Barndominiums have been in existence for quite a long time. Initially, they were large "all-in-one" farmhouses. One could keep livestock and poultry on ground level and then build a home on the barndominium's first floor. This was affordable and convenient. Initially, barndominiums were not designed to have basements. They featured a huge barn-shaped structure with its frameworks reinforced on cement slabs.
This leaves us with the question, can you build a barndominium with a basement? Yes, you can. It may not be a traditional choice, but you can build a barndominium over a basement slab or crawl space. A basement space requires excavating part of the ground beneath and setting concrete floors and walls. This does not in any way affect your barndominium structure.
In the modern world, barndominiums have found a new meaning. This article explains all about barndominiums from traditional to modern-day use.
What is a Barndominium?

Before we dive in, we need to understand what a barndominium is. Traditionally, a barndominium was a vast structure built with a strong steel frame and sheet metal sides used for storage. Some were built with large posts and wooden sides. In the 1980s, barndominiums were used as storage houses, stables, garages, and shop spaces. Barndominiums were often built as farmhouses.
Since then, these structures have gained popularity in urban areas. Their design and usage have been redefined to meet modern times' necessities. Today, barndominiums have been transformed into luxury living or working spaces and vacation rental homes. For example, you can look at the landscape company Dubai and see how widely barndominiums are used in this city. It is possible to build one and live in it or make an income from it.
Building Your Own Barndominium – How to Get Started

If you are looking for a blend of unique design and budget-friendly, you probably have heard about "barndominium," or "barn," as sometimes referred. As mentioned earlier, these words describe a massive simple design structure that offers the comfortability of a condo at a low price. This is a mixture of unique farmhouse design, metal or wooden building, and luxury style in a single structure.
Originally, Barndominium were simple houses that were cost-effective in construction and required low maintenance costs. Over the years, these structures have evolved; however, they still retain their cost-effectiveness and simple design. It takes a shorter period to erect a barndo than it would for a regular brick and mortar house. Building a barndominium involves the use of traditional and unique techniques to construct a beautiful structure that is cost-effective and low in maintenance.
Here is a step-by-step barndominium guide; tips to make your building experience a pleasant one:
Step 1: Lay the Foundation
A Barndominium is often secured to the ground with a concrete slab. Dig holes of recommended depth that will hold the frame. Put cardboard forms, insert your frame post, and then pour concrete to hold the post firmly.
Once the frame posts are up, prepare the ground and make the concrete slab. Make sure the ground is flat. Keep in mind that the structure's perimeter bears the most weight, so you got to make it thicker than the rest of the slab.
Step 2: Set Up the Frame
After erecting the posts and the slab below is dry, you can now build the remaining part of the frame. This can include a combination of metal and wood, depending on your preference. The interior requires wood lumber to provide an anchor for installing other components.
This section involves lifting heavy pieces; therefore, a crane is recommended. You can use metal tracks and studs, even though it needs expert skills and materials.
Step 3: Roofing
Roofing involves covering the upper part of the barndominium. There are several roofing styles and materials available; from iron sheets to clay tiles, shingles, slate roofing, solar roofing, etc. It all boils down to personal preference. Before buying roofing materials, consider the following: durability, weight, cost, maintenance, color, etc.
Step 4: Wiring and Plumbing
Once the roof is set, it's time to do electrical wiring and plumbing. You will need to use water and electricity in your barndominium. At this stage is where you install all the interior systems. If you are subcontracting, ensure you get services from certified personnel. Good planning is vital in this stage, thus requires sufficient expertise.
Step 5: Finishing
It is the last stage of construction. It includes all the final details of the interior part, such as flooring, drywall setting, insulation, and painting. Again, there are several different types of floor options as well as paints. Select your favorite and make your barndominium beautiful.
Can You Build a Barndominium With a Basement?

As aforementioned, you can build a barndo with a basement. It does not affect its structure in any way. Building a basement has to be the initial step because it requires excavation of the ground. Before you lay the foundation slab, dig your desired basement size. Lay the concrete slab and walls for the basement and then finally the roof, which will be the foundation slab for the entire barndominium. Always allow time for the concrete slab to cure to avoid collapsing.
You can build three types of basements: full basement, partial basement, or walk-out basement.
Advantages of Barndominium Basement
Even though constructing a basement can be a daunting task, there are some advantages that come with having one. Here are a few advantages of having a barndominium with a basement:
Protection – A basement often provides protection during extreme weather. A tornado can rip off your roof, bring down your walls, but it can never blow off your basement.
It’s usually safe being in the basement in such times.
More storage – Building a basement beneath your barndominium means extra room. You can use this space for storage, garage, laundry, or create an extra secure living space.
Seasonal Comfort - A basement is built below ground level. It makes it cooler than other floors of your barndominium. A basement can be a perfect relief section in an area with a hot climate season.
Disadvantages of Barndominium Basement
Building a barndominium with a basement comes with one major disadvantage. Extra cost. Creating a basement involves excavating the ground and building concrete walls around it. It requires more money for workforce and materials. Paying for an excavator is also quite expensive. Having a basement on your barndominium requires a thicker foundation slab; consequently, you'll need more building materials to be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning barndominiums:
Can a barndominium have a basement?
The answer is yes. While barndominiums have evolved and now have different designs, they share several similar architectural styles. This includes having a basement or crawl space.
Are barndominiums cheaper to build?
Barndominiums are cheaper and faster to build compared to regular traditional houses. Their structural design makes labor costs and material expenses much lower.
Is a barndominium basement safe?
Besides creating more room for storage, a barndominium basement is a safe place. It offers protection during extreme weather, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. In high-temperature regions, a basement acts as a cooling area since it is below ground level.
Final Thought
The benefits of having a basement in your barndominium far much outweigh its drawbacks. Despite the drawback, adding a basement is helpful, as seen in this article. Building a new barndominium with a basement is easier and cheaper than creating one in an already built barndo. Whether it is a full or partial basement, it is worth every penny you spend. If you think of building a barndominium, consider creating that extra space beneath the ground.