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Building a Barndominium in Virginia | Your Ultimate Guide

A custom home built to one’s exact specifications is one of the things that people dream about most often. Perhaps you have found yourself thinking about what you would include in a home that you have designed and had built if you had the chance. However, the money and effort that it takes to make such a project come to fruition is astronomical. That’s why building a barndominium in Virginia is such a fantastic option. As we will discuss below, there are a lot of reasons why this kind of home might be right for you. 

barndominium in virginia exterior

With things like tiny houses, shipping container homes, and other alternative housing becoming more and more popular, there has never been a better time to build a home that is unique and interesting. For first-time home builders, a barndominium in Virginia could be a great way to get your foot in the door of homeownership. That’s why we have put together this in-depth guide to building a barndominium in Virginia. With this guide, you can get a good idea of what it takes to get this kind of project up and going. 

If you finish this article and would like even more expert information on building a barndominium in Virginia, be sure to check out the ebook, Build Your Dream Barndominium by Don Howe. There, you will find floor plans, design tips, and inspiration for your own custom home project. 

What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages?

A barndominium is a modern custom home that is built from the framework of a metal pole structure of a metal pole barn. These structures can be pre-existing or built from scratch by a barndominium builder. Because of their simple construction and the relative ease of getting them built, barndominiums are a much more accessible option for those who might not otherwise be able to build their own home. 

One of the biggest advantages of building a barndominium in Virginia is the lower cost. As we will discuss more in-depth later, the cost of the initial construction is quite a bit less than it is for a traditionally built, wood-frame house. Because of this, the dream of building your own home could be closer to reality than you might think. There are a number of reasons that the cost of this type of project might be more reasonable, including the lower need for labor and the availability of materials. 

barndominium in virginia exterior

The other major advantage of building a barndominium in Virginia is simplicity. While a traditionally built home might take months or years to get up off the ground, a barndominium’s main structure can usually be built in a matter of weeks. This ease and accessibility make it a much more viable option for someone who might not be able to afford or navigate the prospect of building a traditional home. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Virginia

The cost of building a custom home is probably the biggest consideration you are going to make when deciding whether or not to undergo this kind of project. When you are budgeting out a house, you are going to want to figure out how much it is going to cost per square foot. This will allow you to figure out things like how many bathrooms you want and how many bedrooms you are going to need. It should be noted that for the most part, these figures are not going to count towards things like garages and basements. They are only figures that count towards liveable, furnished space. 

barndominium in virginia exterior

The cost of building a traditional home in Virginia is around $250 per square foot. For this price, you will get the initial construction of the actual structure itself. It does not include things like furnishings, heating, and air and the other things that make a home liveable. Because of this, you will need to allot extra money in the budget for these extras. These are the things that make a house a home and they are also the things that drive the cost of your home build-up through the roof. 

The cost of building a barndominium in Virginia, on the other hand, is quite a bit less. Most builders will charge around $200 to $240 per square foot for a barndominium build. While this doesn’t seem like much of a difference, when it is multiplied by several thousand square feet, the divergence in price can add up. With this extra money in the budget, you can afford the luxuries you will want for a custom home like electronics and custom cabinetry. 

Barndominium Builders in Virginia

Perhaps one of the biggest decisions you will make when building a barndominium in Virginia is picking the builder. The construction industry is wide and extremely varied. This can make it difficult to know who is going to be the best choice to undertake your home build project. However, there are a few things that you can be on the lookout for when doing your search. By considering these key characteristics, you can make an informed choice on the builder for your barndominium in Virginia. 

One of the things you should consider when choosing a builder is whether they have experience in building metal pole barns. Not all construction companies will know how to build this particular type of structure and it is important that you hire a builder who knows what they are doing. Luckily, there are a number of builders who specialize in this type of project. Hiring one of them is highly recommended over a builder who does more generalized work.

The other important thing to think about is whether a builder has a good history with previous clients. Looking at any number of construction company review sites will give you a good idea of this. If a builder has a good history with the people they have previously worked for, you can be reasonably certain that they will be helpful and considerate towards you. To help you with this decision, we have put together a list of some of the best barndominium builders in Virginia

Superior Buildings

Superior Buildings is a construction company made up of experts on pole frame structures. They also pride themselves on maintaining good relationships with their customers and engaging with them every step of the way. This dedication to good customer service is one of the things that makes them a great choice for building a barndominium in Virginia. 

We Build Barns

We Build Barns has been in business since 1994. Since then, they have been helping clients build the barn structures that they have been dreaming of. They specialize in unique barn projects, which makes them a great option for building a barndominium in Virginia. 

Barndominium Kit Providers in Virginia

If you don’t want to build a barndominium in Virginia from scratch, you have another option. You could also purchase a barndominium kit. These kits come pre-fabricated and include everything you need to get your metal pole structure up off the ground. They are a good alternative if you don’t want to deal with trying to source materials from many different places. 

When you order a Barndominium kit from a kit provider it comes with everything all in one package. If you are not inclined to do this type of work yourself, it is still recommended that you hire a builder to help you with heavy-duty construction. However, a kit could still help make the entire process much easier with everything arriving all at once and from the same place. 

Barndominium Financing in Virginia

Barndominium Financing Request

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F&M Bank

Since 1908, F&M Bank has been working with people like you to get the financing they need for their barn building projects. The people working on their loans are local to the area and know everything about agriculture and special projects like yours. They could be a great choice for getting a loan for your barndominium in Virginia. 

Farm Credit of the Virginias

Farm Credit of the Virginias was established in 1916 and since then they have been working with Virginia locals on all kinds of farming projects. They pride themselves on being hometown people who are familiar with the ins and outs of local business and agriculture. This makes them a good option for getting financing for your barndominium in Virginia. 

Where to Find Land for a Barndominium in Virginia

One of the things you will have to do when you are starting your barndo project is to find a good piece of land to build on. You will need to get a separate loan for your land that is independent of your construction loan. This can be done at any of the agricultural banks listed above. 

You can find land for sale in Virginia on any number of aggregator sites that list land for sale. When looking, be sure that the land is zoned for residential use and is accessible to all utilities. You do not want to start construction only to find out there is no access to power or water. The piece of land you buy is a major step in building a barndominium in Virginia, and it is important that you find the right one. 

Barndominium Floor Plans in Virginia

Barndominiums for Sale in Virginia

Don’t want all the hassle of building a barndominium from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing barndominium in Virginia! 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia now!

Conclusion

Building a barndominium in Virginia is an exciting prospect. By reading this in-depth guide, you are now armed with the knowledge it takes to put the wheels in motion. If you would like even more helpful tips and information, check out the Barndominium Life Program!

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.