Building a home is an exciting and incredibly rewarding process with a lot of benefits. However, it can also be a lot of work that many people aren’t quite ready for. Because of that, building a barndominium can be a great alternative. However, there are still barndominium requirements that you should be aware of before you get started.
The requirements for building a barndominium will vary from state to state. There are some, though, that will be universal and you should be aware of them before beginning. In this article, we have laid out some of the most important barndominium requirements. By having a good idea of what you will have to do, you can give yourself the best chance at success.
What Do I Need to Know Before Building a Barndominium?
Barndominiums tend to be much easier to build than traditional homes. This makes them not only cheaper but more accessible to a wider variety of people. This does not mean that you can just start building a barndominium on a piece of land, though. You will have to make sure it is up to code and that everything is safe before construction begins.
Barndominium requirements will be different depending on what state you live in and where you are building. One of the most important things to know is what the zoning laws and building codes are in your area. This will help you make a plan and give you the best chance of success. It will also help you avoid fees and violations down the line as you build your new custom home.
Concrete Slab Sizing
Unlike traditional homes, barndominiums are built on concrete slab foundations. This means that the floor is solid concrete instead of hollow in the middle with a crawl space. Because of this, it is incredibly important that you follow the barndominium requirements. This will ensure that your home will be safe and that it will be structurally sound.
Concrete slab sizing requirements will be different depending on where you live. However, you can count on needing at least two extra inches of length for your slab. The width should generally be the same size as your home, though. This extra two inches of length will help give the home the stability it needs.
Concrete Slab Thickness
When putting together your plan for your concrete slab, you will have to consider the thickness. The thickness of the slab will change the cost and the thicker it is, the more expensive it will be. However, when it comes to crucial structural aspects of a home, it is best not to skip out. Saving money upfront will often end up costing you more in the long run.
One of the absolute minimum barndominium requirements for a concrete slab is a four-inch thickness. However, if you are planning on parking heavy vehicles in the garage, you should add an extra two inches. A six-inch concrete slab will give you better stability and last a lot longer. If you are just building a kit barndominium, though, four inches will usually be sufficient.
Check out our barndominium kit under 50k for your barndominium build. This can help you save time and money!
Foundation Footings
When pouring a concrete slab, you need to make sure that it has the correct depth for its footings. Concrete slab footings go deeper than the slab itself and sink into the ground. This gives them a better, more solid hold on the ground and makes the home more stable. Depending on where you live and the quality of the soil, your footings may need to be deeper.
Generally, your concrete slab footings need to be at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This is one of the most important barndominium requirements. Without these footings, your home will not be stable and, therefore, won’t be as safe as it should be. Check your local building codes to make sure you are pouring the footings to the correct depth.
Internal Climate Control
One of the biggest concerns people have about building a barndominium is the interior temperature. Because barndominiums are made of metal, they often can get very hot inside. Because of this, one of the more essential barndominium requirements is internal climate control. Making sure that your barndominium is comfortable is a serious health and safety issue.
On the scale of barndominium requirements, climate control should be high on the list. This not only includes an HVAC system, but also your internal insulation. These barndominium requirements are set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). On a federal level, it is incredibly important and will help keep your barndominium safe.
Steel Specifications
When you build your barndominium, you will need to make sure that the steel is up to the right standards. All steel has to be strong enough and manufactured to the right specifications. This means that it will be able to handle a certain amount of weight and density. Generally, anywhere you buy steel will ensure that it is up to these barndominium requirements.
Steel manufacturing has to be up to the standards set by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This governing body oversees the strength and quality of all steel built in the U.S.A. Make sure that you purchase your materials from a reputable manufacturer. If you are buying a kit, ask about their steel and whether it is up to the correct standards.
Conclusion
By understanding some of the most important barndominium requirements, you can get the best out of your home. Making sure that your construction project is following all requirements will help you avoid issues down the line. You will need to get your home inspected once it is finished, so doing it right the first time is important. These basic barndominium requirements will help you get started on the right foot.
If you would like more guides on building a barndominium, be sure to check out the rest of Barndominiums.co. There, you will find all kinds of tips and tricks from the pros, including information about barndominium insurance and financing.
Find more inspiring floor plans as well as featured barndominiums. These homes will help get you inspired to design your own floor plan and get you thinking about your own custom dream home.
