If you have been considering building a barndominium, you have probably heard about post-frame buildings. Post-frame buildings are the structural shell that barndominiums use as the basis of the home.
They use steel beams that are driven into the ground instead of traditional framing. Because of this, there are many post frame home pros and cons.
While post frame buildings are not uncommon, they are also very unique. They have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to understand them.
Knowing what to expect with a post frame home can help you figure out if one is right for you. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make the right choice for your barndominium build.
Pros of Post Frame Homes
Lower Cost
Perhaps the most important benefit of the post frame home pros is the cost. Post frame homes are generally much less expensive than traditional homes.
This is generally due to the materials they use and the process of building them. By taking out some of the complications of construction, you can save a lot of money.
One of the reasons the cost is lower is the fact that there are fewer smaller parts. Almost everything can be built using large pieces instead of building them on site. This reduces the number of materials you will need and cuts your construction time down. All of these things can cut down on the cost of building and save you money.
Fast Construction
When thinking about post frame home pros, you need to think about your needs. Many people expect to spend months or years going through the construction process when building a home.
If you need your home quickly, a post frame building could be a good choice for you. Most post frame buildings can be built in a matter of a couple of months.
The fact that post frame buildings are so quickly built is due to their design.
They are built on top of concrete slab foundations, and the posts are driven into the ground. This whole process is very easy to do and doesn’t take much in the way of labor. This can save you a lot of time and money throughout your whole build.
Low Maintenance
Weighing post frame home pros and cons means thinking about the future.
When building a home, you need to consider the true cost of owning that building. For a lot of people, the first thing that comes to mind is maintenance.
Keeping your home in good condition is essential and will ensure that you have many good years in it.
Post frame homes require very little maintenance in general.
This is because of the all-steel construction of the buildings themselves. You don’t have to worry about them because they are not susceptible to rot, mold, and mildew. This saves you a lot of money on things like maintenance and repairs over the course of years.
Cons of Post Frame Home
Zoning Difficulties
Of course, with post frame home pros and cons, there are going to be downsides.
One of the greatest difficulties when building one of these homes is building codes. Whenever you want to build a structure, you have to make sure that your town allows it.
There are going to be restrictions no matter where or what you want to build.
You will need to check with your local assessor’s office to make sure post frame homes are allowed. Not all municipalities allow them, and some have heavy restrictions.
Because of this, you will want to build in a place that has very lax restrictions. This will allow you to build the home you want to build without worrying about fines or problems.
Trouble With Lending
When building a post frame home, you need to think about getting a loan.
One of the downsides of building one of these homes is that many banks still don’t understand them. This may complicate matters when trying to get the financing you need to get started.
It is difficult enough to get a construction loan, but it is even more difficult when the project is unique.
One of the things you can do to speed the process along is to have a detailed construction plan.
Bring this with you when you go to get approved for your loan. It will give the loan officer a good idea of what your plans are and how you are going to accomplish them. This will be the best way to increase your odds of approval from many banks.
Requires Builder Specialization
Finding a builder for your post frame home can sometimes be very difficult.
While these homes are generally easier to build than traditional homes, you still need a professional.
However, many building companies don’t have the specialization you need to get the job done. This means that you may have to do some digging when searching for the right builder for your barndominium.
One of the ways you can find the right builder is to ask around your neighborhood. If there are any post frame homes in your area, find out what builders they used.
Most people who are happy with their decisions will be willing to share the information with you. This is a great way to get extra tips and tricks as well.
Conclusion
Knowing the post frame home pros and cons is the best way to decide if they are right for you. There are all kinds of considerations you have to make with a project like this. By taking the time to understand what you are up against, you can increase your odds of success. Being prepared is crucial, especially when it comes to building your own home.
If you would like more guides like this one, be sure to check out the rest of Barndominiums.co. There, you will find helpful information on cost, insurance, and financing as well as featured barndominiums.
These featured homes can help get your imagination running. You can start thinking about your own custom dream home by seeing what others have done and put all these details into a floor plan you can design on your own or seek the help of a professional.
