The latest alternative housing trend: Barndominiums

Barndominiums: Has the latest alternative housing trend hit Florida?

 

It’s no secret reality television influences society.

But in 2016, when Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” transformed a Texas horse barn into a 2,700-square-foot condominium, it resonated with viewers.

“Barndominiums,” a modern country-living trend boasting affordability, versatility and low maintenance, has been growing in popularity ever since — more so recently, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to redefine living standards.

Has this emerging real estate rage made its way to the Sunshine State?

What is a barndominium?

 

Barndominiums have exploded in more rural areas such as Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, said Don Howe, author of “Build Your Dream Barndominium,” who also runs an online blog, barndominiumlife.com.

In Florida, it’s been a “slow burn” that’s still gaining momentum, he said.

The state was 34th nationwide in barndominium inquiries, Howe said, speculating that Florida’s coastal living is more appealing than the rural charm of barndominiums.

“Barndos,” as they’re often called, likely would be more popular in the Panhandle or central, inland counties, Howe said, but not as much on the Treasure Coast.

Indian River County contractor Ryan Canady has built “quite a few” barns for residents with office space inside, but none that serve as a primary residence. He anticipates interest to keep growing, but agreed it might be a hard sell along the Treasure Coast.

“Keep in mind, we’re all on coastal communities. These barndominiums are for an agricultural setting,” he said. “So it’s not like you can go into a gated community and build a barn with a house in it.”

For Joe Craft, owner of Florida Barndominiums, LLC, a construction company based in North Port, a majority of inquiries are from Hernando and Citrus counties. Craft, who started his business in April, said he has about 80 clients throughout the west coast and Panhandle. All are in preliminary permitting and design phases, yet to be built.

In DeSoto County, Bud and Pat Wright built their own barndominium. The couple started the process early last year, Pat Wright said, after moving from five acres to 14.

Wright had a specific vision for the design, and it took about a year and three months to construct the 2,080-square-foot Florida cracker style barndominium, comprised of red steel beams, a metal roof, wood ceilings and walls, drywall and soffits.

“I wanted this house to be unassuming,” said Wright, 68. “From the outside, it looks very small. When you walk in, it’s surprising.”

Barndominium pros and cons

COVID-19 heightened people’s interest in barndominiums, Howe said, as remote employment became the norm and construction prices soared.

Barndominiums offer more spacious living arrangements at lower costs, Howe said, about 10% to 20% cheaper than building a traditional single-family home. Amid Florida’s booming real estate market, many people are being priced out of buying existing homes and are opting for construction, Howe said.

There is also much more freedom in the design, he said. At its core, a barndominium is just a metal-framed building and a slab of concrete flooring.

“This is a box, and you can make the floor plan anything you want,” Howe said.

Craft began building barndominiums in Arkansas about three years ago and fell in love with them, he said, so much so he brought the business with him to Florida. The biggest issue is finding a knowledgeable contractor, the 22-year veteran said.

“I’ve searched myself for other barndominium builders and most of them that I find are steel erectors, and they’re not actually a licensed contractor,” Craft said. “Clients that I’ve talked to can find people to erect the building, but then a lot of other contractors just have a blank stare and don’t know what they’re talking about.”

Wright echoed Craft’s concerns, adding she and her husband met with a few contractors that were “fired pretty quick” because they didn’t know exactly what to do.