You’ve probably noticed. Barndominiums in Indiana are skyrocketing in popularity. And it’s no wonder why: Open interiors, custom designs, and the (sometimes misleading) promises of simplicity and savings are creating a major surge in the market.
But despite what social media may have you believe, building a home in Indiana isn’t always stress-free. In fact, many homeowners ultimately feel misled by all the barndo hype—something our crews feel is totally unnecessary with the right expectations.
So with this article, we’re diving into the things most homeowners don’t know before building a barndominium in Indiana. Give it a read, and you’ll leave with realistic expectations about working with barndominium builders, as well as how to avoid the most expensive mistakes when signing with an Indiana home builder.
Let’s break it down ↓
Not All Indiana Home Builders Know Barndos
Barndominiums are not the same as traditional stick-built homes—particularly if you’re exploring larger post-frame homes in Indiana or a custom barndominium design.
Despite the fact that most barndominiums are now actually stick-built—due to mortgage and insurance requirements—there are still risks associated with hiring a general contractor without barndo experience.
Namely, getting an accurate quote and a prompt build time.
So when it comes to building a custom barndominium in Indiana, be sure to ask potential contractors for examples of completed barndos in the area. Because the final cost and building schedule aren’t something you want to figure out on the fly.
Do Barndominiums Have Practical Advantages Over Stick-Built Homes?
At the end of the day, most homeowners choose to live in barndominiums because they like the look and the lifestyle associated with rustic homes.
However, barndominiums do have benefits beyond aesthetic appeal—especially here in Indiana.
For instance:
- Standing seam metal roofs easily handle heavy snow loads, wind exposure, hail, and freezing rain
- If your building is constructed with post-frame methods, you can have wider interior spans, higher ceilings, and more open layouts
- Barndominiums make fantastic dual-purpose structures—perfect for a large shop or additional living quarters attached to the main home
If you think a barndo might be right for you, the best first step is reaching out to an experienced builder. From there, the two of you can come up with the perfect design for your dream home—one built to your desires, needs, and budget.
Why Do Barndominium Quotes Vary So Much?
Most barndominium owners are interested in custom homes. Therefore, no two quotes are truly comparable.
That said, here are a few considerations affecting the final cost of building a barndominium in Indiana:
- Overall square footage (though sometimes misleading—keep reading)
- Choice of basic vs high-end interior finishes
- Site prep and utility access (overlooked by many homeowners)
- Specialized shop features like lifts, drains, and insulation
Additionally, general costs per square foot are often misleading. This is because roof pitch, amenities, and finish choices in different parts of the home all affect the cost per square foot—making the only way to get an accurate quote a conversation with an experienced barndominium contractor.
What Do Homeowners Commonly Overlook When Building in Indiana?
Regardless of the type of home you ultimately build, you’ll want to be aware of the following.
- Zoning and local building codes that vary by county
- Permitting timelines and how they affect building schedules
- Site prep for driveway, drainage, and foundation or post placement
- Seasonal scheduling differences and contractor lead times
Again, an experienced barndominium builder can walk you through everything you need to know to build your barndominium with confidence. So if you’re ready to have an initial conversation (absolutely free and with no obligation), reach out today.
Is It Best To Talk to a Builder Before or After I Have Land?
The earlier you can talk to a builder, the better. There are a few reasons for this.
For one, earlier conversations end in more highly refined designs and, therefore, accurate building quotes. Additionally, an experienced builder can help you identify potential site issues, and make smarter layout choices based on their experience.
In fact, there is no reason to wait to speak with a builder. Especially with friendly initial consultations and free estimates from one of our trustworthy teammates.
What’s the First Step Toward Your Dream Barndominium?
Building a custom barndominium is a major task—one that shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly. And ultimately, your success relies on these three things:
- Finding the right builder
- Choosing the right design
- Having the right expectations
At New Horizon Builders, we believe the perfect home is one built just for you—square and true from the ground up. And as such, we’re here to help you with every step of your new barndominium construction—from initial design to site prep, final completion, and everything in between.
As experienced residential general contractors, our crews are committed to providing value. To us, that means quality workmanship, honesty, fairness, and trust. It’s the reason your new barndo comes backed by a full 10-year workmanship warranty on every aspect of your build.
So if you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream barndominium, reach out today for a free estimate. Because your new horizons are just around the corner.
With over 20 years experience in general construction and 300+ successful projects under our belt, New Horizon Builders has expertise building homes of all types and sizes. And as much as we believe in quality work and care, what’s even more important to our crews is building lasting, trusting relationships with homeowners right here in our beloved Hoosier State.
