Barndominium House Plans vs. Barndominium Kits: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose
If you’re researching barndominiums, you’ll usually come across two main options: choosing a barndominium house plan or buying a barndominium kit. They aren’t interchangeable, and the right choice depends on how you want to price, permit, and build your project.
If you want a full side-by-side breakdown, read
our guide to barndominium plans vs. barndominium kits to learn how each option affects design flexibility, pricing, and construction.
Below, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of barndominium house plans vs. kits so you can see which option feels like the better fit for your project—and your long-term goals for your dream home.
Pros and Cons of Barndominium House Plans
Barndominium house plans are a popular choice because they let you choose a floor plan and style before structural decisions are locked in. With a complete plan set, you can compare options, talk through ideas with your builder early, and move into permitting with a clearer sense of direction.
Barndominium house plans often feature simple, rustic exteriors with elements like gambrel roofs and barn doors, drawing inspiration from traditional barn styles. Many buyers exploring barn house plans or a modern barn house are drawn to that mix of function and curb appeal. Here’s where barndominium house plans tend to stand out:
Pros of Barndominium House Plans
Fully customizable early in the process.
You can shape the plan around the way you want to live, from bedroom and bathroom count to how the main living spaces connect. You can compare options based on your desired living space and overall sq ft, and if you need a bonus room or added flexibility, those changes can be built into the plan. These plans can vary significantly in size, with options for one-story, two-story, and even designs that include basements for additional space.
Supports permitting in most areas.
Many building departments require architectural drawings, and a full plan set gives them what they need to review, including details like load-bearing walls.
Matches local framing methods.
Architectural Designs barndominium plans often offer 2×4 or 2×6 wood
framing options, and some designs also support metal framing. That flexibility helps you align with local codes and your builder’s preferred approach.
Helps your builder price accurately.
Complete drawings reduce unknowns and help avoid costly mid-build changes, giving barndominium builders a clear picture of the project scope based on your selected plan and sq ft.
Cons of Barndominium House Plans
Materials aren’t included.
Plans provide the design, including layout and square footage, not the supplies. Materials are selected and purchased separately.
Local engineering may still be required.
Some areas need
additional documentation to meet regional structural and energy-efficient codes.
Not step-by-step instructions.
Plans guide the build, including key details like load-bearing walls, but your builder still handles construction decisions based on their experience and can answer questions as they come up.
Let's explore barndominium house plans that highlight a range of popular features and exterior styles to help you compare your options.
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Pros and Cons of Barndominium Kits
Barndominium kits focus on structural materials for the outside of the building. They can simplify the shell phase, but what’s included varies by manufacturer.
Pros of Barndominium Kits
Bundled structural materials.
Major components arrive together, simplifying early ordering.
Pre-engineered components.
Pieces are designed to work as a system, which can make assembly more straightforward.
Faster path to a weather-tight shell.
Pre-cut materials can speed up the exterior stage.
Good fit when the shell is your priority.
If you’re already confident about the footprint , living space, and want a quick structural start, kits can be efficient.
Some kits include drawings.
Depending on the provider, you may get assembly drawings or basic permit support — but details vary.
Cons of Barndominium Kits
Plan sets vary widely.
Not all kits include full architectural drawings, and layout flexibility may be limited.
Less design freedom after ordering.
Changes to openings or footprint often require re-engineering.
Interior build-out is separate.
Systems and finishes (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, insulation, cabinetry, etc.) are priced independently.
Permitting depends on your location.
Some areas accept kit drawings; others still require a full architectural plan set.
Good to Know Before You Build
No matter which direction you start with, these points can help you avoid surprises and make the process smoother.
1. The shell price isn’t the whole budget.
Kits can feel straightforward because the shell cost is clear up front. But interior build-out is separate and often a large share of the full cost. That includes the slab, insulation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, finishes, and cabinetry. It’s also smart to think through how much of the building you want dedicated to a shop, garage, or storage area versus finished living space.
2. Check local permit requirements early.
Some counties accept kit documentation for the shell, while others require a complete architectural plan set before approving construction. Your builder or local building department can usually confirm what you’ll need. It’s also worth checking zoning, setback, and height requirements early, especially if your land is in an area with restrictions on metal buildings or barn-style structures.
3. Changing course later can get expensive.
If you start with a kit and later want a new floor plan or different window layout, the structure may need re-engineering. Starting with a plan gives you more room to refine the design first.
Choose a Barndominium House Plan If…
You want to compare floor plans before committing to structure.
You need architectural drawings for permitting.
You want flexibility to adjust the design early.
You prefer selecting materials with your builder.
You want framing options that match local codes.
Choose a Barndominium Kit If…
You want a pre-engineered structural package up front.
You’re comfortable working within set dimensions.
Your jurisdiction accepts kit documentation for permits.
Speed to a finished shell is a priority.
Barndominium Plans vs. Kits: FAQ
Are barndominium kits cheaper than barndominium house plans?
Kits can make the shell cost feel clearer up front. But interior build-out is separate and often a large part of the total budget. Plans don’t include materials, but they help you and your builder estimate the full project accurately.
Do barndominium kits come with floor plans that work for permits?
Some kits include drawings, but the level of detail varies a lot. Many counties still require a full architectural plan set even if a kit provides shell documentation.
Are all barndominiums metal buildings?
No. Barndominiums can be framed in steel, wood, or hybrid systems.
Do kits include everything needed to finish a barndominium?
Not usually. Kits focus on the shell, while interior systems and finishes are handled separately.
Can barndominium plans work for a small home?
Yes. Barndominium plans can work well for a small home, especially if you want simple square footage, open living space, and a straightforward layout that still leaves room for practical features.
Can barndominium house plans be modified?
Yes. Most
barndominium house plans can be customized to better fit your needs. If you’re buying through Architectural Designs, you can request plan changes directly through the original designer — whether that’s shifting room sizes, adding storage, reworking the garage, or updating exterior details. It’s a straightforward way to get a plan that fits your lot and lifestyle without starting from scratch.
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Bringing It All Together
Understanding
the difference between barndominium house plans and barndominium kits makes the process feel simpler. Plans help you lock in the layout and design first, while kits usually cover the structural materials for the outside of the building, with the interior planned and finished separately.
If you’re still deciding on size, layout, or features, starting with barndominium house plans is often the easiest way to compare options and move forward. You can also browse our barndominium plan collection on our website to find more layouts, exterior styles, and barn house plans.
Whenever you’re ready,
our team is here to help you choose a plan that fits your build — or adjust one so it works better for your lot, your layout needs, and local codes. If you have questions, contact us anytime. We’ll be glad to help you sort through your options and get started.
