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Building a Barndominium in New Hampshire | Best 2024 Guide

white barndominium for new hampshire state guide
Shawn’s White Barndominium via our Barndominium Living group.

New Hampshire has a special place in American history as the first state to declare independence from England. It is also a state with stunning natural landmarks. New Hampshire is an excellent location if you want a barndominium in a center of culture and the arts. 

A barndominium is an investment, and we want you to make the most of your money. This article can help you understand barndominiums better and make building a barndominium in New Hampshire a more enjoyable experience. 

Can You Build a Barndominium in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can build your barndominium in New Hampshire. It shares a border with Canada, so you can visit Montreal as often as possible. The climate is humid continental, so expect warm summers and snowy winters. It is the home of the White Mountain National Forest; you’re in luck if you love winter sports.

New Hampshire Barndominiums Overview

A barndominium is a structure that looks like a barn on the outside. The interiors can vary from a residence, garage, shop, man cave, or gym. Barndominiums can also be used as churches, warehouses, or sports complexes. They can be made of steel, wood, or a hybrid of the two. Visit our Pinterest account for exciting pictures of different barndos. 

You can also check our Barndominium 101 Guide for more information about these fantastic structures.   

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are advantages and disadvantages to barndominiums, and it would be best to learn about them to know precisely what you are getting into. 

Advantages

  • They can be cheap – A barndominium is cheaper to build than a traditional house because it has a simpler design. This means they can be quick to construct, reducing your labor expenses. You can further reduce your costs by building it yourself if you want. Ask members of our Facebook group for tips on building a barndo DIY style. 
  • They look unique – If you’re tired of houses that look alike, a barndominium is a fantastic option. It has a unique look that sets it apart. Others can immediately tell which building belongs to you because it won’t look like others in your area. Check our Facebook page for samples of inspiring barndo designs.
  • They can be termite-resistant – If you go for an all-metal barndominium, your structure can be termite-resistant. Although it will have small wooden components, the metal sidings, trusses, and frame of a barndo reduce the likelihood of termites infesting your building. Ensure you use termite treatment on wooden components to protect your barndominium completely.  

Disadvantages

  • You cannot build them anywhere – Unlike traditional buildings, you cannot build a barndominium wherever you want. Some cities have regulations banning metal buildings within their city limits. Check with your local council to ensure you can build a barndo on your lot. 
  • They can be difficult to sell – Barndominiums appeal to a niche market, so you might find it harder to sell them. You will find a buyer, but it might take longer than selling a conventional house. 

Regulations   

Construction projects have permits and regulations you need to follow. Unfortunately, counties can have different regulations. Consult your local building authority to get a comprehensive list of your town or city’s regulations. For example, the Town of Hampstead requires a setback of 30 feet for the front and side of your property and 50 feet for the rear. The Town of Holderness has a simpler regulation that requires a setback of 35 feet from all boundary lines. 

Taxes

New Hampshire has the US’s fourth highest property tax rate at 2.05%. However, New Hampshire is also a low-tax state, so you won’t have to pay income or sales taxes. This means that the barndominium taxes you will pay eventually even out since you’re saving on other taxes. 

Insurance

Insuring a barndominium in New Hampshire is affordable at an average of just $724 for a $250,000 property. For the said amount, you can repair or rebuild your structure if it gets damaged or declared a total loss.

Financing

Financing a barndominium is one of the best ways to build a barndo without the financial stress associated with it. Try getting a loan from a local bank or lending company to help finance your building.

HarborOne Mortgage

HarborOne Mortgage is a mortgage company based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Borrowers can choose either a conventional or construction loan to build a barndominium. 

Northeast Credit Union

Northeast Credit Union offers a construction loan with interest-only payments while you’re building your barndo. It is based in Portsmouth and serves the states of Maine and New Hampshire.

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Builders

An expert barndominium builder is an excellent partner to ensure your barndo gets built exactly how you want. Expert builders also ensure that your building complies with building regulations. 

Yankee Barn Homes

Yankee Barn Homes has been operating since 1969 in Grantham, New Hampshire. The company builds different types of homes, including barndominiums, coastal homes, carriage homes, etc. 

American Barn and Building

American Barn and Building is a company based in Piermont, New Hampshire. It specializes in new timber frame construction like barndominiums. 

Seacoast Modular Homes

A design and build company based in Greenland, New Hampshire. Seacoast Modular Homes builds custom starter homes, vacation homes, and mansions. 

Check our list of the top barndominium builders that build in different states, including New Hampshire. 

Kit Providers

Due to their simple designs, it is possible to build a barndominium by yourself. Just make sure that you buy a DIY kit from a reputable supplier. 

Yankee Barn Homes

Yankee Barn Homes is a Grantham-based construction company that also sells post and beam home shell packages. 

Country Carpenters Post and Beam Buildings, Inc.

A company based in Hebron, Connecticut, and specializes in New England-style barns.

Boss Buildings

Boss Buildings is a family-owned manufacturer of metal buildings based in Elkin, North Carolina. The company sells customizable barndominium kits to multiple states, including New Hampshire. 

If you cannot find a local supplier, check our list of suppliers of barndominium kits that sell to almost all states across the country. 

Cost

Barndominium prices in New Hampshire range between $164,000 and $187,000. This makes a barndominium a cheaper alternative to a house, costing an average of $307,400. Costs are relative to your location, home design, etc. Use our barndominium cost calculator to know how much your barndo might cost.

Where Can You Build a Barndo in New Hampshire?

If you want to build a barndominium in New Hampshire, consider areas like Portsmouth, Hanover, Meredith, and Sugar Hill. These are small towns where you can experience a charming hometown feel. 

3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in New Hampshire

There are many things you should consider before building a barndominium. These are factors that can affect how your barndo looks and functions. 

The lot you are building on

The size and shape of your lot greatly influence your barndominium. A structure that’s too large will result in a property that looks too crowded. You also need to make sure that you comply with the setback regulations of your county. 

Features you want

Create a list of all the features you want in your barndominium. This can help you create a carefully-planned barndominium layout. It will also ensure that your barndo has all the needed features. In addition, the features you want to include will affect the overall construction cost of your structure. 

Outdoor spaces

Include in your plan any outdoor spaces you want on your property, even if you don’t intend to build them immediately. If you plan on having an outdoor kitchen or dining area, include plumbing and electrical provisions. Planning outdoor spaces can also ensure your lot isn’t crowded. 

Is it Worth Building a Barndo in New Hampshire?

Yes, it is worth investing in a barndominium in New Hampshire. Although it has high property taxes, you don’t need to pay sales and income taxes. New Hampshire is also ideal if you want to build a barndo in a historical area. Feel free to browse through our barndominium floor plans collection and customize them according to your needs. 

Check our Barndominium Construction Guide to understand better how to build your dream barndominium in New Hampshire.