The barndo is one of the fastest-growing building trends in America, and for good reason. It combines the spacious, open-plan living you see in loft apartments and industrial conversions with the rugged durability and affordability of post frame construction. Live upstairs, work downstairs — or design a single-level open floor plan that flows from kitchen to garage bay.

Traditional home construction is expensive and slow. A comparable square footage of stick-built home costs $150-$250 per square foot. A barndo shell — the structural package with walls, roof, doors, and windows — starts at roughly $20-$40 per square foot. You finish the interior to your own taste and budget, hiring trades as needed or doing it yourself.

The gambrel roof style is especially popular for barndos because it maximizes usable space in the upper level. Unlike a standard gable roof that slopes sharply inward, the gambrel's dual-slope profile keeps the walls nearly vertical for most of the upper floor, giving you full-height rooms without dormers or bump-outs. It is the classic barn profile reimagined for modern living.

Our barndo packages include the structural shell: engineered columns, trusses, steel roof and wall panels, trim, overhead doors, walk doors, and windows. Interior framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finishes are handled by your local trades — or by you. We can connect you with contractors who specialize in barndo interiors if you need help.

Every PoleBarnes barndo design is engineer-stamped for your location. We account for snow loads, wind speeds, and seismic zones so your home meets code from day one. The open interior means you can place walls wherever you want — no structural posts dictating your floor plan.

Start with one of our pre-designed barndo configurations or work with a designer from our marketplace to create something completely custom. Either way, you will see your barndo take shape in our visual configurator, get an instant estimate, and connect with a rated manufacturer near you.

Common Questions About Barndos

How much does a barndo cost?

A barndo shell (structural package without interior finishes) typically costs $20-$40 per square foot. A finished barndo with full interior build-out runs $80-$150 per square foot. Our 48×60 Homestead Barndo starts at $52,400 for the structural shell package.

Can you get a mortgage on a barndo?

Yes, though it can be slightly more complex than a traditional home loan. Many lenders now offer construction-to-permanent loans for barndos. The key is having engineer-stamped plans (included with every PoleBarnes package) and working with a lender experienced in non-traditional construction.

What is the difference between a barndo and a shouse?

They are essentially the same concept — a combined shop and house under one roof. "Shouse" (shop-house) is more common in the Pacific Northwest, while "barndo" is used everywhere else. Both describe a post frame or metal building with living quarters.

How long does it take to build a barndo?

The structural shell typically goes up in 1-3 weeks with a small crew. Interior finishing takes 3-6 months depending on complexity and your approach (DIY vs. hiring trades). Total timeline from order to move-in is usually 4-8 months.

Are barndos energy efficient?

They can be extremely energy efficient. Steel panels with spray foam insulation create a tight building envelope with minimal thermal bridging. Many barndo owners report lower heating and cooling costs than comparable stick-built homes. The key is investing in proper insulation during the build.

Ready to Build Your Barndo?

Start with a pre-designed configuration or work with a designer to create something custom.