The Downsides of Building a Barndominium: What You Should Know
Barndominiums — or “barndos” — have gained popularity in recent years as a unique alternative to traditional homes. With their wide-open interiors, rustic charm, and metal exteriors, it’s easy to see why they’ve caught the attention of homeowners looking for something different.
But while barndominiums offer some exciting possibilities, they also come with several drawbacks that anyone considering this type of build should think through carefully. At Peer House Design LLC, we want homeowners to make fully informed decisions — and that means weighing both the pros and the cons.
1. Financing Challenges 💸
One of the biggest hurdles with barndominiums is securing financing. Because they don’t fall under traditional residential construction categories, some lenders consider them unconventional or high-risk. That means:
Fewer loan options available
Higher interest rates in some cases
Difficulty in getting appraisals that match construction costs
If you’re counting on a standard mortgage, you might find the process more complicated and time-consuming.
2. Resale Value & Market Perception 🏠
Barndominiums may look trendy now, but their resale value can be less predictable than a traditional home. Many buyers are unfamiliar with this type of property or may see it as “too niche.” That can:
Limit the pool of potential buyers
Result in lower resale prices compared to stick-built homes
Extend the time your property sits on the market
If you’re building with resale in mind, this is an important factor.
3. Energy Efficiency Concerns 🌡️
Metal siding and roofing, while durable, can create challenges when it comes to energy efficiency. Without proper insulation and design considerations, barndominiums may:
Heat up quickly in summer
Lose warmth faster in winter
Require higher HVAC costs to maintain comfort
That can mean bigger utility bills compared to a well-designed modern home.
4. Building Codes & Zoning Issues 📑
Not every area is barndominium-friendly. Local building codes, zoning restrictions, and HOA rules can make the process difficult or even impossible. You may face:
Lengthy approval processes
Additional engineering requirements
Limitations on where you can build
This is something to check thoroughly before committing to the project.
5. Limited Aesthetic Flexibility 🎨
While open floor plans are a major selling point, the exterior of most barndominiums tends to look very similar — large, rectangular metal buildings. If you’re after curb appeal or a design that blends seamlessly into a neighborhood, a barndo might not deliver the look you want.
Final Thoughts
Barndominiums can be appealing for certain situations, but they’re not the perfect fit for everyone. Financing hurdles, uncertain resale value, energy efficiency concerns, and zoning issues can all make the journey more complex than many expect.
At Peer House Design LLC, we believe homeowners should have house plans that combine efficiency, beauty, and long-term value — without the extra challenges. That’s why we focus on creating home designs that are both practical and stunning, while aligning with traditional construction standards.
👉 Thinking about building your dream home? Explore hundreds of ready-to-build house plans today at peerhousedesignllc.com.