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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQs)
Q. Do you build in….?
A. We are not builders. We are a residential and commercial construction project management firm. This is where your cost savings come in— no additional profit margins. Apart from our management fee, you pay the actual costs for labour and materials.
Q. Is there a fee for project estimates?
A. No. Many people have a budget when looking to purchase land and build. The cost of land is known, but the cost to construct a barndo can be unclear. Our free estimate service provides information to help you determine if building a barndo is the right choice.
Q. I live in the United States or Australia. Can I use your stamped construction drawings to build with your stock plans here?
A. Our drawings are stamped in Ontario, Canada, which follows rigorous building codes in North America. There may be additional costs to be stamped locally.
Q. What’s the cost per square foot to build a barndominium?
A. We confidently assert that a budget of $300 per square foot CDN is adequate for your project. This estimate encompasses modest interior finishings but excludes the costs associated with land acquisition, site preparation, permits, required drawings for permits, septic systems, wells, or hydro installations.
Q. Can Barndominiums be built anywhere?
A. The short answer is Yes. Municipalities are increasingly recognizing alternative solutions to custom home building. Traditionally, a barndo was a barn converted into a residence; however, this is no longer the case. Barndos have significantly evolved over time into residential homes that do not necessarily resemble a converted barn or a commercial box building with windows.
Q. Are barndominiums cheaper to build?
A. Again, the short answer is Yes. The underlying reason may come as a surprise. Barndominiums are typically constructed on a concrete slab foundation and are usually single-story structures. By eliminating the costs associated with adding a basement or an additional story, the overall expenses are significantly reduced. The slab-on-grade approach is not exclusive to barndominiums but has recently regained popularity due to the high housing costs in both Canada and the United States.
Q. Do banks finance barndominiums?
A. Yes. You can use traditional construction mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and conventional mortgages for barndominiums. Uncertain if your bank will help? Contact our Barndo & Co Team – we can assist.
Q. Can I build a barndominium with a basement or second story?
A. Adding a basement to a barndo increases the construction cost and alters its original design. Similarly, adding a full second story eliminates the ceiling vault, which is a key feature of barndos.
Q. What are the differences between using an all-steel versus a hybrid (wood and steel) option for constructing a barndominium?
A. Steel buildings offer structural integrity, low maintenance, and fire resistance, and are quicker to erect than wood, saving on labour costs. However, wood, especially post frame, can be cheaper since it uses less material and is readily available, unlike steel which requires 3 months for manufacturing – something to be mindful of.
Q. What is the average project time?
A. The typical duration from planning and design to permit release is about 6-9 months.
Q. Do you offer shipping to the United States or Australia?
A. We offer kits and builds in both the United States & Australia, but we don't ship from Canada. We source and ship from within each respective country, to save on costs to you.