Barndominiums are growing in popularity thanks to their affordability, durability, and customizable design. These modern barn-style homes offer a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary living. However, if you’re planning to build or buy a barndominium in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may face some unexpected challenges.
HOAs can impose strict rules and regulations that affect everything from architectural design to landscaping—and barndominiums often fall into a gray area. In this post, we’ll explore how HOA restrictions can impact your barndominium plans and offer practical tips on how to successfully navigate them.
What Is an HOA?
A Homeowners Association (HOA) is an organization that manages a residential community. These organizations enforce a set of rules and guidelines, typically outlined in a document known as the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
The purpose of an HOA is to protect property values, maintain neighborhood aesthetics, and ensure residents follow community standards. While this sounds beneficial, the restrictions can sometimes be limiting, especially for non-traditional homes like barndominiums.
Why Barndominiums May Face HOA Resistance
Barndominiums are not your typical suburban homes. Their unique appearance, often featuring metal siding, large open spaces, and industrial-style finishes, may not conform to the aesthetic standards of many traditional neighborhoods.
Here are a few reasons HOAs might object to barndominiums:
- Architectural Guidelines
Most HOAs have strict rules about home design. This can include roof pitch, siding materials, color palettes, and even the shape and size of the home. Since barndominiums often use metal siding or have an agricultural appearance, they may not fit within these architectural norms.
- Perception of Lower Value
Some HOAs view barndominiums as “cheaper” alternatives to conventional homes and worry they could affect the neighborhood’s property values, even though many barndominiums are well-designed and high-end.
- Maintenance Concerns
Barndominiums require different upkeep than wood or brick homes, which may concern HOAs about long-term appearance and consistency.
- Zoning and Use
Some HOAs have rules about mixed-use buildings or workshops on residential property. Since many barndominiums include workspaces or garages, this can be a sticking point.
Steps to Navigate HOA Restrictions
Despite the challenges, many homeowners successfully build or purchase barndominiums in HOA-controlled neighborhoods. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Read the CC&Rs Carefully
Before you buy land or a pre-built home, obtain and thoroughly read the HOA’s CC&Rs. Look for specific clauses related to:
- Building materials
- Exterior design
- Minimum square footage
- Roof type and slope
- Home style (e.g., “must be traditional or craftsman”)
- Metal buildings or non-standard construction
If anything is unclear, ask the HOA board or consult a real estate attorney for interpretation.
- Engage the HOA Early
Transparency goes a long way. If you’re planning to build a barndominium, present your plans to the HOA early in the design phase. Share your architectural drawings, renderings, and material samples. Show them how your home will:
- Match the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood
- Use high-end materials
- Be professionally landscaped and well-maintained
This proactive approach demonstrates that your barndominium won’t be an eyesore—and may even add value to the community.
- Customize the Design to Fit Guidelines
Barndominiums don’t have to look like metal barns. You can:
- Use board-and-batten siding, brick, or stucco instead of corrugated metal.
- Add pitched roofs, dormers, or decorative trim to match traditional homes.
- Incorporate front porches, columns, or landscaping that soften the industrial appearance.
By tweaking the design to meet HOA aesthetics, you can retain the barndo’s layout and interior benefits while satisfying exterior requirements.
- Negotiate or Request Variances
If your design violates certain HOA rules, you can often request a variance—a formal exception to the standard rule. For example:
- Asking to use metal siding if you plan to paint it a neutral color.
- Requesting approval for a larger garage if it’s screened from view.
Prepare a compelling case that shows how your home won’t harm the community and may even enhance it.
- Seek HOA-Friendly Locations
If you haven’t bought land yet, look for barndominium-friendly neighborhoods. Some areas have relaxed HOA restrictions or no HOA at all. These are more common in rural or semi-rural locations.
You can also find planned barndominium communities that embrace modern farmhouse and metal building styles. These HOAs are more likely to support your plans and may even provide design templates or recommendations.
- Get Everything in Writing
If the HOA approves your design or grants a variance, make sure you get it in writing. Verbal approvals can be overturned by a future board, but written documentation protects you if disputes arise later.
Save all correspondence, permits, and approval letters in a secure place.
- Know Your Legal Options
In rare cases, an HOA may unfairly block your plans despite reasonable compliance. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly, you may have legal options:
- Mediation or arbitration through a third party
- Legal action to challenge unreasonable restrictions
- Real estate attorney consultation to negotiate with the board
Litigation should always be a last resort, as it can be expensive and damage community relationships. However, knowing your rights is essential.
Tips for Living in a Barndominium with an HOA
If you already own a barndominium in an HOA-controlled area, here are some ongoing tips:
- Stay updated on rule changes: Attend meetings and review policy updates.
- Keep your home well-maintained to avoid complaints.
- Follow landscaping and exterior upkeep rules.
- Be a good neighbor—positive relationships can reduce scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
Barndominiums are a fantastic housing option, offering style, space, and efficiency. But when dealing with an HOA, you need to be strategic, patient, and well-informed.
By reading the fine print, customizing your design, engaging early with the HOA, and being willing to compromise, you can successfully build or buy the barndominium of your dreams—even in an HOA-governed neighborhood.
If you’re flexible and prepared, there’s no reason your barndominium can’t fit beautifully into a community setting—proving that rustic and residential can coexist.
Ready to Build?
Looking for barndominium plans that can meet HOA guidelines? Our team specializes in custom designs that balance modern aesthetics with community requirements. Contact us today for a consultation and bring your dream barndo to life—without the HOA headache!