Smart Budgeting, Material Choices, and Design Hacks to Cut Costs the Right Way
Building a barndominium—a custom home that combines a barn-style structure with residential living—can be an affordable and stylish alternative to traditional houses. But while these metal buildings are often touted for their cost-efficiency, expenses can still creep up quickly when you’re dealing with land prep, customization, and materials. Fortunately, there are plenty of practical strategies to cut costs without cutting corners.
Here are some proven ways to save money when building a barndominium while still ensuring your final home is durable, functional, and beautiful.
1. Start with a Simple Design
One of the biggest factors impacting the cost of your barndominium is its floor plan and architectural complexity.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Stick to a rectangular or square footprint. Complex shapes (like L-shaped or angled wings) increase framing, roofing, and foundation costs.
- Limit the number of corners. Every additional corner adds to the framing labor and materials needed.
- Keep the roofline simple. Gables, dormers, and multiple pitches look great but add thousands in materials and labor.
A simple 30×60 box with an open interior can be customized creatively after construction, allowing you to personalize the home as budget allows.
2. Choose a Pre-Engineered Metal Building Kit
Pre-engineered steel kits are one of the reasons barndominiums are so affordable to begin with. These kits include the structure, framing, trusses, and hardware designed for easy assembly.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Compare multiple suppliers before settling on a kit. Some offer better insulation, warranties, or shipping rates.
- Buy during the off-season. Prices for metal kits can fluctuate—late fall or winter can yield better deals.
- Use the standard sizes and configurations that the manufacturer offers to avoid customization fees.
Pre-engineered kits also reduce waste, speed up construction, and limit the need for architectural adjustments on-site.
3. Build Up, Not Out
A two-story barndominium provides more living space using the same foundation and roofing footprint. If your local codes allow, going vertical can dramatically reduce your cost per square foot.
Why it works:
- Foundation and roof are two of the most expensive elements per square foot.
- Less land grading and less roofing material are needed.
- Utilities like plumbing and HVAC can be stacked between floors to save on runs.
Of course, adding a staircase does add to your interior costs, but the savings from reducing slab size usually outweigh this.
4. Act as Your Own General Contractor
Hiring a general contractor (GC) can account for 10-20% of your entire build cost. Acting as your own GC can save tens of thousands—if you’re up for the challenge.
Consider:
- Get multiple bids for every trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to keep costs competitive.
- Use subcontractors recommended by your kit manufacturer or local builder forums.
- Stay organized. Use construction scheduling software or spreadsheets to track milestones, permits, and inspections.
Note: This option is best for those who have time to commit and are comfortable managing people and schedules.
5. Buy Land Wisely
Land costs vary wildly by region, but you can control development costs with a smart land choice.
Money-Saving Land Tips:
- Pick land with access to utilities. Running power or water lines to remote land can cost thousands per utility.
- Check soil quality. Rocky, sandy, or clay-heavy soils may require costly foundation modifications.
- Avoid flood zones or steep grades to reduce drainage and site prep costs.
Even if the land looks like a deal, hidden costs in prepping the site can eat away your budget fast.
6. Use Affordable (But Durable) Finishes
You don’t need marble countertops and hardwood floors throughout to make your barndominium feel luxurious.
Alternatives:
- Butcher block or laminate countertops instead of quartz or granite.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring instead of real wood—it’s water-resistant and easier to install.
- DIY shiplap or plywood walls instead of drywall in some areas like mudrooms or workshops.
Invest your finish budget in high-impact areas like the kitchen or master bath, and save on others like guest bedrooms and hallways.
7. Incorporate Open-Concept Living
Barndominiums lend themselves naturally to open floor plans—which reduce framing, drywall, and HVAC ductwork costs.
Benefits:
- Fewer interior walls = less material and labor.
- One large HVAC zone instead of multiple small ones.
- More light with fewer windows thanks to shared open spaces.
A great room that combines kitchen, living, and dining spaces gives a more spacious feel without the extra square footage—and that saves money.
8. DIY What You Can (Safely)
If you’re handy, doing parts of the build yourself can save thousands.
DIY Ideas:
- Painting walls and trim
- Installing cabinets or bathroom vanities
- Laying flooring or tile
- Landscaping and driveway grading
However, be cautious when considering electrical, structural, or plumbing work—mistakes here can cost more in the long run or violate code.
9. Limit Window and Door Openings
Windows and doors are surprisingly expensive—both the units themselves and the framing, flashing, and insulation required.
Cost-Saving Guidelines:
- Use standard-size windows and doors.
- Cluster windows to increase light without increasing framing labor.
- Limit patio doors or glass sliders to one or two high-use areas.
You can always add additional openings later, but installing fewer to start saves significant upfront costs.
10. Plan for Future Expansion
If you’re dreaming of more bedrooms, a home office, or a workshop, design your initial barndominium with future add-ons in mind.
Example:
- Run plumbing stubs to an unfinished area for a future bathroom.
- Frame out bonus space but leave it unfinished until the budget allows.
- Build a loft that can be converted later into extra living space.
This phased approach lets you move in sooner and finish spaces as your budget or time allows.
11. Use Energy-Efficient Systems
This might seem like a long-term strategy, but energy efficiency directly affects your build budget when properly planned.
Examples:
- Spray foam insulation has a higher upfront cost but can downsize your HVAC system.
- Mini-split heat pumps can eliminate ductwork and reduce labor costs.
- Metal roofing with radiant barriers reduces heat gain and extends roof life.
An energy-efficient building shell reduces utility costs for years to come and may even qualify for tax credits or rebates.
12. Shop Salvage and Discount Suppliers
High-quality materials don’t always have to come with a premium price tag.
Where to Look:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
- Overstock resellers or liquidation stores
You may find name-brand windows, doors, cabinets, or lighting for a fraction of retail prices—especially if you’re open to scratches, dings, or open-box items.
Final Thoughts: Smart Choices Add Up
Saving money while building a barndominium doesn’t mean compromising on structural integrity or comfort. It means making smart, informed decisions at every stage—from land acquisition and design to materials and labor. Focus on the bones of the structure, simplify where you can, and splurge strategically.
By applying these practical strategies, you’ll stretch your budget without sacrificing the quality and longevity of your dream barndominium. The result? A beautiful, functional home you can enjoy for decades—with far less financial strain.
Thinking about building your own barndominium?
Reach out to a trusted barndominium designer or builder who understands how to maximize value without cutting corners. Smart planning is your best investment.