Building your own home is a great way to make sure that you get everything you want out of your home. When purchasing a house that is already built, there will inevitably be some things that you will have to change in order to make it work for your lifestyle and your family. When you build your own house from scratch, though, you get to start from the very beginning and ensure that you get everything you want right from the get-go. However, if you have ever looked at what it takes money and time-wise to build your own home, you may have decided that it is out of reach for you.
That’s why building a barndominium in California is such a great option for such a wide variety of people and budgets. This unique type of home is something that everyone dreams about building but might not always get to do. With all of the money and time-saving opportunities that come with a project like this, it might be well within your grasp. This is especially true with the way banks and builders are becoming more familiar with alternative housing. Vans, container homes, and shouses are all getting to be more and more popular and this means you will have more help when starting a project like this than you would have had ten or even five years ago.
In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about building a barndominium in California. By knowing all the steps that go into a project like this, you can start yourself on the right foot and get your barndo dreams underway.
What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages?
A barndominium is a home that is built from the metal shell of a new or existing barn or shop structure. These are called metal pole barns or post-frame structures and while they are just as durable and well made as a traditional home, they are much easier to build. This type of home started popping up in the late 1980s with equestrian communities of people who wanted to have their horses nearby where they lived. Since then, they have become popular all over the United States.
One of the main advantages of building a barndominium in California is that you can save a lot of money on your labor costs. Barndominiums tend to take about half the time to build as a traditional home. Because of this, you can save quite a bit of money on your labor costs as well as stress. Building a traditional home can take upwards of a year and sometimes much longer. In that time, you could amass quite a bill for your construction costs. Building a barndominium in California can save you all of this trouble.
One of the other major benefits of building a barndominium in California is that they are incredibly durable. Unlike a traditional home that has most of its structural elements made out of wood, a barndominium is going to be mostly made of steel. This makes it less susceptible to things like rot, mold, and mildew. This can save you a lot of money on repairs as time goes on.
Cost of Building a Barndominium in California
When you are building your barndominium in California, one of the first things you should do is figure out your budget. This will allow you to decide how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas are in your home and what else you can afford to add. When you are deciding on your budget, you will do so by figuring out the cost per square foot. By doing this, you will be able to know what kind of space you will be working with before you get started.
Building a traditional home in California costs, on average, about $440 per square foot. It is important to remember that this price does not include anything but the initial construction. It will not get you any of the appliances or countertops that you have had your eye on for your project. If you would like to have your home customized to your exact specifications, you will need to put a little bit of extra money into the budget and plan accordingly.
Building a barndominium in California costs, on average, $280 per square foot. This may not seem like a big difference at first glance, but when you spread this out over the entire area of your barndo, you can see that it is quite a savings. With this extra money, you can afford all kinds of extra features like custom cabinetry, appliances, and electronics. In other words, you can afford to make your custom house into a custom dream home.
Barndominium Builders in California
After you have decided on your budget, you will have to then decide on who you are going to hire to do the actual building. While there are some aspects of your barndominium build you can do yourself, it is a good idea to have a professional help you with some of the more complex jobs. This will help ensure that your home will pass inspection and that everything will be up to code. The issue is that not all construction companies are the same and it can be difficult to know who will be best for you and your project. Luckily, there are a few things you can look out for.
One of the most important things to look for in a builder for your barndominium in California is experience with metal post-frame structures. Not all builders will know how to work on this type of building and it is incredibly important that it is done correctly. By making sure you hire a builder who knows what they are doing, you can give yourself the best chance at having a successful, stress-free construction process.
You will also want to look for a builder who has a good relationship with their clients. Building a home is a very personal thing and you want to make sure that you have someone who will be with you every step of the way. Look online for builders who have good reviews from previous customers and were able to get them the end result they wanted. To help you get started on your search, we have put together a small list of some of the best builders for your barndominium in California.
Neos Construction
Neos Construction works specifically with metal post frame buildings and pole structures. They have worked with clients all over the state of California and will be more than happy to help you build the barndominium of your dreams.
Solid Structures
Solid Structures is incredibly experienced with this type of project. Because of this, they are a great choice if you are looking to build a barndominium in California that is highly customized and unique.
Barndominium Kit Providers in California
If you aren’t interested in building a barndominium in California from the ground up, a barndominium kit provider could be the best choice for you and your project. Barndominium Kits come completely prefabricated and can be built in a much shorter period of time. This is because everything will fit together perfectly and you don’t have to waste time sourcing materials or parts.
Many barndominium kit providers offer comprehensive support for your barndominium build. They will help you every step of the way and make sure that you have the support you need if you are having any trouble. Many of them also have certified builders that they work with that can come out to your build site and supervise. Check out these barndominium kits under 50k and barndominium kits under 100k
Barndominium Financing in California
AgLenders Society
The AgLenders Society is focused on helping people with their agricultural projects all over the state of California. If you want to work with a non-profit that is focused on people instead of making money, they could be a good option for you.
Bank of the Sierra
Bank of the Sierra has many different loan options for people who are looking to build a barndominium in California. With flexible terms and helpful staff, you should be able to get the financing and help you need for your barndo project.
Barndominium Taxes in California
Just like with any other home, you will have to pay taxes on your barndominium in California. However, where these types of home projects differ is in what you pay taxes on. Some barndominiums are considered dual-use construction and the different parts of the house will be taxable at different rates.
Generally, dual-use construction means that some of the structure is meant for living and some of it is meant for work or storage. Depending on how your barndominium in California is set up, you will pay a different tax rate. Your local tax assessor will be able to help you figure out the rate you need to pay.
Where to Find Barndominium Insurance in California
If you plan on living in your barndominium in California, it is best for you to have insurance. Most barndominiums will have homeowner’s insurance just like with any other type of house. The type you get, though, will depend on your needs and a few other factors.
For example, if you live in an area that gets frequent wildfires, you should make sure that your barndominium insurance has a clause for wildfires. Not all home insurance will have the kind of coverage you are looking for for your home, so it is always best to speak to an agent who can help.
Barndominium Floor Plans in California
Your floor plan is one of the most important things you will put together for your barndominium in California. The floor plan is a layout of what you will have within your home as far as bedrooms and bathrooms go. By understanding how you and your family function, you can come up with a floor plan that will be useful and efficient for your lifestyle.
Take all of your ideas for your barndominium in California and bring them to a professional draftsman. You can also use a barndominium design software and design your own barndominium. Although, a draftsman will be able to take your wants and needs and turn them into a floor plan that will work for you and your family. Then, your builder will turn your floor plan into the barndominium of your dreams.
Barndominiums for Sale in California
Don’t want all the hassle of building a barndominium from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing barndominium in California! 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 California, 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 California now!
Conclusion
By reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of what it takes to build a barndominium in California. Having this information at your fingertips can help move the process along and start you off on the right foot. Plus, you will have the upper hand when the time comes to make some of the more difficult decisions.
If you would like some more information on building a barndominium in California or anywhere else, be sure to check out the rest of Barndominiums.co. There, you will find all kinds of helpful information and professional tips and tricks that will get you going on the barndominium you have been dreaming of.
