Building your own home is a great way to ensure that everything you want is included in the place you plan to stay for the rest of your life. There is something about building a house from the ground up and moving into it that is so rewarding it is nearly impossible to describe. By designing a home yourself, you can make sure that every inch is up to your individual standards and that the home will be livable for both you and your family. However, this project isn’t always going to be accessible to everyone and could end up being an incredibly difficult project if you don’t know what to expect. That’s why building a barndominium in Massachusetts could be the best choice for a wide variety of different people.
With the popularity of alternative housing like container homes, van homes and tiny homes growing by the minute, barndominiums are also becoming incredibly easy to build and get financing for. Whereas banks may have been slightly wary about lending for this type of home a few years ago, their visibility in popular culture is making them much more common and easy to make happen. Plus, professional builders are becoming more adept at building this type of structure and it is becoming a lot easier to find a builder that specializes in metal post frame barns that are meant to be converted into residences.
In this article, we have laid out everything you need to know about building a barndominium in Massachusetts. By understanding the ins and outs of this particular project, you can start yourself off on the right foot and give your barndo the best possible start. If you finish this guide and would like even more information from the experts, be sure to check out the ebook, Build Your Dream Barndominium by Don Howe.
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What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages?
Barndominium might be an interesting word, but there is a solid reasoning behind it. Barndominiums are unique custom homes that have been converted from metal post frame structures or pole barns. This means that they may look like a barn on the outside, but the inside is designed to look like any other modern, contemporary home. As a result, the word is a combination of the words “barn” and “condominium” although there are no limits to the amount of customization and intricate design work you can do with your barndominium in Massachusetts.
One of the main advantages of building a barndominium in Massachusetts is the fact that the steel structure is meant to be as strong and durable as possible. This allows the home to withstand a large amount of weather-based elements like rain, snow, and ice that other homes might have trouble getting through without sustaining damage. The metal is much less susceptible to issues like rot, mold and mildew and this could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Speaking of money, one of the other benefits of building a barndominium in Massachusetts is the fact that they are quite a bit cheaper to build than a traditional home. The time it takes to construct a barndominium is about half that of a regular house. This means you can save money on construction time, labor and materials. That opens up the possibility of building a barndominium to a much wider range of people who might not have been able to build their own traditionally constructed home.
Cost of Building a Barndominium in Massachusetts
One of the first things you should figure out when you are planning to build a barndominium in Massachusetts is your budget. Knowing this figure is a great way to begin looking for a builder, a plot of land, and all the other things you will have to plan for with this project. When you are figuring out a budget for a home build, you will do it by the square foot. This allows you to know exactly how much home you can afford and how many extra luxuries you will want to include like custom cabinetry and flooring.
The cost of building a traditional home in Massachusetts is around $350 per square foot. This includes liveable space like bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, but does not include any extra space or outbuildings like garages, sheds or shops. Because of this, you will have to account for any extra space you want as well as anything else that falls outside of the category of the initial construction. If you want extras like electronics and appliances, those will not be included in the cost per square foot.
A barndominium in Massachusetts costs, on average, $290 per square foot. While this is not a massive difference, when it is spread out over the course of a 2,000-plus square foot home, it adds up rather quickly. This leaves more room in the budget for all the things you will want in your custom house that will make it your own.
Barndominium Builders in Massachusetts
After your budget, one of the first decisions you will have to make regarding your barndominium in Massachusetts is who you are going to choose to do the actual building. This is an incredibly important decision since home building is a very personal undertaking and you should find someone who has your best interests in mind. This will make the whole process a lot smoother and ensure that you will be happy with the final product.
You should find a builder who has good reviews from their former customers. There are many places online where you can read reviews of builders and finding one that has made previous clients happy is a great way to find one that will make you happy. The construction trade is highly varied, so it is important that you seek out the builders who are committed to getting their customers the end result that they are looking for.
You should also look for a builder who has experience building steel post frame structures. Not all construction companies know how to do this kind of work, and it can be difficult to find one that knows what they are doing in that regard. Luckily, there are quite a few builders in Massachusetts who specialize in construction metal pole structures and they will be a good choice for your barndo project. To help you get started, we have put together a small list of some of the best builders for your barndominium in Massachusetts.
Midmass Construction Group
Midmass Construction Group has been building steel structures in the Massachusetts area for years. Their dedication to this specific type of building and materials has allowed them to gain the experience you need for your barndominium in Massachusetts.
GLM Builders
GLM Builders is an Amish construction company specializing in superior craftsmanship and structures that are meant to last for years and years. If you are looking to build a barndominium in Massachusetts that is designed to be as durable as possible, they are a good option for you.
Barndominium Kit Providers in Massachusetts
If building a barndominium in Massachusetts from scratch isn’t what you want to do, there is good news for you. Barndominium kits are a prefabricated option that come in one convenient package so you can get your barndo up off the ground as soon as possible. If you are not wanting to spend time building a custom structure and sourcing materials, they could be a good choice for your barndo project.
Barndominium Financing in Massachusetts
Barndominium Financing Request
Yankee Farm Credit
Yankee Farm Credit considers themselves advocates for the community in Massachusetts. They understand the struggles that many people go through when they are trying to secure funding for a project like this and can help you navigate some of those pitfalls.
Farm Credit Massachusetts
Farm Credit Massachusetts has lent over 2.1 billion dollars as of 2019 and they have a great connection to the state and the people who are living in it. They pride themselves on supporting rural communities and know the ins and outs of the area.
Where to Find Land for a Barndominium in Massachusetts
One of the most important things you will have to do when you are starting your barndominium in Massachusetts is find a piece of land. Finding land that is accessible to services and utilities is essential. Bringing those things to a rural piece of land can be very expensive and it is best if you can find a plot that is already close.
There are many places online where you can search for land for sale. Use the filters to find a plot that is not too far away from utilities and emergency services, but still rural enough to be eligible for government subsidy programs like USDA lending.
Barndominium Floor Plans in Massachusetts
- The Absolute Best 5 Bedroom Barndominium Floor Plans
- 8 Inspiring Barndominium Floor Plans with Garage
- Stunning 3 Bedroom Barndominium Floor Plans
- Small Barndominiums Galore! – Costs, Floor Plans, Interiors, and More
- 30×40 Barndominium Floor Plans What to Consider
Barndominiums for Sale in Massachusetts
Don’t want all the hassle of building a barndominium from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing barndominium in Massachusetts! 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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts now!
Conclusion
By reading this guide, you should have a good understanding of how to build a barndominium in Massachusetts. Having the right information is the best way to start yourself off on the right path. If you would like even more helpful tips and tricks, be sure to 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.