The Rise of Barndominiums in Canada: Transforming Rural Living

Building a house is a matter of choosing the right design and style that gives you a functional structure without draining your savings. If you want a home that looks fantastic but won’t cost as much as traditional houses, a barndominium is an excellent choice.
 
This article will introduce you to the world of barndominiums. You’ll learn more about these exciting housing alternatives and their benefits. We will also give valuable tips to help you build a stunning barndominium in Canada.
 
What is a barndominium?
Although barndominiums are already popular in the US, it is still a relatively new but growing concept in Canada. A barndominium is a building that looks like a barn on the outside. However, the interior can be a residence, a garage, a storage facility, or a workshop. It can also be a combination of any of the previously-mentioned purposes.
 
Most barndominiums are made from metal. Classic barndominiums have steel frames and metal sidings. However, there are also barndominiums made of wood or a combination of wood and metal building materials.
 
Why build a barndominium?
So, why should you build a barndominium in Canada? Let’s look at some of the most compelling reasons to embark on this project.
 
It can be cheap
Barndominiums can be cheap to build. Their designs are less complicated than those of traditional houses, making them easier to build. This can reduce labour costs and lower the overall construction cost.
 
Because of their simple designs and how they get built, they use fewer building materials. You can reduce the cost further by getting a barndominium kit, so there’s no need to build the frame, roof, and walls of your barndo.
 
If you are a handyman who wants to save more money, get a barndominium kit and complete the structure yourself. It may take longer to complete your barndo, but you will save a ton of money.
 
It’s perfect for rural living
Barndominiums are meant for rural areas, making them ideal for building in Canada. Canada is a massive country, and around 39.1% of its landmass is rural. However, according to Statistics Canada, only 0.3% of Canada’s population lives in rural areas. This can make finding land to build your barndominium on easier.
 
Most rural houses in Canada are made from wood and made to look like cottages. Building a barndominium in Canada allows you to have a rural house that stands out. Living in a rural area doesn’t mean your home should look the same as your neighbours.
 
It is durable
Investing in a metal building, like a barndominium, is an excellent decision because it is durable. Steel alloys have high tensile strength, so they don’t break easily. This can help extend the life of your building.
 
A metal building is also more resistant to mould and mildew than buildings made of organic materials, like wood. In addition, metals are resistant to termites, so you don’t have to worry about termite infestation and the damage it can cause to your building.
 
It is easy to remodel
Most barndominiums utilize open-concept floor plans that make them easy to remodel. Since they don’t have load-bearing interior walls, you can resize the interior spaces of your barndo. You can easily combine two bedrooms to make a spacious master suite. If you want to add a guest room, you can reduce the size of your living area to have enough space for a new bedroom. You can do all these without needing to knock down concrete walls.
 
What to know when building a barndominium in Canada
Now that we’ve piqued your interest in barndominiums, let’s look at what you need to know to build a barndominium in Canada successfully.
 
Consult your local building authority
Check your local building code to ensure that your construction project proceeds smoothly. This is an excellent way of avoiding fines and construction delays due to violations. Check the requirements in your area for securing a building permit.
 
For example, a homeowner must submit two plans during the review process in Saskatchewan. One set will be returned to the submitter, while the other set will become a copy of the local building office.
 
Find a qualified builder
This might be the most crucial task you need to perform and the most challenging. The right builder can help ensure your barndominium gets built up to code. Hiring the right builder can result in a barndominium that can serve you for ages.
 
Since barndominiums are not as popular in Canada as conventional homes, you need to look hard for a builder who can construct them. Ask for pictures of their previous metal building projects to ensure they can deliver. Come up with a list of several builders to choose from. Look up their reputation and credentials.
 
You can also ask for quotes to compare prices. Aside from the prices, compare the inclusions or scope of work the builder will handle. This can help you choose the right builder offering competitive rates.
 
Choose a floor plan and building materials
This is another decision that you need to spend considerable time on. Remember that your floor plan will dictate how your barndominium will look. Your floor plan also affects the functionality of your barndominium, so ensure that your chosen floor plan has all the features you need.
 
Consider your lot’s size and shape when choosing a floor plan; the floor plan should be of the right size. Choosing a floor plan that’s too large might leave you with a lot that looks cramped. On the other hand, a floor plan that’s too small might mean you’re not making the most out of your property.
 
Barndominium plans and prices come hand in hand. A complex plan will be more expensive to build because it will use more materials. It will also take longer to build, so labour expenses will take a considerable chunk of your budget. Ensure your builder knows your budget to get advice on keeping the project within budget. Your builder might suggest alternative building materials or design changes while keeping your original vision.
 
Final word
Barndominiums are here to stay; you don’t want to get left behind. This metal building is an excellent option if you want to enjoy rural life but don’t want to build a farmhouse or cottage like everybody else. Aside from being unique, it is a durable structure that can withstand fire, pests, and mould. It can also be cheaper to build than a conventional house. If you want to enjoy rural life fully, now is the perfect time to build a barndominium in Canada.