Seven decisions that can make or break your build.
If you’ve got land in Livingston County, Missouri and you’re thinking about building a barndominium, it’s easy to jump straight to floor plans.
That’s the fun part.
But some of the decisions that have the biggest impact on your finished home happen before you ever decide where the kitchen goes.
Here are seven things worth considering before choosing your barndominium builder.
1. How Much Building Do You Really Need?
Start with square footage.
How much living space do you want? How much garage or workshop space?
One of the attractions of a barndominium is being able to combine both under one roof.
Don’t automatically base your dimensions on your current home. Think about what you’d change if you could start from scratch.
Because now you can.
2. What Will Your Life Look Like Five Years From Now?
A barndominium should work for your future as well as your present.
Will children still be living at home?
Will parents potentially need additional space?
Do you plan on buying an RV, boat or additional equipment?
Do you work from home?
Design flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of building a barndominium, so use it.
3. Is Your Building Site Ready?
Your piece of land may look flat from the road without actually being ready for construction.
Site access, drainage, grading and utilities all need consideration.
Think about how you’ll enter and leave the property, where water will flow during heavy rain, and how the building will relate to existing structures.
Site preparation isn’t particularly exciting.
But getting it wrong can be expensive.
4. How Much Shop or Garage Space Do You Want?
This is where barndominiums really shine.
Instead of settling for a standard two-car garage, you can build around your lifestyle.
Maybe you restore vehicles.
Maybe you own tractors or construction equipment.
Maybe you simply want enough room to park without squeezing between cars.
Decide what will be stored inside and build accordingly.
5. What Style Do You Want?
Barndominiums don’t have to look like barns.
You can create anything from a traditional rural appearance to a clean, contemporary design.
Porches, rooflines, windows, doors, siding and trim combinations can dramatically change the character of your home.
Collect photographs of buildings you like before meeting with builders. It’s often easier to show somebody the look you’re after than describe it.
6. What’s Included in the Quote?
This question matters.
Two barndominium quotes can look similar while including very different scopes of work.
Ask exactly what materials and construction are included and what you’ll need to arrange separately.
A detailed quote makes budgeting much easier and reduces unpleasant surprises.
7. Does the Builder Understand What You’re Trying to Create?
Don’t just find someone who can put up a building.
Find someone who understands your vision.
A good barndominium builder should ask questions, explain options and help you think through the practical details.
If you’re planning a barndominium in Livingston County, take your time during this stage.
You only get one chance to make the building exactly what you want from the beginning.
Plan carefully, choose your builder wisely and build a home designed around the way you want to live.
