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Why & How to Build a Barndominium in Corpus Christi, Texas | 2024 Guide

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Are you considering barndominium living in Corpus Christi, Texas? If you are, you have come to the right place. We will lay out all the information you need to build a barndominium in Corpus Christi. If it is something you have yet to consider, we will show you why building a barndominium in Corpus Christi might be a good idea for you and your family. 

Barndominiums have become popular in the Corpus Christi region and the rest of Texas due to their affordability, versatility, and unique design. In this article, we will go over what you would need to build a barndominium home in Corpus Christi.

Main Reasons to Own a Barndominium in Corpus Christi, Texas

There are several reasons why you should own a barndominium in Corpus Christi. People choose to move into barndominiums in Corpus Christi mainly because of the reasonable cost of living, the stunning environment, and the Gorgeous climate. If you’re unfamiliar with barndominiums, check out our Ultimate Barndominium Guide

Reasonable Cost of Living

Living in Corpus Christi is relatively inexpensive.  The cost of housing in Corpus Christi is 18% below the national average, while utility prices are 18% higher. Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are 7% lower than the national average. Grocery prices in Corpus Christi are 14% lower than the national average, and healthcare expenses are 19% lower. Overall, the cost of living in Corpus Christi, Texas, is 10% lower than the national average.

The Outdoor Adventures

Corpus Christi is home to stunning landscapes and endless outdoor activities. Each day presents an opportunity to discover something new. Embrace the expansive and inviting waters of the perfect Gulf, where you can enjoy water activities such as surfing and sailing. Embark on a kayaking expedition along the captivating Mustang Island Paddling Trail. You can also enjoy popular attractions such as the Corpus Christi Bay Trail, Heritage Park, and Padre Balli Park.

Gorgeous Climate

If weather significantly influences your decision to relocate, here’s a brief overview of Corpus Christi’s climate: July marks the peak of summer, with temperatures reaching approximately 93 degrees fahrenheit. Corpus Christi receives an average annual rainfall of 33 inches, contrasting with the U.S. average of 38 inches, and encounters minimal snowfall, averaging 0 inches compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. Winters in Corpus Christi remain mild, with January lows hovering around 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation graces Corpus Christi for 74 days each year.

In addition, Corpus Christi boasts an annual average of 233 sunny days, surpassing the United States’ mean of 205.

Building a Barndominium in Corpus Christi, Texas

Although it is emphasized that building a barndominium in Corpus Christi has many enticing advantages, there are also disadvantages that we have to discuss. It is important to discuss both to make an informed decision before you commit to the project. 

Advantages

  • Environment friendly: Barndominiums are known for their energy efficiency. Being fitted with highly effective barndominium insulation allows barndominiums to maintain a stable, comfortable temperature. This reduces energy consumption and your utility bill.
  • Low maintenance: Building a barndominium in Corpus Christi means that you won’t be spending as much on upkeep compared to traditional stick-built homes. Due to the nature of barndominium construction, repairs can often be done relatively quickly.
  • High resilience: These buildings are made with highly durable materials such as metal sidings and, sometimes, steel frames. These are highly resistant to damage from rot and pests. Robust barndominium framing ensures that the main structure can withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • Versatility: Barndominiums are some of the most versatile houses available. They can serve multiple purposes for those who need extra space for their business, hobbies, or work. Barndominiums can be designed to have workshops, offices, garages, or home gyms.
  • Custom Options: Barndominiums boast endless possibilities for customization. If there’s one thing your dream home must have, it’s a custom floor plan specifically designed for you and your family. You can follow our Instagram Page for ideas on customization.

Disadvantages

  • Zoning restrictions: Due to not conforming to conventional building standards to some degree, some areas in Corpus Christi may not allow barndominiums to be constructed in their vicinity. It is always important to check with the local authorities and ensure that your chosen location allows this type of home.
  • Design limitations: Although floor plans can be quite flexible, the overall design of barndominium buildings can be limited to their architectural style. This means that highly complex designs are not possible.
  • Challenging to resell: Although growing in popularity, barndominiums still have a limited pool of potential buyers in the real estate market. Although this might change in the next few years, It is essential to consider this if you plan to sell your barndominium in future. 
  • Financing: Financing a barndominium is not as easy as financing traditional stick-built houses. Most lenders do not recognize barndos as homes. However, this is starting to change as more and more lenders are willing to finance barndos. 

You can also look into the Pros and Cons of Metal Building Homes for more insight. If you need help dealing with these disadvantages, join our Facebook Group, where we have a community ready to help!

Taxes

Building a barndominium home in Corpus Christi means you will be subjected to property taxes. In Corpus Christi, barndominium tax rates and tax regulations vary from county to county. As an example, the median average tax rate of Nueces County is 2.03%. The median appraised property value is $148,100, and the annual property tax is $3,009. The average effective property tax rate in Kleberg, on the other hand, sits at 1.86%. The variance is obvious. It is important to consult with local tax professionals to get an accurate calculation of the tax rate of your property.

In addition, you may also be eligible for tax incentives by meeting certain standards, such as incorporating sustainable construction practices into your barndominium project. 

Insurance

Building a barndominium in Corpus Christi is a huge project that involves a big chunk of funds. With that comes risks of loss due to damage. It is important to consider insurance coverage to protect your barndominium home from such risks. The average cost of home insurance in  Corpus Christi, TX, is $1,952 a year. This is for a home with an appraisal market value of $250,000. 

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The unique construction of barndominiums may require a unique set of policies that may set itself apart from traditional houses. We recommend that you look into multiple providers to get the best deal on premiums and the best coverage for your home.

Financing

The costs involved with taking on a home building project can cause a significant strain on your finances. Barndominium financing can help make your dream home a reality. Before seeking out financing, you need to determine your budget. You can look into our article on the costs of building a barndominium. Make sure you have planned the budget for the project and taken into account potential additional costs that may arise. You can look into local banks and credit unions to finance your barndominium home. 

As with insurance premiums, you can look into multiple financial institutions and choose the one with favorable terms to help you with your needs. 

Local Builders & Kit Providers

Finding the best builder or kit provider to help you with your barndominium in Corpus Christi is crucial to the success of your project. You need to look into the best reputable builders with previous barndominium construction experience. Below are the builders and kit providers that we recommend. 

Builders

HL Custom Homes

HL Custom Homes offers a diverse range of products and services, showcasing their capabilities to potential clients. They specialize in constructing barndominiums, providing design and building solutions. The company also excels in crafting various custom homes, including stick-built homes, pole barns, log cabins, and country-style residences. Their expertise lies in designing floor plans to individual preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized living space. 

Mueller Inc. Buildings

Mueller, Inc. Buildings specializes in constructing metal barndominiums as well as metal roofing and panels. Their extensive experience has made them prominent in the Southwest’s architectural landscape, particularly known for creating impressive barndominiums. They offer various services beyond residential spaces, such as workshops, farm buildings, and commercial structures. 

Barnhaus Steel Builders

Barnhaus Steel Builders is a locally owned and operated business dedicated to the construction of barndominiums and metal buildings. At Barnhaus Steel Builders, the construction process revolves around meeting and surpassing customer expectations, facilitated by the seamless integration of expertise and collaborations with trusted partners, ultimately translating visions into tangible structures. 

Rafter J Construction

Rafter J Construction, a family-owned enterprise, specializes in residential and commercial metal building construction in Victoria, Texas, and beyond. Their skilled builders’ meticulous craftsmanship and effective communication are pivotal in delivering top-tier metal building solutions to property owners, making Rafter J Construction a reputable and reliable choice for your dream barndominium.

Kit Providers

Absolute Steel Texas

Absolute Steel Texas is a leading manufacturer and supplier of versatile metal building kits across the United States. They specialize in fabricating steel building systems for various purposes, from residential barndominiums and cabins to commercial parking structures and covers. Renowned for easy installation, their steel buildings come in diverse sizes and configurations, offering limitless floor plan possibilities. 

Worldwide Steel Buildings

Worldwide Steel Buildings offers an array of steel building kits tailored to your specifications. You can opt for a pre-engineered metal building kit, or if a ready-made option doesn’t align with your requirements, Worldwide Steel Buildings is prepared to design a custom kit that fulfills your vision. 

If you want to explore beyond the recommendations on this list, you can check out our article on the Best Prefab Barndominium Kits and top Builders to Buy From.

Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Corpus Christi, Texas

Given that a barndominium project is not easily undone once started, it is crucial to think about the things you need to consider before you iron out your final plans for the build. Things like a shortage of building materials can cause delays in the project’s completion. As much as possible, you want to avoid these things. 

We have already talked about the costs involved with building your dream home. Determining all the costs involved helps you properly plan the project’s overall budget. After which, look into our list of recommended builders and choose one that can provide you with your needs.

The final design of your floor plan is another thing you need to consider before starting. Adding or modifying features of your home while the build is ongoing can incur additional expenses that may affect your budget. With that in mind, you need to go over your floor plan and design the space with your family’s needs in mind. If there are any custom features you would like your home to have or any amenities you need, this needs to be taken into account. 

Another vital thing to consider is the cost of Living in Corpus Christi. The region has a relatively inexpensive cost of living, but you need to look into every detail of your potential monthly expenses. This allows for proper financial planning as you settle into your new home. 

By taking these things into account before starting your barndominium build, you have put yourself in a better position to succeed with the project. 

Conclusion

Building a barndominium in Corpus Christi, Texas, does have its challenges, but it is easier than it has ever been. With all the experienced builders who can help you make your dream home a reality, you will likely end up with a barndominium home that exceeds your expectations. This region of the Lone Star State has a lot to offer. From the famous southern hospitality to exciting outdoor adventures, barndominium living in Corpus Christi awaits!

If you’re still not convinced, you can follow us on our Facebook Page, to explore other alternative housing options, such as prefab homes, pole barn homes, and even shipping container homes. Our Pinterest page is also abundant with content on non-traditional housing.