When you're dreaming of a new house, it's easy to get caught up in all the choices. One of the biggest debates we hear at New Horizon Builders is between a classic, stick-built home and a Barndominium. Both are fantastic options for building a new home in Indiana, but they're very different. As an experienced new home builder in Indiana, we want to help you figure out which is the right fit for your family. We have years of experience with all kinds of builds, especially barndominiums in Indiana. So, let's break down the big questions so you can feel confident about your choice.
What’s the main difference between a Barndominium and a typical stick-built home?
The biggest difference between these two homes is how they're built. A traditional stick-built home is what you're probably used to seeing in most neighborhoods. It has a foundation and a wood frame that's built piece by piece on site. A Barndominium, on the other hand, starts with a strong frame of large wooden posts, a technique often used in pole barn construction in Indiana. (This is why some people may refer to barndominiums as “pole barn homes”. Think of it like a giant, sturdy frame that goes up very quickly. The living space is then built inside this frame. Because Barndminiums use this style of construction, they often have open, airy interiors with high ceilings. While both are built to be permanent homes, the foundational structure is what truly sets them apart. This initial difference impacts almost every other decision you'll make about your home.
Is it cheaper to build a Barndominium than a traditional home?
This is a question we get all the time, and it's a big factor for many of our clients. While barndominiums were once considered a more budget-friendly option, for most modern homeowners, the cost is actually very similar to building a traditional home. This can be surprising since you often hear about them being cheap, but there are a few key reasons for the change.
First, to get a home loan and meet modern building codes, most Barndominiums now require a traditional foundation and stick-built framing, which drives up the cost. In the past, they were built with large posts set directly in the ground, but that's less common for homes today.
Second, the rise in their popularity means people want to add all the same things you’d find in a traditional house, like custom kitchens, big porches, and high-end finishes. These features add to the final price tag and make the overall cost comparable to a stick-built home. While the raw materials and initial shell might be cheaper, the total cost for a finished, move-in-ready Barndominium is often about the same as a traditional house. That said, if you are someone who is looking to DIY a lot of the interior finishings yourself, you may be able to knock a chunk off the price tag.
How much faster is the build time for a Barndominium?
The construction of a Barndominium's exterior shell, or post-frame structure, is generally much faster than framing a traditional home. However, the total time to build a Barndominium is largely influenced by the same things that affect a traditional home build. Interior features like plumbing, electrical work, drywall, and custom finishes take a similar amount of time no matter what the exterior is. So, while the initial structure may go up quickly, the final timeline for a Barndominium may be very similar to a stick-built home, depending on your interior finishing choices. It's important to know that building a new house, no matter the style, is a detailed process that can take a significant amount of time, and rushing the interior work can lead to mistakes.
Are Barndominiums as durable and energy-efficient as stick-built homes?
This is a common concern, but you can rest easy knowing that Barndominiums are incredibly durable. The post-frame structure is a real powerhouse, designed to stand up to tough Indiana weather, including strong winds and heavy snow. High-quality treated posts are also resistant to rot and pests, which can be big problems for other wood-framed homes over time. When it comes to energy efficiency, it all comes down to the insulation. While stick-built homes often use standard insulation, a Barndominium requires specific insulation to be truly efficient. At New Horizon Builders, we are able to use top-quality insulation in your Barndominium walls, a feature that keeps your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. So, not only are they built tough, but they can also be very easy on your wallet when it comes to utility bills.
What about customization and design options?
This is where Barndominiums truly shine for creative homeowners. Because Barndominiums use post-frame construction for the exterior shell, post-frame homes don’t rely on a lot of interior load-bearing walls. This means you can design a floor plan that is completely open and flexible. Want a massive great room with vaulted ceilings? A huge, professional-style kitchen? A wide-open space for a workshop or indoor basketball court? With a Barndominium, the possibilities are endless. Traditional homes are also customizable, but they have more structural limitations. A Barndominium, on the other hand, is like a blank canvas just waiting for you to add your unique touches. This freedom to design a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly is a major reason why many people choose to work with barndominium builders in Indiana who specialize in this post-frame construction technique.
Which one is better for me?
Deciding between a Barndominium and a stick-built home is a personal choice that depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a cost-effective build with a quick timeline and an open, flexible design, a Barndominium might be the perfect fit. If you're more focused on a traditional aesthetic, standard financing, and long-term resale value, a stick-built home might be better. No matter what you choose, partnering with the right Indiana home builder is the most important step. At New Horizon Builders, we're experts in both types of construction. We’re passionate about building your dream home and are committed to helping you make the best decision for your family and your budget. We have a solid reputation as dedicated new home builders in Indiana that you can rely on, and we're ready to answer any questions you have.
