The Ultimate Barndominium Building Checklist

Building a barndominium combines the best of rural living with modern convenience. Barndominiums blend agricultural structures with residential features, but they also present unique challenges that catch many first-time builders off guard. This barndominium building checklist breaks down this complex project into manageable phases and tasks.

What to Know Before Building a Barndominium

For your barndominium construction, you’ll need agricultural and residential building materials that traditional suppliers may not stock together. For example, your steel frame kit will likely come from a specialized metal building manufacturer, but interior finishing materials will be the same as those used in standard homes. Plan for longer lead times on steel components and coordinate delivery schedules. You don't want drywall sitting in the weather while waiting for your frame to arrive.

The following checklists include some tasks you can do yourself, like securing financing and painting interiors, but your general contractor will handle supervising and completing the bulk of the work.

Preconstruction Planning Checklist

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The preconstruction phase sets your construction up for future success. You’re not breaking ground yet, but you can start researching barndominium building information. Zoning issues alone can shut down projects for months. 

Here's your preconstruction planning checklist:

• Hire a general contractor or line up specialized pros 

• Research local zoning laws and building codes 

• Obtain building permits 

• Secure financing

• Choose your metal building manufacturer

• Finalize floor plans and structural specifications

• Conduct soil analysis 

• Survey property boundaries

• Plan utility connections (electric, water, septic or sewer, etc.)

• Order a steel frame kit 

• Create a detailed project timeline and budget

• Plan site access and staging areas

Foundation and Framing Checklist

​​Foundation and framing are the backbone of your barndominium, so precision matters here. A crooked foundation or misaligned frame creates problems that ripple through all the future phases.

Coordinate your concrete pour and steel delivery carefully. Frame manufacturers schedule tight delivery windows, and you need a cured foundation ready to receive the steel when the crew arrives.

Your pro will complete these tasks for the foundation and framing: 

• Clear and level the building site

• Mark utility locations

• Excavate for the foundation and install footings

• Pour a concrete slab with proper reinforcement

• Allow adequate curing time before the frame delivery

• Schedule the steel frame delivery and crew

• Erect a steel frame structure

• Install the roof purlins and girts

• Square and plumb the entire structure

• Inspect all connections and bolts

• Install temporary bracing as needed

• Verify that the dimensions match the building plans

• Schedule inspections

Exterior Shell Checklist

The exterior shell protects your barndominium from the weather as you finish the interior work. Roofing comes first since rain can destroy framing and create costly mold problems.

Setting up the exterior shell requires these tasks:

• Install metal roofing and trim

• Apply a weatherproof barrier to walls

• Install exterior wall panels or siding

• Install windows and exterior doors

• Flash penetrations and transitions

• Install gutters and downspouts

• Apply exterior caulking and sealants

• Install overhead doors if applicable

• Complete exterior electrical rough-in

• Install exterior lighting fixtures

• Schedule exterior shell inspection

• Test for air leaks and water penetration

Interior Systems Checklist

Installing interior systems requires extensive coordination since different pros work in overlapping phases. For example, rough-in inspections happen before the insulation goes in. Plan your sequence with the plumbing and electrical rough-in first, followed by HVAC ductwork and then insulation.

Adding interior systems to your new barndominium includes: 

• Plumbing rough-in and pressure test

• Run electrical wiring and install boxes

• Install HVAC ductwork and equipment

• Schedule rough-in inspections

• Install insulation in the walls and ceiling

• Install drywall and tape joints

• Complete electrical and plumbing finish work

• Install HVAC registers and thermostats

• Test all systems 

• Schedule mechanical systems inspections

Interior Finishing Checklist

Interior finishing turns your barndominium into a livable space. Sanding and painting can create quite a mess that will damage finished surfaces if projects aren’t done in the proper sequence, and you’ll need to plan for dust control.

Install the following for the interior finishes: 

• Interior doors and trim

• Flooring throughout

• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets

• Countertops and backsplashes

• Interior light fixtures

• Plumbing fixtures and faucets

• Appliances 

• Switch plates and outlet covers

• Hardware and accessories

You’ll also need to: 

• Connect utilities

• Prime and paint interior surfaces

• Complete final painting touch-ups

• Schedule the final inspection

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndominium? 

Barndominium costs range between $113,000 and $505,000, depending on size and finishes. Most projects run $120 to $180 per square foot, which is significantly less expensive than traditional homes, which average $240 per square foot.

You'll also need licensed professionals to complete electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, which costs $85 to $95 per square foot, even if you handle other tasks yourself.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Most builders hire a general contractor to manage the entire project, paying $150 to $190 per square foot for turnkey construction. You can save money by DIYing parts of the project and managing subcontractors, but hiring a general contractor is the best route.

Your local barndominium builder has the expertise and team to produce a high-quality home and avoid expensive mistakes, saving you money in the long run. Your pro will know how to successfully finish each phase of the build and how to sequence projects correctly.