How much does a barndominium cost?
A finished barndominium typically runs $100–$200 per square foot — comparable to a conventional home, with savings from the efficient shell. Price yours below.
Barndominium calculator
Price your barndominium.
Pre-set as a livable shell. Add interior finish, plumbing, HVAC, and septic to reach a turnkey number.
Estimates vary by region, labor rates, materials, and finish level.
Based on 14 real barndominium projects nationwide · median $144.93/sq ft
Browse real project costsCost breakdown
Low – High- Barndominium shell40×60 • 12-ft walls$69,120 – $149,760
- Concrete slab4-in reinforced$11,490 – $22,980
- Overhead doors1 × insulated$1,062 – $2,702
- Walk doors1 × exterior$386 – $1,062
- Windows2 installed$676 – $1,737
- Electrical servicePanel + rough-in$1,433 – $5,730
Free PDF — full breakdown, all 3 tiers, your state's pricing.
Planning estimate only — based on typical regional pricing. Get firm numbers from local builders before budgeting.
Estimates are grounded in 101 real projects across 25 states, refreshed automatically.
- real projects
- 101 real projects
- states
- 25 states
- last updated
- Jun 2026 last updated
Cost by stage
Where the money goes.
Per square foot, the shell is the cheap part — finishes and mechanicals are where a barndominium meets the cost of any home.
| Stage | $ / sq ft | What's added |
|---|---|---|
| Shell only | $30 – $65 | Frame, roof, siding, big spans erected |
| Dried-in | $60 – $95 | Windows, exterior doors, slab, rough openings |
| Mechanicals | $85 – $130 | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation |
| Fully finished | $100 – $200 | Drywall, kitchen, baths, flooring, trim |
Cost by size
Barndominium cost by size.
Shell versus a fully finished, fully serviced home (slab, spray foam, full interior, all utilities).
| Size | Shell only | Fully finished |
|---|---|---|
| 30×40 | $34,560 – $74,880 | $130,900 – $313,200 |
| 40×40 | $46,080 – $99,840 | $170,300 – $403,200 |
| 40×60 | $69,120 – $149,760 | $249,100 – $583,200 |
| 40×80 | $92,160 – $199,680 | $327,900 – $763,200 |
| 50×60 | $86,400 – $187,200 | $308,200 – $718,200 |
| 60×80 | $138,240 – $299,520 | $485,500 – $1,123,200 |
Save money
Four ways to lower the cost.
Design decisions made before the slab is poured have the biggest impact on the final number.
Keep it single-story
One level on a slab avoids stairs, extra framing, and a second mechanical zone.
Stack the plumbing
Putting kitchen and baths back-to-back shortens runs and cuts plumbing cost.
Leave shop space raw
Finish only what you'll live in now — leave the rest as unconditioned shop to finish later.
Favor rectangles
Simple rectangular footprints use standard truss spans and minimize waste.
FAQ
Barndominium questions.
How much does a barndominium cost?
Is a barndominium cheaper than a regular house?
Can you get a mortgage on a barndominium?
What is the most cost-effective barndominium size?
Estimate your barndominium.
Compare a bare shell against a fully finished home and find the finish level that fits your budget.