How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barn? [2025 Data]
Discover the cost to build a barn. Learn about average prices, cost factors, and ways to save when planning your barn construction project.
The cost to build a barn depends on size, materials, design complexity, and whether you choose add-ons or custom features.
Building a barn involves constructing a versatile structure for storage, livestock, or workspaces on your property.
Investing in a barn can add long-term value and utility to your property, especially if you use quality materials and professional builders.
To keep costs down, compare quotes, consider simpler designs, and tackle finishing tasks yourself.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The cost to build a barn averages between $1,593 and $5,306 or $3,389. Barns cost $30 to $170 per square foot, depending on size, materials, and complexity. Whether you need a simple storage space or a fully outfitted equestrian barn, knowing the main cost factors and options will help you make the right choices for your property.
Barn Build Cost Factors
Several key components make up the total cost to build a barn. The largest expenses are materials and labor, which together form the foundation of your project’s budget.
Size of Barn
Ranging from $30 to $170 per square foot, barn size is the primary factor affecting the overall cost to build a barn. The larger the structure, the more materials and labor are required. Barns come in a variety of standard sizes, each suited to different uses such as vehicle storage, livestock housing, or workshop space.
Multi-story or lofted barns cost more due to additional materials and more complex framing and access requirements. These designs provide extra storage or even living quarters but require a larger investment.
| Barn Size (Ft.) | Use | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 24x24 | Storage, small workshop | $20,000–$35,000 |
| 30x40 | Vehicles, equipment, livestock | $35,000–$60,000 |
| 40x60 | Agricultural, horses, events | $60,000–$100,000 |
| 60x100 | Commercial, event space | $120,000–$350,000 |
Type of Barn
The type and intended use of your barn also play a major role in cost. If your barn will house livestock, events, or finished interiors, additional features like insulation, climate control, and utilities will increase the total cost.
| Type of Barn | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pole | Posts set into the ground, ideal for basic storage or agriculture. | $15,000–$45,000 |
| Metal | Durable and low-maintenance, well-suited for workshops, equipment storage, and modern farms. | $25,000–$70,000Timber |
| Timber | Traditional and visually appealing, higher costs due to lumber and skilled labor. | $40,000–$120,000 |
| Prefabricated | Pre-designed kits that lower design and labor costs; faster to assemble but less customizable. | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Custom | Fully tailored barns with unique layouts and features. | $50,000–$200,000+ |
Labor
Building a barn requires several professionals, each with specialized skills. The main pro on most projects is a general contractor, who oversees the entire build, coordinates subcontractors, and manages permits and inspections. Hiring a general contractor for a barn project costs 10% to 20% of the total project budget.
Some homeowners choose a barn builder specializing in pole, metal, or timber barns. These pros provide end-to-end service, including design, materials, and installation. Their costs are similar to or slightly less than hiring a general contractor, depending on the project scope.
Specialty subcontractors install utilities and handle complex jobs. An electrician wires the barn for lighting and outlets, while a plumber runs water and waste lines if needed. HVAC pros add climate control for insulated or animal barns.
| Contractor Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10–20% of total project |
| Barn builder | Varies, often bundled |
| Electrician | $50–$120/hr |
| Plumber | $50–$200/hr |
| HVAC technician | $100–$250/hr |
| Architect/engineer | $125–$250/hr |
| Surveyor | $800–$5,500 per survey |
Location
Where you build your barn affects the final price. Regions with higher labor rates and material costs, such as the Northeast or West Coast, see higher barn construction prices. In contrast, rural locations or areas with plentiful materials offer lower costs.
Climate, local permitting requirements, and material availability also play a role. For example, barns in hurricane-prone regions may require reinforced construction, while areas with strict zoning can add to planning and permit expenses.
Additional Cost Factors
Depending on your existing property and structures, other costs may factor into your totals.
Demolition and Prep
Before you build, you may need to demolish an old structure or clear and level your land. Excavation costs can add $500 to $15,000, especially if your property has drainage issues or rocky soil.
Challenging site conditions, such as steep slopes or poor access, can drive up prep costs. It’s important to address these early to avoid surprises during construction.
Permits
Most barn projects require permits, covering building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning or environmental impact. Your contractor handles permits, but some homeowners choose to manage the process themselves.
Permit costs vary widely by region and barn type, ranging from $525 to $7500 or more in areas with strict codes or complex projects. The permit process can take several weeks, depending on local review timelines and requirements.
Insurance
Building a barn raises property taxes and insurance premiums because the new structure increases the value of your land. Insurance costs rise further if the barn is used for livestock, events, or valuable equipment storage.
Builders may offer warranties on workmanship, and material suppliers may provide warranties for roofing, siding, or framing products. These protections provide peace of mind but add cost upfront.
Barn Remodel vs. Renovate
Remodeling and renovating a barn are two different approaches. Renovation focuses on restoring the existing structure—replacing siding, repairing damage, adding insulation, or updating the roof. Renovation costs are lower if the barn’s frame and foundation are sound.
Remodeling goes further, changing the barn’s layout, expanding its footprint, or converting it for a new use, such as a living space or event venue. Remodels involve moving walls, adding utilities, or building new sections, which increases costs.
When deciding between remodel and renovation, consider the barn’s structural integrity, your intended use, and the long-term value. Remodeling is a larger investment but can transform an old barn into a highly functional or even income-generating space.
Does Building a Barn Increase Home Value?
Building a barn can increase your property’s value and appeal, especially if it enhances functionality or opens up new uses. Agricultural, storage, or equestrian barns offer a strong return on investment, particularly in rural or hobby farm areas. Event barns may yield even higher ROI if used for rentals or gatherings.
Compared to other outbuildings or renovations, a well-constructed barn can raise resale value and attract buyers seeking extra storage or workspace. The quality of construction, permitted use, and local demand all influence the value added. Consider your long-term needs, potential rental income, and local market trends before investing in a barn.
DIY Barn Build vs. Hiring a Pro
Building a barn yourself can save significantly on labor. DIY costs include materials, tool and equipment rentals, and your personal time investment. However, DIY barn building requires construction skills, safety awareness, and the ability to manage a large project. Mistakes can lead to costly repairs or safety hazards, especially with structural work or electrical systems.
Hiring a local barn contractor adds labor expenses but ensures quality, code compliance, and comes with warranties. For larger or complex barns, or if you lack construction experience, hiring a professional is the safer and more cost-effective choice.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Building a Barn
Try these strategies to keep your budget in check and save on the costs to build a barn:
Choose a simple barn design or standard kit, and limit custom features and finishes.
Get multiple quotes from barn builders and contractors to find the best value.
Source materials locally to reduce shipping costs, and reuse or repurpose materials where possible.
Do some tasks yourself, such as painting or landscaping.
Consider phased construction for future expansion.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Depending on your needs, you may find a storebought pole barn is a much less expensive option than a custom-built one. You can find pole barn kits from big box retailers starting at $11,000, but you will be limited when it comes to size and add-on features. As long as you have the necessary skills, you can save on labor costs by doing it yourself; but there are a lot of different skill sets you would need, and mistakes during the building process can lead to excessive repair bills later.
The lifespan of a barn is typically 40 to 60 years, although it can last longer than that with proper construction and maintenance. Furthermore, the actual lifespan will depend on the barn type and usage. For example, the poles of your pole barn should last 50 years or longer, but if you live in a rainy climate and you use the space for livestock, your pole barn may rot within the first decade. To make the best estimate for the lifespan of your barn, you should consider the material type and what you are going to use it for.
The timeline to build your barn will depend on the barn type and the company you hire. A pole barn may take six weeks or so, while a traditionally framed or steel-framed barn can take four months or longer. Building a barndominium takes the longest because you are essentially building a new home. You can expect barndominiums to take six months or longer to build.
It is recommended that you check with your local building official on barn building requirements and rules, since size restrictions vary greatly from region to region based on what your property is zoned for. Some cities limit barn construction depending on if your property is residential or commercial. The three main factors your building commission will evaluate are:
Height and lot coverage: How tall your barn is and how much of your total property it occupies
Setback: Distance between barn and property line
Easement: Legal right for another owner to access another’s property
