Skip to Content

Barndominium Evaluation Guide & Checklist

Want to find land for your barndominium, but not sure how to choose the right one?

Over HALF of vacant land for sale is not suitable for building a barndominium.

Keep reading to avoid costly land-buying mistakes and learn from our team of barndominium land experts.

Are you anxious about finding land for your barndominium?

I get it. Building a custom home is one of the toughest yet rewarding things you can do. Providing shelter for your family is priceless.

I was in your shoes not that long ago.

In 2016 I saw the Chip and Jo special where they built a barndominium. From that point on I was completely hooked.

Our Story

See, we had been living in the suburbs at the time.

It was fine.

Not great, but not terrible either. Just….meh. We had always wanted something a bit different than everyone else. We wanted more land for our activities. More space for toys like ATVs, dirt bikes, and maybe a boat down the line. And we knew we wanted out of the suburbs. Too many people, too much going on…

So We Decided We Had to Change. We Decided on Building a Barndominium.

The project to build a barndominium took us two years and a lot of struggle, heartache, and frustration. Don’t get me wrong, the end result is fantastic. We love our barndo. My family is a million times happier now that we get to do the activities that bring us joy.

But it was a tough process, especially when getting started!

I’ve talked with a bunch of people who were first-time barndo builders and they all said something along these lines…”I wish I had someone who could’ve helped me during the build. Some sort of advisor or mentor.”

That’s Where I Come In

If you allow me, I’ll be your teacher and leader as you build your barndominium, from start to finish. Don’t “go it alone” and try to figure everything out by yourself.

I made every mistake in the book during my land search. Rather than watching others make the same blunders, I’ve put everything I learned into this evaluation guide & checklist.

This program is the result of my painstaking process to build a barndominium for my family. I’ve condensed seven years of experience into this checklist — for you.

A family member of mine purchased land that was completely unusable. $25K down the drain. Learn from their mistakes!

Buying vacant land for a barndominium can be a complete money pit.

If you allow it, that is.

Here are some of the key lessons you’ll learn in our program

  • Understanding Zoning and Land Use: Learn how to navigate zoning regulations to ensure your property is suitable for building.
  • Evaluating Topography and Slope: Discover the impact of land slope on your construction plans and how to choose the best foundation type.
  • Assessing Utilities and Sewer Needs: Find out how to ensure access to essential utilities and evaluate septic system requirements.
  • Estimating Development Costs: Get insights on potential costs for driveways, water services, electrical hookups, and more.
  • Selecting the Right Location: Learn how to choose a location that fits your lifestyle and budget while complying with local laws.
  • Budgeting for Land Purchase: Understand how to set a realistic budget and find properties within your financial reach.
  • Clearing and Preparing the Land: Know what to expect in terms of land clearing and preparation before construction.
  • School District Considerations: Make informed decisions about the quality of local schools and their impact on your property choice.
  • Neighborhood and Community Insights: Evaluate the type of community you want to be a part of and research your potential neighbors.
  • Property Access and Easements: Learn about property access points, easements, and how they affect your land use.
  • Survey and Property Lines: Understand the importance of accurate property surveys to avoid boundary disputes.
  • Wetlands and Environmental Impact: Assess the presence of wetlands and their implications on your building plans.
  • Tax Implications: Discover how property taxes might change once you build and how to plan accordingly.
  • Evaluating Drainage and Flood Risks: Learn how to assess land drainage capabilities and flood risks to protect your investment.

  • Hazard Identification: Identify potential hazards on the property that could increase building costs.

Don’t walk in blind to your barndominium land purchase.

Here are some of the ways we’ll help you get ahead of things that can go wrong

Verify Legal Access: Ensure the property has recorded legal access to avoid future access issues.1


Confirm Zoning Compliance: Check zoning laws and land use regulations before purchasing.


Conduct Soil Testing: Perform soil tests to confirm the land supports your building plans.


Understand Easements: Identify any easements that could affect property use or access.


Check Utility Availability: Verify the availability of utilities like water, electricity, and internet.


Review Environmental Impact: Assess environmental factors like wetlands, floodplains, and protected species.


Analyze Topography: Ensure the land’s topography is suitable for your barndominium design.


Consider Future Development: Research surrounding properties and potential future developments.


Assess Road Conditions: Evaluate the condition and accessibility of roads leading to the property.


Verify Property Boundaries: Get a professional survey to confirm property lines and avoid disputes.


Review Historical Use: Investigate the property’s historical use to uncover any hidden issues.


Evaluate Drainage Systems: Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to prevent flooding.


Check for Hazardous Materials: Inspect for hazardous materials that may require removal.


Plan for Driveway Access: Confirm the feasibility and cost of installing a driveway.


Consider Insurance Costs: Estimate potential insurance costs based on location and environmental factors.

Our Checklist Will Help You During Your Journey!

Our Checklist Includes:

  • Legal Access Confirmation: Checklist for verifying legal access points and easements.
  • Zoning and Land Use Verification: Steps to confirm zoning compliance and land use suitability.
  • Soil and Perc Testing: Guidelines for conducting soil tests and septic system evaluations.
  • Utility Availability: Checklist for verifying access to essential utilities.
  • Property Survey Requirements: Steps to obtain an accurate property survey.
  • Hazard Identification: Checklist for identifying potential hazards on the property.
  • Road and Driveway Planning: Guidelines for evaluating road conditions and planning driveway access.
  • Insurance Cost Estimation: Checklist for estimating potential insurance costs.

Our Checklist Includes:

  • Environmental Assessments: Checklist for evaluating environmental factors like wetlands and flood risks.
  • Development Cost Estimation: Guidelines for estimating development costs including utilities and driveways.
  • Community and Neighborhood Evaluation: Steps to research school districts, neighbors, and community services.
  • Drainage and Flood Risk Assessment: Checklist for evaluating drainage systems and flood risks.
  • Topography and Slope Analysis: Guidelines for assessing land slope and its impact on building plans.
  • Historical Use Investigation: Steps to research the property’s historical use and uncover hidden issues.
  • Future Development Research: Steps to research surrounding properties and future development plans.

Hear What Others Have to Say About the Barndominium Program!

“The Barndominium Land Evaluation Guide & Checklist was a game-changer for us. We were able to identify the perfect property and avoid potential pitfalls. This guide saved us time, money, and a lot of headaches.”

– John D. from Texas

“I can’t thank Barndominium Life enough for this comprehensive guide. The checklist was incredibly detailed, helping us navigate the complexities of land purchasing with ease. We are now building our dream home on a beautiful piece of land.”

– Sarah M. from Missouri

“As first-time land buyers, we were overwhelmed with the process. The Barndominium Land Evaluation Guide provided clear, step-by-step instructions that made everything so much simpler. We’re now confident in our purchase and excited to start building.”

– Michael T. from Colorado

Why Barndominium Life?

You Can Trust Us

Editorial teams and journalists from outlets such as the Houston Chronicle, Mississippi Business Journal, Family Handyman, San Antonio Express News, and more have turned to Barndominium Life for information and guidance on barndominiums. We’ve earned their trust, and we want to earn yours too.

Money Back Guarantee

If you’re still not sure, here’s something to think over.

If you haven’t gotten value after going through our checklist in full and starting on your barndominium land purchase, we’ll refund you within 45 days of your purchase. No fuss, no problems. How does that sound?

Our Checklist

The Land Evaluation Guide & Checklist

The information you need to purchase a great vacant lot for your barndominium build!

$19

32 Page Full eBook & Checklist

Available Instantly After Ordering

The Land Evaluation Guide & Checklist: Printed & Mailed To Your Door

The information you need to purchase a great vacant lot for your barndominium build, Printed & Shipped To Your Door!

$49

32 Page Full Physical Book & Checklist

Available Instantly After Ordering, AND Shipped To Your Doorstep

The Barndominium Land Scout Program

Contact Us To Learn More

$776$ 249

Everything in The Checklist, Printed & Shipped To Your Door

– AND –

We Help You Find an Off-Market Plot of Land, Specifically For Your Barndo Build!

Frequently Asked Questions

Barndominium Life Address: 1401 Lavaca St PMB 40627 Austin, TX 78701

Email: admin@barndominiumlife.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Company Name: Barndominium Life

Barndominium Life Terms and Conditions

Barndominium Life Privacy Policy

All items are delivered as a digital download in PDF format

All returns accepted within 45 days of your order after completing the course.