Building a Barndominium in North Carolina | Best 2024 Guide

North Carolina is a state blessed with unique geography; it has awe-inspiring mountain ranges, sweeping coastal plains, and a fantastic shoreline. North Carolina’s magnificent geography makes for a perfect backdrop for a barndominium, and we’re here to help you build yours. 

With the help of this article, you can find out everything you need to know about barndominiums and why there are ideal for living in North Carolina. We will also answer some common questions about building a barndominium in North Carolina.

Can You Build a Barndominium in North Carolina?

Yes, building a barndominium in North Carolina is an excellent idea. Although North Carolina is getting urbanized, according to a 2019 census, almost half of its population still lives in rural areas. We all know that barndos are perfect for rural areas, and you can easily find a suitable place in North Carolina for your barndominium. 

North Carolina Barndominium Overview

When we hear the term barndominium, the first image that comes to mind is a building that looks like a barn but functions as a garage, dwelling, workshop, or a combination of several functions. For the most part, that description still holds. The only difference is that while old barndominiums have steel sidings and frames, some homeowners now favor wood, metal, or a wood-and-metal combination for their barndominium materials. There is no strict rule about which building materials you should use. Use whatever material you think will work best for your barndo. 

Our Barndominium 101 Guide is a valuable resource for learning about the different types of barndos and anything else you need to know about them. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

Owning a barndominium is not all roses. There are downsides to barndominiums, and knowing about them can help you fully appreciate your barndominium and prepare how to deal with them. 

Advantages

• They are more durable – Most barndominiums use metal sidings and frames, so they are more durable. Unlike concrete, which easily cracks during hurricanes or earthquakes, steel can withstand considerable stress without damage. Metal buildings are also safe from termites. However, it is important to note that buildings made of wood or concrete can be as durable when constructed following safety standards. 

• They look unique – A barndominium is a fantastic alternative if you want a building that stands out. Most conventional houses look the same, and a barndo allows you to live in a one-of-a-kind home. 

• They are easier to maintain – Barndominiums require little maintenance compared to regular buildings. Usually, you just need to repaint your building or repair damaged sidings. These are minimal compared to the maintenance required by traditional houses, like fixing cracked concrete walls, treating for termites, replacing roof tiles, etc.

• They are quicker to build – Barndominiums are faster to build than conventional houses. This makes a barndominium an ideal option if you need to relocate in a short period. You can even order a DIY kit to reduce construction time. 

Disadvantages

• Getting a loan can be challenging – You might find it challenging to get a loan for building your barndominium. This is because some banks and lending companies still don’t know what barndominiums are. The best way to go about this is by steering clear of the words barndominium and barndo during your application. Just tell the bank officer that you are building a custom house with a concrete foundation. You can also ask members of our Facebook group for advice on filing a successful construction loan application. 

• They are not ideal if you want a multi-storied building – If you want a building that’s more than two stories high, a barndominium might not be for you because most barndos can only go up to two stories. This also means that a barndominium might not be suitable for you if you have a small lot and want to maximize it by building a multi-story house. 

• They can be prone to corrosion – This is one downside of having a metal building, and the best way to counter this is by using a protective coating to prevent moisture from getting into rust-prone areas. Fix leaks immediately because moisture can accelerate rusting. 

Regulations

Complying with building regulations can ensure that your construction project proceeds smoothly. You can also avoid penalties and fines by following building regulations. For example, a construction permit in North Carolina expires if you don’t begin construction within 6 months of the issuance date. The permit will also expire if you have started building, but work gets discontinued for 12 months, so be sure that it’s all-systems-go before you get your permit to avoid having to reapply for a new one. 

Some counties have unique regulations, and it will be best if you go to the local building and zoning authority to get a complete list of the regulations you need to be aware of. 

Taxes

One of the perks of living in North Carolina is that its property tax rate is below the national average. North Carolina’s mean annual property tax rate stands at 0.77% of a property’s assessed fair market value. Among North Carolina’s counties, Carteret has the lowest property tax rate at 0.33%, while Scotland County has the highest at 0.99%. Since not all counties have the same property tax rates, check with your local tax office to get an accurate estimate of your barndominium taxes. 

Insurance

According to Bankrate, expect to pay an average of $1,317 per year for an insurance policy that covers a $250,000 dwelling. It is possible to find something cheaper, so don’t be afraid to ask for a quote from several insurance providers. What’s excellent about insuring a barndominium is that you are fully covered if you need to repair or reconstruct your barndo. A policy also covers replacing whatever is in your barndominium, like electronics, furniture, appliances, etc.  

Financing

Financing a barndominium can help you build your barndo even with insufficient funds. There are local financial institutions who can help finance your barndominium; we have listed some below.

North State Bank

This bank has headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and offers several construction loans like FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank is based in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, and services residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. 

Union Bank

Union Bank has offices across North Carolina and offers FHA, VA, and USDA Rural Housing mortgages.  

Builders

If you already have a vision of how you want your barndominium to look, the next step is finding a local builder to bring the said vision to life. An expert local builder ensures you have a barndominium you can enjoy for as long as you want. 

Seven Generations Build Group LLC.

Seven Generations Build Group are general contractors specializing in construction and renovations. They service clients in Raleigh, Cary, and North Carolina Triangle area. 

Performance Construction Services, Inc.

Performance Construction Services, Inc. is a company based in Lexington, North Carolina, that handles residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. 

Colt Hayden Homes

Colt Hayden Homes is a North Carolina building contractor that builds traditional homes and barndominiums. 

Steel Root Builders

This Asheville, North Carolina-based company builds custom homes, including barndominiums, modern homes, luxury houses, and country houses. 

Extreme Post Frame Construction

Extreme Post Frame Construction is based in Mooresville, North Carolina, and specializes in custom-engineered buildings for homeowners in Western North Carolina. 

If you need help finding a local builder for your barndominium, we also have a listing of the top barndominium contractors that serve customers all over the US, including those in North Carolina. 

Kit Providers

If you have proper training, you have the option of building your barndominium. You can look for a kit provider, get it installed, and handle the rest. This can help you save money that you can then use to create an amazing interior for your barndominium.

Premier Building Systems Inc.

Premier Building Systems Inc. is a local supplier of custom steel buildings in North Carolina. 

Metal Depots

Metal Depots has a location 6 miles outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. The company offers DIY pre-fabricated building kits. 

Inco Steel Buildings

Inco Steel Buildings is a building company in Rolesville that also builds and sells steel buildings in Eastern North Carolina. 

Worldwide Steel Buildings

A company that supplies steel buildings for barndominiums, arenas, horse barns, hangars, etc. Read our Worldwide Steel Buildings review to learn more about their products. 

Aside from the local suppliers of barndominium kits above, we have also compiled a list of national suppliers that sell kits to multiple states across the US, including North Carolina. 

Cost

A New Home Source article estimates that the average cost of a house in North Carolina is between $160 and $230 per square foot. On the other hand, General Steel Buildings estimates that the price to build a barndominium is between $77 and $218 per square foot. Remember that these are estimates and depend on several factors, including the size of the building and the type of finish the homeowner will use. 

You can use our barndominium cost calculator to estimate how much your barndominium might cost. 

Where Can You Build a Barndo in North Carolina?

North Carolina has many picturesque small towns where you can build a barndominium, including Boone, Bath, Saluda, New Bern, and Hillsborough. Small towns are often tightly-knit communities ideal for fostering friendly neighborly relations. However, there are many other rural areas in North Carolina where you can build a barndominium. If you have a specific location in mind, an ocular visit might help you decide if it’s the right place for your barndo. 

3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in North Carolina

Anticipate Future Needs

Try to picture yourself 5 to 10 years into the future. If you see yourself starting a family, plan to have enough bedrooms and bathrooms in your barndominium. If you see yourself starting a workshop, allocate an area for your future workshop. It is better to have extra room and not use it than not to have enough space for future needs. In addition, from our personal experience, we can tell that a thoughtful lighting design enhances the overall ambiance and functionality of the space, ensuring that it remains adaptable to changing needs and preferences.

For this reason, we always emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out electrical plan as well as energy-efficient and smart lighting solutions that can contribute to long-term cost savings and sustainability. If you have the opportunity, we strongly recommend visiting lighting showrooms in NC in person rather than ordering online without a firsthand look at the options available.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces let you appreciate your natural surroundings, so leave enough room for a porch, patio, outdoor kitchen, or pool. Outdoor living spaces are excellent for entertaining guests and increasing the capacity of your barndominium. Maximizing indoor and outdoor spaces also helps you make the most out of your property. 

Type of Building Materials

Decide on whether you want your barndominium to be made of wood, metal, or a combination of several building materials. Different building materials have advantages and disadvantages, so research them or ask your builder for professional advice. Head over to our Pinterest account to see samples of barndominium designs that combine different building materials. 

Is it Worth Building a Barndo in North Carolina?

North Carolina is an excellent option for building a barndominium. Its magnificent landscape makes for a fantastic backdrop for your barndo. The state also has a magnificent shoreline, so you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach if you want. Although the state has many rural areas, it also has many urban centers within reach, so you can get hold of the latest modern items for your barndominium. 

If you need inspiration for your barndominium, you can browse our compilation of fantastic barndominium floor plans. We also have a comprehensive article elaborating on the barndominium construction process to help you become a barndominium expert in no time.