Barndominium vs Pole Barn: What Are The Differences

There are so many options for what kind of house you can build, and it can get overwhelming. If you’re looking for something durable, affordable, and with lots of space, a barndominium or a pole barn house might be just what you’re looking for. However, with prices on materials and interest rates going up, you don’t want to make the wrong choice.

A pole barn house and a barndominium are a lot alike, but some differences must be considered. They will affect the final choice you make. You want a home that is perfect for you and your family, so the more knowledge you have, the better. Here’s a quick breakdown so that you can make an informed decision.

Pole Barn House

Traditionally, pole barns are used for storage and agricultural uses. People use them as staples or as hay barns. They are put up quickly and easily, which makes them ideal for those kinds of uses. They have support beams that are far apart. This is meant to allow for maximum storage space, but in a home, it means more flexibility with the layout. Like a barn, they are usually made from wood materials. Despite their look, underneath, they are similar to regular homes in their construction.

Barndominium 

Barndominiums are rapidly getting more popular, and with good reason. They are affordable to make, and they’ve been featured heavily on a number of home and garden shows. In addition, they are easy to construct since they are usually made from modular designs. One big difference is that barndominiums have steel frames. This makes them more durable and able to withstand anything the weather throws at them. With the steel being driven into a concrete slab, you can be sure that your home will stand the test of time. Plus, the siding and roof are often steel, making them even stronger.

Pros of a Pole Barn House

Making a choice between the two will depend on a number of factors.Pole barn houses have the benefit of being made from wood. It’s rustic and charming and more affordable than steel. It has an organic and traditional feel that a lot of homeowners are looking for. With a bardemonimum it takes more effort and modifications to get the cozy look and feels you want. One other benefit of pole barn homes is that they do not rust. With steel, that is always a concern, which means that you have to keep an eye on it to prevent rust from being able to build up over time.

They also take less time to build and use fewer resources. They are more affordable and easy to get your job site prepped for construction. Because it involves more traditional building techniques, you can do more of the work yourself if you know building houses. This can save you money on your budget.

Pros of a Barndominium

That said, steel is more durable and can stand up to the rigors of rough weather. You won’t have to do regular repairs and maintenance and probably won’t have to worry about foundational issues. This is your best option if you are in a geographical area prone to hurricanes and storms. Unlike a pole barn house, you will likely have to have contractors build most of your barndominium home. With the materials, the complex building techniques, and the building codes involved, it is best to let a professional do the work properly.

While you will have to check for rust, there is little more in the way of maintenance for a steel structure. With wood, you have to consider mold and mildew and what problems they can present. With steel, there are no such issues. It does not attract mold spores or other allergens. Therefore, you will only have to do a little maintenance on a barndominium. You also shouldn’t need to worry about the foundation. With a pole barn, you can expect there to be some shifting over time. However, a barndominium should hold for many years.

Which One Should I Choose?

The choice between a pole barn home and a barndominium will all come down to your personal circumstances. Neither one is better, it’s just that one may be better for your needs. If you want something that’s low maintenance and durable, go with a barndominium. That means you could conceivably be in the house for a long period. Your kids could grow up there, and your grandkids could, too. If you’re new to construction, a barndominium makes sense too. There are barndominium kits so that you can make one with your design.

Pole barn homes are more traditional. They use wood, so if you live somewhere where the weather isn’t a factor, you can choose a pole barn house. They aren’t for everybody since some people don’t like living in a barn, but you can make alterations to get just what you need. If you are a veteran of building projects, then it’s also a good choice. You can use cheaper materials and make sure that they are installed correctly. When building a house, you want to ensure that you have all the information you need before you decide on the type of home it is. A barndominium and a pole barn house offer unparalleled space and flexibility. You really can’t go wrong, but one choice might be slightly better than the other, which could make all the difference. Keep this article in mind when you are making your choice.