Building a home is a large undertaking that many people dream about but few actually do. There is something very primal and organic about wanting to build your own place where you and your family can live for the rest of your lives, but it is not something that a lot of people are able to complete. For some, it’s because the work is too much and for others, it is simply out of their budget.
With all of the materials, labor, and hoops that you have to jump through, buying a home that is already built is much more doable for most. However, when you buy a pre-built home, you don’t get the same customization options and ability to make the home completely your own. That’s why building a barndominium in Vermont is such a great option.
With the advent of alternative housing like tiny homes, shipping container homes, and van homes, there has never been a better time to start looking into the prospect of building a barndominium in Vermont. Whereas it used to be difficult to find a bank that would know what you were talking about if you brought up the word barndominium, they are getting much more popular and getting a lot more attention in the public eye. Because of this, it is getting easier to find the financing and craftspeople that you need to get a project like this done.
In this article, we have laid out all of the things you need to know about building a barndominium in Vermont. By understanding what goes into a project like this, you can be fully prepared when you start to put together your own project. If you finish this guide and would like some more helpful tips and tricks, be sure to check out the ebook, Build Your Dream Barndominium by Don Howe.
Page Contents
What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages?
A barndominium is a home that has been built from the frame of a steel barn with metal posts and turned into a beautiful custom house. Barndominiums can be built to look just like any other home and are completely framed up on the inside just like a traditional house, but with a few important differences.
One of the main differences is the fact that the builders of a barndominium don’t put up a complete frame like they do with a traditional house and usually don’t use a traditional foundation. Instead, the steel beams that make up the frame of a barndominium are bolted to a concrete slab. This saves both time and money on the initial construction of the house.
One of the main advantages of building a barndominium in Vermont is the fact that it can be so much cheaper. Because you don’t have to spend as much time building the wood frame, the process of building a barndominium is much faster. This saves money on both labor and materials and also allows the project to be built in about half the time it takes for a regular house.
One of the other benefits of building a barndominium in Vermont is their durability. Barndos are built with steel and corrugated metal, which makes them impervious to things like rot, mold, and mildew. In an area that sees a lot of snow in the winter like Vermont, this is an invaluable feature that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Wood structural repairs can be incredibly costly and with a barndominium, you just don’t have to worry about this type of issue.
Cost of Building a Barndominium in Vermont
As is mentioned above, building a barndominium in Vermont has a lot of advantages, but one of the major ones is the lower cost of construction. When you are figuring out the budget for a home build, the best way to do it is by calculating the cost per square foot.
Not only will this give you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to how much the home will be to build, it will also tell you how much home you can actually afford. By knowing the square footage that will fit into your budget, you can decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms your home can have and you can also start putting together the right floor plan for your budget.
The cost of building a traditional home in Vermont is around $300 per square foot. One of the things that should be noted with this figure is that it does not include things like closet space, garages and attics. Your price per square foot number will only include livable space and if you want any other structures or spaces, these will need to be added onto the budget.
Building a barndominium in Vermont is quite a bit cheaper. The average cost for a project like this is $250 per square foot, which over the course of a 2,000-square-foot home adds up to quite a bit of savings. Because of this lower price, you can afford a lot of the things that you would want to include in a home like custom cabinetry, electronics, and appliances.
Barndominium Builders in Vermont
Perhaps the biggest decision you will have to make when you are getting things together for your barndominium in Vermont is who you are going to hire to do the building. Some people decide to be their own general contractor, but this is a fairly complicated project and not everyone can do the type of work that is necessary. Picking a builder for your barndominium can be difficult, but there are a couple of things you can look for that will help you make the right decision.
One of the main things you should look for in a builder for your barndominium is someone who is experienced in this type of building. All builders are different and some will not have the kind of experience you need to ensure a successful build. Luckily, there are quite a few builders who specialize in metal pole barns and can help you start your project off on the right foot.
You should also look for a builder who has a good relationship with their previous customers. Construction is an incredibly personal industry and this is especially true if you are building a home for you and your family to live in. Look at reviews online of builders and make sure that the people they have worked for in the past have been satisfied with not only the results but also the entire process. To help you get started, we have put together a short list of some of the best barndominium builders in Vermont.
Viking Metal Garages
Viking Metal Garages is a builder in Vermont that has experience with all types of metal buildings and structures. If you want to work with a builder who knows how to get a pole structure up off the ground quickly and efficiently, they could be a great choice.
Vermont Country Builders
Vermont Country Builders has been working in the Vermont area for over 15 years and in that time they have learned the ins and outs of what it takes to build custom homes in the state. They have experience with all kinds of projects, including barns, so they can help get your barndominium in Vermont started on the right foot.
Capital Steel Industries
Capital Steel Industries is a builder that specializes in steel buildings all over the Vermont area. They have built every kind of steel structure imaginable and can use only the highest quality of manufactured metals and other materials.
Barndominium Kit Providers in Vermont
Many people like the idea of building a barndominium in Vermont from scratch. However, if you are interested in making the process a little bit easier, a barndominium kit might be what you are looking for. Barndominium kits are prefabricated and come with everything you need in order to get your barndo up off the ground. If you want everything to come in one convenient package, they might be the solution you are looking for.
Barndominium Financing in Vermont
Barndominium Financing Request
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation is a program of the Vermont Economic Development Authority and they provide lines of credit and loans to Vermont agricultural facilities and farmers. If you want to work with a bank that is backed by a large government entity, they could be a good choice for you.
Yankee Farm Credit
Yankee Farm Credit offers competitive rates on loans for all kinds of agricultural projects. They also offer flexible terms and are very familiar with the process of building a country home in the area. If you want a bank that understands the process of building a barndominium in Vermont, they might be a good option.
Where to Find Land for a Barndominium in Vermont
Aside from finding a builder, one of the other most important decisions you will make when it comes to your barndominium in Vermont is the piece of land you will build it on. By picking the right piece of land, you can set yourself up for success in your barndo project.
The piece of land you buy should be accessible to all the utilities and services you might need like power, water and gas. It should also be clearable and on stable ground. Get an environmental impact report on any piece of land you are thinking of buying to make sure you won’t run into any issues halfway through your build.
Barndominium Floor Plans in Vermont
- Stunning 3 Bedroom Barndominium Floor Plans
- Small Barndominiums Galore! – Costs, Floor Plans, Interiors, and More
- The Absolute Best 5 Bedroom Barndominium Floor Plans
- 8 Inspiring Barndominium Floor Plans with Garage
- 30×40 Barndominium Floor Plans What to Consider
Barndominiums for Sale in Vermont
Don’t want all the hassle of building a barndominium from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing barndominium in Vermont! With our Barndominiums for Sale Marketplace, you can browse to your state and find a barndominium for sale near you.
The beauty of buying an existing barndominium is that it can be really easy to customize the floor plan to your liking. The previous owners’ setup is just a starting point! Also, by buying a barndominium in Vermont, you bypass the potential troubles of the building process – delays, dealing with contractors and subcontractors, and city or county bureaucrats trying to make your build process a nightmare.
Don’t delay – find a barndominium for sale in Vermont now!
Conclusion
Now that you understand everything that needs to go into building a barndominium in Vermont, you can get your own project started. By reading this guide, you have already put yourself at an advantage and can get started on the right track. If you would like even more tips and help from the experts, check out the ebook, Build Your Dream Barndominium by Don Howe.
If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.
Michael O’Connor is a seasoned barndominium writer passionate about creating unique and innovative barndominiums. With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Michael has established himself as a leading expert in barndominium design and construction.
His work has been featured in several respected publications, including Barndominium Life, where he frequently contributes articles on best practices and emerging trends in the field. Michael’s ability to blend traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology and design concepts has earned him a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable writers in the industry.