it into your main barndominium design.

B. Disadvantages

1. Additional construction costs: Building a small barndominium for temporary living adds extra construction costs to your overall project budget. You will need to carefully consider whether these expenses align with your financial goals and plans for your barndominium.
2. Construction timeline: Adding a small barndominium to your project may extend your overall construction timeline. This could delay your move into the main barndominium and may impact your temporary living arrangements.
3. May require additional permits or zoning approval: Just like with a prefabricated cabin or tiny home, building a small barndominium may require additional permits or zoning approval, depending on your location. This can be a time-consuming and potentially costly process.

Constructing a Shop with a Small Apartment Inside

A. Advantages

1. Dual-purpose structure: Building a shop with a small apartment inside serves a dual purpose, providing both a temporary living space and a workshop or storage area. This can be a practical and efficient use of space during your barndominium construction.
2. Proximity to the construction site: Constructing a shop with a small apartment on your property allows you to stay close to your barndominium construction site. This can make it easier to monitor progress, make decisions, and stay involved in the project.
3. Can be repurposed or rented out after construction: Once your barndominium is complete, the shop with the apartment can be repurposed for other uses, such as a workshop, office, or storage space. Alternatively, you can rent out the apartment for additional income.

B. Disadvantages

1. Limited living space: A small apartment inside a shop typically offers limited living space, which might not be ideal for larger families or those with pets. This could impact your comfort during the construction process.
2. Shared space with workshop or storage: Having your living space in close proximity to a workshop or storage area might not be appealing to everyone. Noise, dust, and odors could affect your living environment, and safety precautions need to be taken into account.
3. May require additional permits or zoning approval: Depending on your location, building a shop with a small apartment inside may require additional permits or zoning approval. This can be a time-consuming and potentially costly process.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my list of possible temporary living situations while building your barndominium! Which do you see yourself utilizing? 

To follow more of our self-build barndominium journey, follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Also, feel free to leave your email address below so if social media gets wiped away, we can still get our resources to you!