Is a Barndominium Right For Me?
Lynae Malchus

Are barndominiums cheaper to build?

 Here’s What You Should Know
You’ve probably seen them all over Instagram—barndominiums. Rustic, stylish, and supposedly cheap to build. But are barndominiums actually more affordable than traditional homes? The short answer: sometimes, but not always. To truly understand if this style makes sense for your budget, let’s unpack the real costs, important considerations, and situations where a barndominium might (or might not) save you money.

What Is a Barndominium, Really?
A barndominium is essentially a metal-framed building combining living space with shop or garage areas. They often feature wide-open interior layouts, steel construction, and a simple, durable aesthetic. Because of this design, barndominiums can save you money by requiring fewer materials, quicker build times, and potentially simpler foundations.
However, “barndominium” is a broad term. While some are straightforward and budget-friendly, others are highly customized luxury homes with intricate finishes. Understanding exactly what you envision is critical in evaluating true costs.

When Barndominiums Are Cheaper

Barndominiums typically save money in certain scenarios. If you’re planning on DIY work or acting as your own general contractor, they can significantly reduce labor costs. Similarly, simpler finishes like polished concrete floors, exposed metal ceilings, and basic cabinetry greatly reduce interior expenses.


Additionally, building in rural areas often means fewer code restrictions and simpler permitting, translating to lower overhead. A straightforward rectangular layout with minimal architectural complexity also helps keep foundation and framing costs down.



When They’re Not Cheaper

Despite these potential savings, barndominiums aren’t always cheaper. Several hidden costs can quickly add up:

  • Properly insulating metal buildings to ensure energy efficiency can be surprisingly expensive.
  • Interior finishing, including custom kitchens, bathrooms, and high-quality flooring, typically matches or exceeds costs found in traditional homes.
  • Meeting local building codes, securing specialized financing, or engineering metal structures for snow or wind loads can inflate costs significantly.

In fact, fully custom barndominiums with premium finishes frequently equal or exceed traditional homes in total cost. It’s crucial to carefully assess your design choices to avoid surprises.

What Really Affects Homebuilding Costs?

Whether you’re considering a barndominium or a traditional build, the biggest cost-drivers remain consistent:

  • Total square footage
  • Foundation and roofing complexity
  • Site preparation and utility connections
  • Interior finishes (flooring, cabinetry, fixtures)
  • Location-specific building codes and regulations

Barndominiums don’t inherently eliminate these expenses; they just approach construction differently. Your final price depends largely on choices made in each category, not solely on the style of the home.



Final Thoughts: Should You Build a Barndominium?

Ultimately, barndominiums can indeed be more affordable—but only under specific conditions. Rather than focusing solely on whether barndominiums are cheaper, the better question might be, “What’s the most cost-effective way to build the home I actually want?”


Thinking about building a custom home or barndominium in Beaver or Iron County Utah? Let’s talk through your ideas and run the real numbers together. Schedule a consultation, or call Lynae at 801-592-6785 and we’ll help you decide if a barndominium makes sense for you.

Blue Tape Walkthrough, What to Expect

By Lynae Malchus • October 15, 2025
The Blue Tape Walkthrough: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It Building a home is a thrilling journey filled with excitement and anticipation. As your new home nears completion, there's a crucial step you'll experience—the "Blue Tape Walkthrough." If you've never done one before or just need a refresher, this guide explains exactly what you can expect and how to confidently navigate this important milestone. What Exactly is a Blue Tape Walkthrough? The Blue Tape Walkthrough, also known as the "punch list walkthrough," is your opportunity to inspect your nearly finished home closely and identify any issues or imperfections. You'll literally use blue painter's tape to mark areas needing attention, hence the name. Why It's Important This walkthrough ensures that the builder completes any necessary final touches before you move in, helping your home feel truly finished and high-quality. Who Will Be There? Typically, you'll walk through your home with your builder, construction manager, or project lead. Their role is to assist you, answer questions, and note your concerns. What Should You Bring? Blue painter's tape (usually provided by the builder, but bring extra just in case) A notebook or your phone for notes and pictures Flashlight to clearly inspect darker areas like closets and corners What to Look For During the Walkthrough Here's a practical checklist to guide you: 1. Walls and Ceilings: Look closely for uneven paint, drips, or spots needing touch-ups. Check for drywall imperfections, cracks, or dents. 2. Flooring: Inspect carpets for proper installation, wrinkles, or stains. Look at wood or laminate floors for scratches, chips, or uneven boards. Examine tile for consistent grout lines, cracks, or chipped edges. 3. Cabinetry and Hardware: Ensure cabinets open and close smoothly, hinges are aligned, and knobs or handles are secure. 4. Doors and Windows: Check that all doors close and latch smoothly, fit properly, and aren't scratched or warped. Inspect windows for ease of operation, secure seals, and clear glass without scratches or damage. 5. Plumbing Fixtures: Test faucets, toilets, tubs, and showers for leaks, water pressure, proper drainage, and secure installation. 6. Electrical: Verify that switches, outlets, and fixtures work correctly. Confirm placement and functionality of all lights. 7. HVAC System: Check thermostats, vents, and air conditioning or heating units for proper operation. 8. Appliances : Make sure all appliances function correctly and don't have cosmetic damage. How the Builder Should Respond A reputable builder welcomes your feedback during this walkthrough. They should: Encourage you to be thorough and attentive. Take clear notes and set timelines for addressing each item. Answer questions clearly and provide reassurance. After the Walkthrough Your builder will use the notes and taped items to create a punch list, clearly outlining tasks to complete before your final acceptance of the home. Ensure you have a copy of this list and schedule a final follow-up walkthrough to confirm all fixes. Final Thoughts The Blue Tape Walkthrough is your chance to ensure your new home meets your expectations and standards. Don’t rush—take your time, ask questions, and thoroughly inspect your home. With the right preparation and partnership with your builder, you'll move into a home you're genuinely proud of. Planning to build your dream home in Southern Utah? At Agenda Design+Build , we guide you through each step of the process, ensuring quality and satisfaction every step of the way. For more information, call Lynae at 801-592-6785.
Suburban house with a contemporary garage, blue roof, and lights on; wet street, dusk.

Where to Spend Your Money: Which Part of My Home Provides the Most ROI

By Lynae Malchus • August 15, 2025
Discover where to spend your money for the highest return on investment in your home. Learn top ROI projects from kitchens to curb appeal with Agenda Design+Build.