If building your dream home is something you are planning on, you have likely stumbled upon alternative housing like barndominiums. In recent years, barndominiums have gained popularity due to the benefits of the barndominium lifestyle. Find out why these quirky houses appeal to a lot of new homeowners. Read on and learn about building a barndo in Vermont along the way.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Build a Barndominium in Vermont?
- 2 Vermont Barndominiums Overview
- 3 Where Can You Build a Barndo in Vermont?
- 4 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Vermont
- 5 Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Vermont?
Can You Build a Barndominium in Vermont?
Yes! Building a barndominium in Vermont is ideal due to the state’s lake towns, low population, and outdoor activities!
Vermont Barndominiums Overview
Barndominium is a term referring to barns converted into houses. They are houses that have the exterior appearance of a barn. The original barndominiums were made from metal frames, but barndos today can be made from metal, timber, or a mix of both. The level of customization you could achieve with barndominiums sets them apart from traditional stick-built houses. Barndo owners usually use the extra space for other purposes like a shop, a garage, or a home office.
You can learn more about these kinds of houses by checking out our Barndominium 101 Guide. Check out our Facebook page for more ideas on barndo designs.
Advantages and Disadvantages
We need to look at the pros and cons to help us understand what to expect in building a barndominium in Vermont.
Advantages
- Cheap – Barndominiums are cheaper than stick-built houses because they are much easier to build. They are built quicker too, which is good news for those who want to move sooner than later.
- Durable – For the most part, barndos are made of steel and other materials resistant to fire, mold, and rot. This means that you will also save on maintenance costs in the long run.
- Multi-purpose – Barndos can serve multiple purposes depending on your needs. If you need a workshop or a garage, you can custom-design your barndo to accommodate that.
Disadvantages
- Financing – Most banks do not consider Barndos as houses; as such, financing a barndominium might be more difficult. It would help not to refer to your project as a barndominium when applying for a loan. It is better to refer to it as a custom house with a concrete foundation.
- Exterior – The exterior appearance of barndos might be considered a turn-off for some people because they look like barns. If you’re looking for creative ways to beautify your barndo, our Pinterest account has lots of ideas you can look into.
Regulations
The purpose of regulations is to ensure the safety and reliability of your home by following the standards set by the state. Different counties may have varying regulations, so we recommend talking to your local building authority to be guided accordingly. For your barndo project, you may not need to get a DFS state construction permit. The builder you will work with should be well-versed in the local zoning and regulations.
Taxes
Regardless of which state you choose to build in, barndominium taxes will always be something you will have to deal with. Vermont’s effective average property tax rate is 1.86% of the home’s assessed market value. Taxes will vary by county, so make sure you talk to your local tax office for an accurate tax rate estimate.
Insurance
Although not required by the state, barndominium insurance may be required by your mortgage company. It is best to protect your house with the help of insurance. The average cost of home insurance in Vermont is $686 annually on a $250,000 home.
Financing
Considering that a barndo project involves huge sums of money, you would want to work with a financial institution to help with the financial burden. Reach out to one of the recommended mortgage companies below to get barndominium financing.
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation
VACC is a non-profit corporation that helps Vermont farmers with funding for agricultural facilities. They may also help you with your barndominium build.
Farm Credit East
Farm Credit has multiple locations in Vermont. They have extensive experience in financing rural homes, including barndominiums.
Builders
One of the biggest decisions you have to make with this project is whom to choose to build your dream home. Always look into a builder’s previous work and feedback from people they worked with.
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Vermont Barns
Vermont barns have built various types of timber frame barns. They can do the entire work, from permitting to interior design. They could be a good choice if you want to build a wooden frame barndo.
Vermont Country Builders
Another experienced builder in Vermont. Their ​​specialty is post & beam, timber frame, and conventionally framed barns.
Bud Carpenter, Inc.
Bud Carpenter has over 55 years of experience building various barn structures in Vermont, including barndominiums. They can help you design and build your dream home.
If you’re looking to explore more, we have a list of the top barndominium builders that can help with your project.
Kit Providers
Buying prefabricated barndo kits is a great choice for those looking to save on labor costs. You must ensure you have all the DIY skills needed to do the work. If you have any questions about building your kit, you can post them on our Facebook Group. Below are kit providers you can look into.
Worldwide Steel Buildings
They are one of the leaders in the industry that can serve all states. They even ship internationally. If you are looking for a reliable kit supplier, you can’t go wrong with them.
Sunward Steel Buildings
Sunward Steel is a huge name in the barndo building industry. Although not located in Vermont, they can help you with your barndominium kit needs.
Great Western Buildings
A kit manufacturer from Colorado who will put your needs first and ensure that your kit is not rushed to ensure excellent quality.
If you would like to explore more on kits, we have a list of barndominium kit providers that will help you with your project.
Cost
Generally speaking, barndominiums are cheaper compared to stick-built houses. For reference, the average price per square foot for homes in Vermont is $215. Barndominium pricing ranges from $84 to $96 per square foot in Burlington, Vermont. This number depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your build and what features you want to have. To take these into account, we have a barndominium cost calculator you can use for a more accurate estimate.
Where Can You Build a Barndo in Vermont?
You can build your barndo almost anywhere in the state. Vermont has acres of vast landscape and beautiful mountains that are sought after by anyone who wants to move in. The ideal place for you depends on the lifestyle that you would like to live. If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, you may want to live near the mountain slopes. Or you can surround yourself with maple trees and enjoy the beauty of nature. You will have to decide for yourself. You can start with South Burlington, Charlotte, and Norwich.
Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in Vermont
The barndo lifestyle
You should consider your future lifestyle in your barndo home. Ask yourself if this is something you want for yourself and your family for the next 5-10 Years.
Location
Your home location should also be something you have discussed with your family. What will your commutes to and from work look like? What would the accessibility look like? This needs complete deliberation as it affects your stay in your barndo home.
Interior design
The interior of your home has to be beautified to your standards. A cozy-looking house makes a happy home, so plan out your interior design and see where you can source the materials you need.
Is it Worth Building a Barndo in Vermont?
The answer is yes! It is worth building a barndominium in Vermont, a state with so much to offer and a place where a barndominium fits right in. The open spaces and beautiful landscapes ensure that you would enjoy living the barndo life. As you plan everything out on this project, you can take a look at our barndominium floor plans for inspiration. If you want to learn about the build process, we have an article on the barndominium construction process, which will take you on a step-by-step journey of building a barndo.
What are you waiting for? Take your first steps into the world of barndo living!
