Building your own home is one of the most creative and rewarding things a person can do. With so many different options for customization and the ability to make things exactly how you want them, you can truly create something special and perfectly suited to your needs. These are just a few of the reasons people look into the idea of building their own home and start planning out the things they would have and what they would include.
If you have ever done this, you have probably seen the price and the amount of time it takes to get a project like this up off the ground and promptly turned the other way. The cost can be so much that it is enough to turn anyone off the idea.
That’s why building a barndominium in Iowa is such a great idea. With so many people turning to alternative types of housing and so many builders and bankers starting to understand the demand for unique home builders that think outside the box, there has never been a better time to get something like this built and up off the ground.
In this article, we have laid out everything you need to know when building a barndominium in Iowa. Using this guide, you can give yourself the best possible chance at success when building your custom dream home.
What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages?
A barndominium is a home that is built with the shell of a post-frame structure or pole barn. These kinds of buildings are usually used for industrial purposes like stables, storage, or agricultural applications but with a little bit of modification, they can be turned into beautiful custom homes.
Barndominiums are built on concrete slab foundations and use posts that are driven into the ground instead of stick frames like traditional homes. Because of this, they are much simpler to build and go up much quicker than a home that is built in the usual way. There are many benefits of building a barndominium in Iowa and understanding what they are can help you figure out if it’s the right home for you.
One of the benefits of building a barndominium in Iowa is the price. Because they can be built in a much shorter period of time than traditional homes, you can end up saving quite a bit of money on the construction process. In fact, most barndominiums can be built in about half the time it takes to build a traditional home. This makes them much more accessible and can greatly improve your chances of finishing the build completely.
One of the other major benefits of building a barndominium in Iowa is how durable they are. Because of their all-steel construction, barndominiums can withstand a lot of different types of weather and can stand up to all kinds of abuse. This means that you can end up saving a lot of money on repairs when it comes to water damage and structural damage from snow.
Cost of Building a Barndominium in Iowa
Once you have decided to build a barndominium in Iowa, you will probably want to figure out how much it is going to cost you. When you are deciding on a budget for a large home build, it is best to do it by the square foot. This way, you can figure out how bit your plot of land needs to be and how much space you can actually afford. From there, you can then decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want and how big your living areas can be.
The cost of building a traditional home in Iowa is around $266 per square foot. However, it should be noted that this price does not include all the utility installation and finishing work that you need in order to make a custom home liveable. This will only get you the basic structure of the house and you will need to include extra money in your budget to finish it out and get it up to par. Because of this, many people end up going over their budget when they are trying to get things finished.
The cost of building a barndominium in Iowa, however, is quite a bit less. The average cost of a home like this is $200 per square foot. With the extra money you can save on getting your basic structure built, you could potentially include all the extra things you want in a custom home like electronics, custom cabinets, and countertops.
Barndominium Builders in Iowa
After you have decided on a budget, you will want to figure out who you are going to hire to do the actual building. While there are most likely some aspects of the build you can do yourself, you should hire someone who knows how to keep the building up to code and can make sure you are in compliance with all the local zoning laws. The construction business can be a tough one to navigate, but if you know what to look for, you can find the perfect fit.
The most important thing to look for in a builder for your barndominium in Iowa is expertise. If possible, find a builder who specializes in these specific types of buildings and has the know-how to build one in all kinds of circumstances. This will give you the best possible chance at success.
You should also look for a builder who has a good customer service philosophy. Look at reviews for builders that you are considering hiring and find ones that have a good relationship with their previous clients. Building a home is a very personal thing and it is important that you find a builder who can not only deliver a good final product but can also be personable and kind throughout the whole process. To help you get started, we have put together a short list of some of the best builders for your barndominium in Iowa.
Kalona Post and Frame
Kalona Post and Frame has been in business since 2004 and they build all kinds of post frame buildings and pole structures. They do everything from agricultural buildings to residential and they can help you design and build the barndominium in Iowa that you have been dreaming of.
Greiner Buildings
Greiner Buildings was founded in the 1980’s and they pride themselves on being a locally-owned family business. Because of this, you can be sure that they will work with you to get you the final product you have been dreaming of and that it will be up to your standards.
Eastern Iowa Building
Eastern Iowa Building has been developing their reputation for great customer service since 2003. They try to keep their process simple and easy to understand so you can feel confident that they have your best interests at heart while building your barndominium in Iowa.
Barndominium Kit Providers in Iowa
While building a barndominium in Iowa from scratch can be a rewarding undertaking, it isn’t for everyone. Luckily, you have other options such as purchasing a barndominium kit. Barndominium Kits are prefabricated selections of materials that can be purchased and used to build a barndo from the included plans.
The fact that these kits come with everything you need makes them much easier for people who might not otherwise be able to get a project like this going. Most kit providers also offer comprehensive support throughout the entire build process. Many also have contractors they work with to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Check out these barndominium kits under 50k and barndominium kits under 100k to make building your barndominium even easier.
Barndominium Financing in Iowa
BarndominiumLoans.com
One of the best resources for getting barndominium financing is by using BarndominiumLoans.com. They are a quote service that takes down your information and works behind-the-scenes with vetted lenders who are best for your location and financial situation.
Whether you have a perfect credit score or a subpar one, and whether you’re located in South Carolina or South Dakota, you can submit your information to get a quote within 24-48 hours.
Barndominium Financing Request
Bank Iowa
Bank Iowa has been the choice for agricultural building in Iowa since 1921. Because of this, they have years of experience helping people with projects just like your barndominium in Iowa and can help you get the financing you need.
Citizens Savings Bank
Citizens Savings Bank is committed to the region of Iowa and has been operating there for over 110 years. This makes them a great choice for your financing and they can help you find the perfect terms and conditions for your particular situation.
Barndominium Taxes in Iowa
You will need to pay taxes on your barndominium in Iowa just like you would with a traditional home. However, there are some different stipulations that come with it. One of these is that your barndominium in Iowa will probably fall under something called “dual-use construction.” This means that you will have to pay different rates for the areas of your home that are for living and the areas that are for storage. A local tax assessor can help you figure out what you should be paying.
Where to Find Barndominium Insurance in Iowa
You should absolutely have insurance for your barndominium in Iowa. However, it may be slightly difficult to find the right policy and coverage for your home since many insurance companies have a hard time categorizing barndos. That’s why it is important to find an insurance agent who is familiar with barndominiums and can help you
Barndominium Floor Plans in Iowa
Your floor plan is one of the most important aspects of your barndominium build. This is where you will decide on the layout and how everything will be situated in the home including bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. To get this started, you can create your plan using a software, or you should sit down and write out a list of all the things you will need in order to live a happy, comfortable life in your home. Then, bring this list to a professional draftsman. They will turn this into a workable floor plan for you and your builder.
Barndominiums for Sale in Iowa
Don’t want all the hassle of building a barndominium from the ground up? Then you may want to buy an existing barndominium in Iowa! 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 Iowa, 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 Iowa now!
Conclusion
By reading this article, you should have a good idea of what it takes to build a barndominium in Iowa. Using this information, you can plan ahead for your build and be as informed as possible as you embark on this journey.
If you would like even more top-notch information like this, be sure to check out the rest of Barndominiums.co. There, you will find in-depth guides like this one as well as more information on insurance, taxes, and more. You will also find featured barndominiums that can give you some inspiration and set you on the right path.
