If you love seafood, then Maine is the perfect place for a barndominium. The state is famous for its lobsters which are highly sought after anywhere in the US. Aside from an abundant supply of seafood, there are tons of other reasons why you should build your barndo in Maine.
This article will introduce you to barndominiums and elaborate on the advantages of having a barndo. We will also answer any questions about barndos and how to start building one.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Build a Barndominium in Maine?
- 2 Maine Barndominiums Overview
- 3 Where Can You Build a Barndo in Maine?
- 4 3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Maine
- 5 Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Maine?
Can You Build a Barndominium in Maine?
Yes, it is possible to build a barndo in Maine. A barndominium in Maine allows you to enjoy its scenic Atlantic coastline and explore the state’s many offshore islands during your free time.
Maine Barndominiums Overview
Barndominiums are barn-like buildings, although they don’t have to be barns on the inside. You can use a barndominium as your house, shop, garage, or storage facility. Most barndominiums are made of steel, but some are made of wood, while others combine different materials like wood and metals.
Check our Ultimate Barndominium Guide, which explains the different barndominium types and their advantages. We also have a Pinterest account with a gallery of amazing barndominiums to inspire you.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Barndominiums have their pros and cons. Knowing this information can better prepare you as you start your barndominium journey.
Advantages
- They look unique – A barndominium is an excellent option if you want a building that stands out. It has a distinct look that will surely make your barndominium the envy of your neighborhood.
- They are durable – Most barndominiums have steel components that are more durable than other building materials. This enables a barndominium to withstand extreme weather conditions without sustaining too much damage. However, buildings made of wood or concrete are still durable as long as they get constructed following safety and quality standards.
- They are affordable – Since barndominiums use fewer materials to build, they cost less than conventional buildings. You can save even more money by getting a DIY kit and building your barndominium yourself. We also have a Facebook group where you can get in touch with other barndominium owners and learn money-saving tips while constructing your barndo.
Disadvantages
- They are prone to rust – Barndominiums are vulnerable to rusting, especially if you have one with steel sidings. Try using a protective coating to improve your barndo’s ability to resist rust. Another way to prevent corrosion is by immediately fixing leaks that let in moisture, resulting in the build-up of rust.
- You cannot build them anywhere – You cannot build a barndominium anywhere you want to. Some cities have ordinances banning the construction of barndominiums within the city limits.
Regulations
To build a barndominium in Maine, you must follow your county’s building regulations. Not all counties implement the same regulations, so check with your county’s building and zoning office to learn about the process and requirements for building your barndominium.
For example, the City of Saco requires a Construction General Permit from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection if your project involves soil disturbance of one acre or more. The town of Hope does not specify such a requirement.
Taxes
Paying property tax is one of the responsibilities of being a homeowner, and the mean property tax rate in Maine is 1.09% of your property’s assessed value. Maine’s barndominium taxes are higher than most states but should be lower than property taxes for conventional buildings because barndominiums are cheaper and hence have lower assessed values.
Insurance
The average barndominium insurance rate in Maine is around $944 for a barndo valued at $250,000. Getting your barndominium insured allows you to repair or reconstruct your barndominium without dipping into your savings.
Financing
The best way to relieve yourself of the burden of financing a barndominium is by getting the assistance of a bank or credit union. Speak with several banks or lending companies to get the most competitive rates possible. Listed below are reliable financial institutions that you can partner with.
Maine Savings Federal Credit Union
Maine Savings Federal Credit Union was founded in 1961 and is one of the largest credits union in the state. It offers home equity loans to customers.
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Kennebunk Savings
Kennebunk is a Maine-chartered community banking institution offering construction loans to clients.
Skowhegan Savings Bank
Skowhegan Savings offers construction loans in any of its 12 branches in Maine.
Builders
Working with a qualified local builder is one of the best ways to ensure that your barndominium gets built according to standards. Local builders also know where to source building materials in the area.
Houses and Barns
Houses and Barns have been building cottages, barn homes, garages, barns, and carriage houses for Maine residents for more than 50 years.
Maine Barn Company
An Edgecomb-based company specializing in multi-purpose barn homes with timber frames.
Apart from the local companies listed above, we also have a list of the best barndominium companies that build in almost every state in the United States, including Maine.
Kit Providers
You can build your barndominium DIY style as long as you have the proper building kit. Be sure to source your building kit from a reputable supplier to ensure that the materials of your barndo are top-notch.
Maine Barn Company
Maine Barn Company supplies barn models with material, instructions, and tool lists for a DIY build.
Rigid Global Buildings
Texas-based supplier of steel building kits that delivers to Maine, including the areas of Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston.
Six Rivers Construction
A Topsham-based company acting as a dealer of Lester Buildings.
Aside from local DIY kit suppliers, we also have a list of barndominium kit providers that ship to different states across the country, including Maine.
Cost
According to a Forbes article, the average cost to build a house in Maine is around $282,140. In contrast, HomeBlue estimates that the price to build a barndominium in Maine can be as little as $163,000. These are just rough estimates and depend on several factors like the size of your barndominium, location, and materials used. Try using our barndominium cost calculator to estimate the cost of your barndominium.
Where Can You Build a Barndo in Maine?
Maine is a small state with many quaint towns ideal for barndominiums, including Stonington, Camden, Eastport, and Rockland. If you don’t own land yet, spend a weekend driving around Maine to explore the different towns and what they have to offer.
3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Maine
Before your start constructing your barndominium in Maine, there are several things you need to keep in mind. These factors can affect the type of barndominium you need and the materials you will use. They can also help ensure that you build a barndo that caters to your needs.
Building Materials
As mentioned earlier, you can use different materials for your barndominium, including steel and wood. Check the area where you intend to build and ask your builder for advice on the best materials to use. If you plan on building near the coast, a metal barndo is prone to rust, so make sure you rust-proof your barndominium to extend its life.
Single or Two-story Build
Ask yourself if you want your barndominium to have two stories or if you are satisfied with a single-story one. A single story may suffice if you have a large lot, but a two-story barndo can help you take advantage of the beautiful landscape.
Barndominium Style
Decide on the style you want for your barndo. Do you want to build a coastal-style home in keeping with Maine’s lifestyle? Or do you want a classic or ranch-style barndominium to make your barndo unique amidst the cape-style houses in Maine?
Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Maine?
Yes, building a barndominium in Maine is an excellent idea. Maine has many charming towns ideal for building a barndo. Maine is also perfect if you love seafood, fishing, and aquatic activities because of its long coastline and thousands of offshore islands.
If you haven’t decided on a style for your barndo, consult our gallery of barndominium floor plans for inspiration. We also have a detailed article where you can read about everything you need to know about the process of building a barndominium. What are you waiting for? The barndo lifestyle beckons!
