Why Small Is The New Big: The Allure Of Micro Barndominiums

Small Barndominium

Small house plans. This is getting very popular recently. Why? Well, the tiny house plans always cost less than the larger homes. Less cost to build and less cost to maintain, simple!

BUT! There’s more to it. Unlike the large lots, the tiny house plans do not require a lot of space, significantly when the land scarcity is increasing.

This is also the reason why small barndominiums have become an affordable option for people. It can be built in a most modest way within an affordable square footage space.

Trust me! The process of building as well as living in a barndominium comes with its own advantages. The tiny house space craze is currently growing, and if you are planning to opt for a small house plan, then I’d say you must consider a small barndominium.

Now, you might be wondering is a small barndominium worth all your money and time? ABSOLUTELY YES! Less land, maintenance, and less expensive to build.

So, delve in as we explore various small barndominium floor plans, their advantages, how to design, what building materials and techniques it takes, and lastly? How to finance the entire process. Read on…

What is a small barndominium?

What is a small barndominium

Barndominiums are still ruling. You can say it is the most popular housing type that you can see in America. It comprises a high vaulted ceiling and living spaces which is quite broad and open. These features make the barndominium efficient for a great living and even entertain the guests.

The trend of building a tiny house has made its way to barndominium spaces as well. A small banrdominium space is just a barndominium space but smaller in size. Less expensive and smaller floor plan. The small barndominium comes in 1,500 sq ft in size or even less.

These barndominiums may offer you fewer floor plans. However, it has a charming rustic appeal. So, if you are up for such a metal building with a rustic look, then a small barndominium can be a perfect option for you.  

Small Barndominium Floor Plans

Small Barndominium Floor Plans

Here in this section, I will provide you with small barndominium floor plans that can be attractive with a country curb appeal.  

A metal or wooden roof can easily cover a spacious porch. Inside, you will have a kitchen that usually takes the center with a grand island along with a great living room and dining area.

You may even have a pantry to store your groceries. Other than that, you can find private suits that can help you to enjoy some privacy.   

Barndominium Floor Plans Under 1000 Square Feet

In the following, I am providing you a table of the barndominium floor plan which comes under 1000 sq. ft.

Barndominium plans (and their prices)Size (carpet area and super build)ScaleMetricsAccommodationFeatures
Sidekick ADU ($500)384SQ.FT124X16 feetOne bath and one bedThe Sidekick ADU is a compact accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that is specially designed to provide you with all the comfort of a home in a small footprint.
Simple Life Barndominium Floor Plan($650.00)1000SQ.FT 220X25 feetTwo bed and one bathThis specific barndominium floor plan is called Simple Life. It provides affordable, well-designed footage.  
Quinn Duplex Barndominium($850.00)924SQ.FT148X30 feetTwo beds and two bathsThe Quinn Duplex Bardnominium is a great ADU plan kit. The floor plan is around 921 sq ft., and each of the private units has 460 sq ft of space.  
Quinn Barndominium($800.00)924SQ.FT148X30 feetTwo beds and two bathsThis 924 sq ft barndominium is perfect for cozy living. The plan comprises an extra-large master suite along with a carport in place of a garage.
The Cowboy Barndominium($750.00)921SQ.FT130-8X61-8 feetTwo beds and two bathsThe cowboy barndominium floor plan is a little bigger in size. Alongside two bedrooms and full bathrooms, it also comes with a garage.

Related: Affordable Barndominium Kits: Build Your Dream Home

Barndominium Plans Under 1500 Square Feet

In the previous section, I have provided the top 5 barndominium plans under 1000 square feet. Now, I will give you the list of small barndominium floor plans that come to under 1500 square feet, along with their prices. Choose the one that suits your budget and needs.

Barndominium plans (and their prices)Size (carpet area and super build)ScaleMetricsAccommodationFeatures
The Refuge Barndo Plan($750.00)1200SQ.FT 150X24 feetTwo beds and two bathsThis specific barndominium floor plan has infused a little modern flair to it. You can customize it by adding a garage, a shop, and a carport.
Getaway Barndo Plan($800.00)1131 SQ.FT160X48 feetTwo beds and two bathsAlong with two bedrooms and bathrooms, the barndominium also comprises a shop and a screened porch.
Shire Barndominium Floor Plan($800.00)1120SQ.FT140X28 feetTwo beds and two bathsThe shire barndominium floor planning includes two bedrooms and full bathrooms. Other than that, you may also find a carport and a front porch. This barndominium can be an excellent option for an open floor plan and sustainable footprint.

Advantages Of Small Barndominiums

Advantages of Small Barndominiums

The small barndominiums come with various advantages. Usually, the small barndominiums are made out of steel, metal sidings, and metal roofings. This helps in increasing the overall durability. The materials help to make the structure rot, corrosion, and termite resistant.

Second comes energy efficiency. Insulated barndominiums can be helpful to save energy by reducing all sorts of air leakage or the strain on the heating and cooling systems. Moreover, metal roofing can also be helpful to save energy,

Now, if we have to talk about affordability, then I would say that small barndominiums are more affordable than traditional ones. The small barndominiums are easy to build, and it requires cheaper materials.

Other than that, flexibility, low maintenance, and building speed also make small barndominiums really attractive for people. In most states, the insurance premiums, as well as tax, are determined by the habitable space in your house. So, who knows, small barndominiums might help you to get low insurance premiums.  

How To Design A Small Barndominium

How To Design A Small Barndominium

Designing a small barndominium is very simple! You just have to follow the following points:

  • Assess your needs. Yes! Drop all the other thoughts and start by considering exactly how many rooms you need, especially when you want an open living concept.
  • Try to explore all the existing plans. You can easily find some pre-designed plans from different companies. You can do your research from there to get inspiration.
  • Always try to sketch a rough layout. This rough sketch will help you to understand the feeling you want in your room.  
  • Consult with a professional. Let me tell you! Never ever hesitate to get professional help. They can help you to ensure that you are meeting all the building codes, and the plan is totally aligned with your vision.
  • Don’t forget to add unique features. You can consider adding a loft, maybe a large porch, or some energy-efficient modifications.   

Essential Features Of A Small Barndominium

Essential Features Of A Small Barndominium

A barndominium is just a barn that has been converted into an all-purpose living as well as a workplace. Like any regular housing, a barndo comprises bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and a porch (mostly optional!).

However, there are some essential features that a small barndominium can help you customize and personalize the entire setup.

These essential features would include:

  • Natural light: This can help to make the barndo look more spacious.
  • Vertical floor planning: This floor planning helps to make the barndo look more prominent in size.
  • Convertible furniture: In small spaces, the convertible furniture might make the barndo look space, leaving a lot of space to move around.
  • Durable siding: These siding options can minimize maintenance.
  • Metal roofing: Metal roofing is very durable, has a long lifespan, and low maintenance.

Lastly, How To Finance A Small Barndominium?  

Lastly, How To Finance A Small Barndominium_

If you conduct research, you will see there are plenty of financing options available in the market. A standard option would be to use the traditional bank. This may include a conventional mortgage.

So, once the project is over, your loan will be converted into a complete conventional mortgage. Another option that you have is a personal loan. This can be an excellent option for you if you have a strong credit score as well as a stable income.

Even though, personal loans come with fixed interest rates as well as repayment methods. However, these may be higher than the mortgages.

You may also find barn dominium-specific lenders who specifically finance for barndos and tailor the loan options. Other than these, you have crowdsourcing, local bank financing, and farm credit lenders. So, choose wisely. Look at what exactly suits your needs and budget.

Pro tip: If you are planning to build an energy-efficient small barndominium, then you must apply for government grants and incentives. Government institutions pay for energy-efficient or sustainably building small barndominiums.

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A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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