The Homestead Plan

Building a barndominium usually means managing a real estate agent, a lender, a plan designer and a builder who have never worked together. The Homestead Plan puts one team on the same timeline. Stephen helps you find and buy the right land, our lender gets you approved for the whole project, you choose and customize a plan, and a Tennessee licensed builder builds your home. You get one point of contact from the first land showing to move in day.

How It Works

1. 1Find the landStephenSearch, showings, the barndominium land checklist, offer and closing.
2. 2Get approvedLenderPre-approval for the whole project, land and construction together or in stages.
3. 3Choose your planBuilder and youPick a plan, size it, choose finishes and set the specification sheet.
4. 4Site due diligenceBuilder and StephenSoil evaluation, survey, utilities, driveway and permits lined up.
5. 5BuildLicensed builderFoundation, frame, dry in, systems and finishes, with lender inspections at each draw.
6. 6Move inEveryoneFinal walkthrough, certificate of occupancy, loan conversion and keys.

Who Does What

Every professional on the team does the job they are licensed to do. Stephen handles the real estate side: finding land, running the land checklist, negotiating and closing the purchase, and keeping the team coordinated. The lender handles the loan. The builder signs the construction contract with you and is responsible for the construction itself.

What the Starting Price Includes

• [Base plan and square footage]
• [Structure type: post frame or steel]
• [Standard finish level: cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures]
• [Metal roof and siding, porch size]
• [HVAC, plumbing and electrical to code]
• [Permits and builder’s risk insurance]

What Is Priced Separately

Every piece of land is different, so these items are priced after the land is chosen and inspected:

• The land itself
• Site clearing, grading and the driveway
• Septic system or sewer tap
• Well or water tap and meter
• Bringing power to the build site
• Upgrades beyond the standard specification

Why The Homestead Plan Works Better

Most barndominium budget problems start before construction: land that needs an expensive septic system, a lender who does not do construction loans, or a plan that is too big for the budget. When the land, the loan, the plan and the builder are lined up together from the start, those problems show up while they are still cheap to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Homestead Plan

How much does The Homestead Plan cost?

The Homestead Plan starts at $225,000 for construction of a base plan. Land, site work and upgrades are priced separately once your land and plan are chosen, and your final price is set in the builder’s written contract.

Do I have to use your lender and builder?

No. The Homestead Plan is built to make the process easier, but you are always free to choose your own lender, builder and plan source.

Can I use The Homestead Plan if I already own land?

Yes. We start with the land checklist to confirm the site is ready to build, then move on to financing, plans and construction.

Who is responsible for the construction?

The builder. Construction is performed by a Tennessee licensed contractor under a written contract with you. Stephen is a licensed real estate agent and handles the real estate side of the project.

How long does the whole process take?

Plan on roughly 9 to 15 months from starting the land search to moving in, depending on how quickly the right land turns up, permitting and weather.

Book a Homestead Plan Consultation

Tell us about your timeline, budget and the land you have or want, and we will map out what your barndominium could look like and what it would take to get there.

*Starting price is for construction of a base plan by the builder and does not include land, site work, utilities or upgrades. Pricing is subject to change, and the final price is set in the builder’s written construction contract. Stephen Strickhausen is a licensed real estate agent with Benchmark Realty, LLC, License #313360, and is not a contractor or lender. 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.