Barndominium Floor Plans

The floor plan is where a barndominium stops being an idea and starts being your house. Because the structure spans wide open spaces without load bearing interior walls, you have more freedom with the layout than in most homes. That freedom is also where budgets get away from people, so this page covers the common layouts, what makes a plan cost more, and how to get from a plan you like to drawings a county will permit.

Common Barndominium Layouts

The simple rectangle

A single story rectangle, such as 40 by 60 feet, is the most cost efficient shape to build. It usually puts the living space on one end and bedrooms on the other, with a great room in the middle under a vaulted ceiling.

The shop home

Living quarters on one side and a large shop, RV bay or equipment garage on the other, all under one roof. This is the layout that brings a lot of buyers to barndominiums in the first place.

Loft and one and a half story plans

A loft over part of the main floor adds bedrooms, an office or a bonus room without widening the footprint. It also adds stairs, framing and conditioned space, so it costs more per square foot than it looks.

Wraparound and double porches

Deep porches are what make a barndominium look like a Southern farmhouse instead of a building. They are also cheaper per square foot than heated space, which makes them one of the best ways to add character.

What Makes a Plan Cost More

• Heated square footage. The biggest single driver of cost.
• Roof lines. Every extra gable, dormer or valley adds framing, metal and labor. A simple roof is a cheap roof.
• Windows and doors. Large glass walls and oversized shop doors add up quickly.
• Finish level. Cabinets, countertops, flooring and fixtures can move the price as much as size.
• Plumbing layout. Keeping kitchens and baths close together reduces cost.

From a Plan You Like to Permit Ready Drawings

A stock plan is a starting point, not a permit set. Most buyers adjust the size or layout, and the builder works from drawings that fit the chosen structure, whether post frame or steel, along with the site plan the county needs. If you buy plans from a plan company, make sure the purchase includes a license to build, because plans are copyrighted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barndominium Floor Plans

What size barndominium plan is most popular?

Many buyers land between about 1,800 and 2,800 square feet of living space, often with an attached shop. A 40 by 60 foot footprint is a common starting point.

Can I customize a barndominium floor plan?

Yes. Most plans can be resized, flipped or rearranged. Changes to the structure or roof should be reviewed by the builder so the drawings still work for the frame and for permitting.

Is a loft cheaper than building a bigger footprint?

Not always. A loft saves foundation and roof area, but stairs, framing and extra finish work add cost. The builder can price both options for your plan.

Do I need an architect for a barndominium?

Not necessarily. Many buyers start from a stock or builder plan. What matters is that the final drawings match the structure being built and meet county permit requirements.

Talk Through a Floor Plan

Send us a plan you like, or just the number of bedrooms and the size of shop you want, and we will help you match it to a lot and a budget.

Stephen Strickhausen is a licensed real estate agent with Benchmark Realty, LLC, License #313360. Home construction is performed by independent Tennessee licensed contractors, and financing is provided by independent lenders. You are always free to choose your own lender, builder and plan source.