Massachusetts is one of the original colonies of the United States and is famous for its many colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. It was also the first state to adopt the US Constitution. Massachusetts is the place for you if you want to build a barndominium in a state rich in history and tradition.
Our goal is to help you better appreciate barndominiums and arm you with the knowledge you need to build a barndo in Massachusetts.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Build a Barndominium in Massachusetts?
- 2 Massachusetts Barndominiums Overview
- 3 Where Can You Build a Barndo in Massachusetts?
- 4 3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Massachusetts
- 5 Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Massachusetts?
Can You Build a Barndominium in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts is suitable for building a barndominium. The central part of the state has plains with gentle hills ideal for building houses and buildings. It has a humid continental climate so expect warm summers and cold winters.
Massachusetts Barndominiums Overview
A barndominium is a structure that looks like a barn but can be used as a house, garage, or workshop. You can also build a barndominium for storage or as a man cave. When it comes to building materials, they can be made of wood or steel. There are also hybrids made from a combination of steel and wood.
There are many other exciting facts about barndominiums, and you can learn about them in our Ultimate Barndominium Guide.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any other structure, there are advantages and disadvantages to a barndominium. Knowing about them allows you to make an informed decision as to whether or not a barndominium will fit your needs.
Advantages
- They are versatile – A barndominium is a great investment because it is versatile. Instead of building separate structures for a workshop and a house, you can have both under one roof. Aside from saving money, having a multi-functional building is more efficient since you have work and living spaces in one place.
- They are easy to maintain – Keeping a barndominium in top condition is easy. Unlike regular houses that require constant maintenance, you can maintain your barndo by repainting it every few years. Make sure you fix dinged metal sidings, especially after a hurricane. It is also essential to fix leaks, which can let in moisture and cause rusting. Check our Facebook page for informative articles on how to keep your barndominium in excellent condition.
- They can be durable – Barndominiums are durable; they can withstand an earthquake better than concrete buildings because they are ductile. In case of an earthquake, the metal components of a barndo will bend but not collapse. While concrete buildings built to standards can handle earthquakes well, a metal building is better suited to handle the seismic shocks of earthquakes.
Disadvantages
- You cannot build a barndominium anywhere – Barndominiums are better suited in rural areas, and some cities prohibit the construction of metal buildings. This means you might need to buy a new lot if you want to build a barndo and your lot is within the city limits. Check your city ordinances to be on the safe side.
- You might have limited cellular coverage – The metal frame and sidings of a barndominium might disrupt cellular signal within the house. As a result, you might experience dropped voice calls or a poor internet connection. Getting a signal booster might help you solve connectivity issues. You can also ask our Facebook group members for tips on how they dealt with cellular connectivity problems.
Regulations
Building a barndominium means complying with building regulations to avoid penalties and fines. Counties have different regulations, though, so be sure to check local ordinances before starting construction. If you’re building in Westport, the front setback of your property should be a minimum of 25 feet from the property line, while the required front setback in Sterling is at least 40 feet from the property line.
Taxes
Paying barndominium taxes is the responsibility of every owner, and for the state of Illinois, the average property tax is 1.04% of a barndo’s assessed value. Unfortunately, Massachusetts has one of the highest property taxes in the United States. Always check with your local tax assessor’s office since counties levy different property taxes.
Insurance
The average barndominium insurance premium in Massachusetts is around $1,274 per year. Although some may consider insurance policies as extra expenses, insuring your barndo can help you repair or reconstruct your building in case it gets damaged or destroyed.
Financing
Financing a barndominium is a great move, so you can build without the financial stress of such a huge project. Check with the local banks and lending companies near you to find the most competitive rates.
Dedham Savings
A Dedham-based institution offering construction loans for aspiring new homeowners.
Middlesex Savings Bank
A Westborough bank offering up to $2.5 million in loans for ground-up construction.
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Builders
Hiring the right builder is one of the best ways to guarantee that your barndo will be all you want it to be. The right builder can execute your plans and turn your dream barndominium into reality.
Bethoney Builders LLC.
A construction company that handles the building of garages, decks, additions, and new home constructions.
Colt Buildings and Homes
Colt Buildings is a South Carolina company that builds custom homes, log homes, and barndominiums in several states, including Massachusetts.
Dream Buildings LLC.
A Pennsylvania-based company that designs and builds custom residential, equestrian, commercial, and agricultural structures for the residents of Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
If you cannot find a local builder to help you, check our listing of the top barndominium contractors that serve multiple states across the country, including Massachusetts.
Kit Providers
If you are a handyman and want to save money, why not build the barndo yourself? All you need is a DIY kit from a reputable supplier, and you can start breaking ground on your barndo.
Boss Buildings
A North Carolina company that supplies metal building kits to multiple states, including Massachusetts.
Worldwide Steel Buildings
A Missouri-based manufacturer of steel buildings, including barndominiums. Read our comprehensive review of Worldwide Steel Buildings to learn more about the company.
We also have a list of barndominium kit providers that sell to most states across the country.
Cost
The price to build a barndominium in Massachusetts is around $188,000 to $215,000. This makes a barndo a cheaper option since a traditional house in Massachusetts can cost you approximately $500,000 to $750,000. The amount you need to build a barndo can change depending on several factors so ask for quotes from several builders to get the most competitive deal. You can also use our barndominium cost calculator to compute your barndo cost.
Where Can You Build a Barndo in Massachusetts?
When building a barndo in Massachusetts, consider areas like Bellingham, Palmer Town, Longmeadow, and Athol. These are places with low costs of living. They are affordable options compared to Boston and nearby areas.
3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Massachusetts
Before you build your barndominium in Massachusetts, there are several factors you need to consider. These are critical aspects that can make or break your barndo.
Single-story or double-story?
A single-story structure might suffice if you have a large lot since the floor area of barndos is often laid out. You should consider building a two-story barndominium if you have a small lot that you want to maximize. Access our Pinterest account to see sample barndominium designs for single and double-story barndos.
The features you want
Take stock of the features of your current house and think of the missing features you would want to have in your barndominium. Don’t have a walk-in closet? Include it when planning the master bedroom. If you’ve always wanted a man cave, set aside a living space where you can build your man cave.
Expansion plans
If you have a feature that you want but are short on funds, consider it during the planning stage. This will make it easier to add it in the future. For example, if you’re planning to add an outdoor dining area, place it right outside the existing one. It will make combining the two dining areas easier and create a large one for special occasions or hosting parties.
Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Massachusetts?
Building a barndominium in Massachusetts is an excellent idea. It has many flat areas suitable for any type of building, including barndominiums. The state is also famous not only for being historical but also for being a center of education in the country. If you don’t have a floor plan yet, check our gallery of barndominium floor plans for inspiration.
Make sure you read our article about the process of building a barndominium to know what to expect as you tackle your ultimate construction project.
