Building a barndominium is already a bold and exciting decision. Taking it one step further by acting as your own general contractor (GC) puts you in full control of the project — from budget and scheduling to subcontractor selection and quality control. For many owners, this approach can save significant money and lead to a deeper understanding of their home. For others, it can feel overwhelming without the right preparation.
This guide explores what it really means to be your own general barndominium contractor, the responsibilities involved, the benefits and risks, and how to succeed without costly mistakes.
What Does a General Contractor Do in a Barndominium Build?
A general contractor is the project manager of your entire construction process. When you become your own GC, you take on responsibilities such as:
- Hiring and coordinating subcontractors
- Scheduling each construction phase
- Ordering and managing materials
- Ensuring code compliance and inspections
- Handling permits and documentation
- Managing payments and contracts
- Solving on-site problems
In short, you are the central decision-maker and organizer for your barndominium project.
Why Homeowners Choose to Be Their Own GC
Many barndominium owners choose this route for several important reasons.
Cost Savings
General contractors typically charge 10–25% of total construction costs. On a $250,000 barndominium, that could mean $25,000 to $60,000 in savings.
Full Control
You decide which subcontractors to use, what materials to buy, and where to invest or cut costs.
Transparency
You see exactly where every dollar goes. There is no mystery markup.
Personal Satisfaction
Managing your own build can be deeply rewarding, especially when you walk into a home you personally coordinated from the ground up.
The Reality Check: What You Must Be Ready For
Before choosing this path, it is important to understand the challenges.
- You must communicate with multiple trades daily
- Mistakes can be expensive
- Delays become your responsibility
- You must understand basic construction sequencing
- You need strong organizational skills
Being your own GC is not about swinging a hammer. It is about managing people, time, and money.
Step One: Start With Solid Plans and Engineering
Your success begins with proper drawings and engineering. A barndominium is not just a metal shell — it is a structural system that must meet local codes.
Make sure you have:
- Architectural floor plans
- Structural steel or post-frame engineering
- Foundation plans
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC layouts
Clear plans reduce contractor confusion and prevent change orders.
Step Two: Learn the Construction Sequence
Understanding the correct order of work is critical.
A typical barndominium build sequence looks like this:
- Site preparation and grading
- Foundation and slab
- Steel or post-frame structure
- Roofing and wall panels
- Windows and exterior doors
- Rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Insulation
- Drywall or interior wall systems
- Flooring, cabinets, and finishes
- Final inspections
If you schedule these out of order, you will waste time and money.
Step Three: Hiring Subcontractors the Smart Way
Your subcontractors will determine the quality of your barndominium more than any other factor.
How to Find Good Subcontractors
- Ask local builders and suppliers
- Check online reviews
- Visit active job sites
- Ask for references
- Verify licenses and insurance
How to Compare Bids
Never choose based on price alone. Look at:
- Scope of work
- Timeline
- Warranty
- Communication style
- Payment terms
A slightly higher bid from a reliable contractor often saves money in the long run.
Step Four: Contracts Are Not Optional
Always use written agreements. Even for small jobs.
Each contract should include:
- Exact scope of work
- Materials included
- Start and completion dates
- Payment schedule
- Change order process
- Warranty terms
Clear contracts protect both you and the subcontractor.
Step Five: Budget Management and Cash Flow
As your own GC, you must control spending carefully.
Create a detailed budget that includes:
- Construction costs
- Permit fees
- Utility connections
- Engineering and design
- Inspections
- Contingency fund (10–15%)
Track every expense in a spreadsheet or project management tool. Small leaks in budgeting quickly become large problems.
Step Six: Scheduling Without Chaos
A good schedule prevents trades from overlapping and blocking each other.
Tips for better scheduling:
- Confirm start dates one week in advance
- Leave buffer days between phases
- Avoid stacking too many trades in one week
- Communicate delays immediately
Remember: one delayed trade affects every trade that follows.
Step Seven: Quality Control Is Your Responsibility
Do not assume everything is done correctly.
Check:
- Slab level and dimensions
- Anchor bolt placement
- Steel alignment
- Panel installation
- Window flashing
- Plumbing pressure tests
- Electrical labeling
If something looks wrong, stop and ask questions. Fixing mistakes later is far more expensive.
Step Eight: Inspections and Code Compliance
You are responsible for passing inspections.
Stay organized with:
- Permit paperwork
- Inspection schedules
- Approved plans on-site
- Correction notices
Build a good relationship with your inspector. Respectful communication can make the process smoother.
Step Nine: Material Ordering Strategy
Order materials too early and they get damaged. Order too late and your project stops.
Best practices:
- Order long-lead items early
- Confirm delivery dates with suppliers
- Inspect materials immediately
- Store them safely
Label everything to avoid confusion.
Step Ten: Communication Is the Core Skill
You do not need to be a construction expert. You need to be a communication expert.
Good communication includes:
- Clear instructions
- Written confirmations
- Daily progress checks
- Respectful tone
- Quick decision-making
Poor communication causes more construction problems than technical mistakes.
Common Mistakes Owner-GCs Make
Avoid these frequent errors:
- Hiring the cheapest contractor only
- Changing designs mid-build
- Not keeping records
- Skipping contracts
- Rushing inspections
- Ignoring small issues
- Underestimating time commitment
Learning from others’ mistakes is cheaper than making your own.
How Much Time Should You Expect to Spend?
Being your own GC can require:
- Daily site visits
- Dozens of phone calls per week
- Evening planning sessions
- Weekend material coordination
If you cannot dedicate consistent time, this role may not suit your lifestyle.
Who Should Be Their Own Barndominium GC?
This approach works best for people who:
- Enjoy organization
- Are detail-oriented
- Are comfortable negotiating
- Can handle stress
- Have flexible schedules
- Are willing to learn
It is not ideal for those who want a fully hands-off experience.
Emotional Rewards of Managing Your Own Build
Beyond money, many owner-GCs describe:
- Strong pride in their home
- Better understanding of maintenance
- Confidence in future projects
- A personal connection to every detail
Your barndominium becomes more than a structure — it becomes a personal achievement.
Final Thoughts
Being your own general barndominium contractor is not easy, but it is absolutely achievable with preparation, patience, and discipline. You do not need to be a builder — you need to be a planner, communicator, and decision-maker.
If you approach the process professionally, educate yourself, and respect the expertise of your subcontractors, you can build a high-quality barndominium while saving money and gaining valuable experience.
For many homeowners, the journey of managing their own barndominium build becomes just as rewarding as living in the finished home itself.