If you love the great outdoors, West Virginia is the perfect place to build a barndominium. It has rolling hills, mountain ranges, and valleys you can explore in your free time. The state’s scenic beauty resulted in a thriving tourism industry, and you can pick a wide range of outdoor activities to spend your time on.
We aim to help you build your barndominium in West Virginia as easily as possible. This guide will help you understand barndominiums better to build the best barndo that serves all your needs.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Build a Barndominium in West Virginia?
- 2 West Virginia Barndominiums Overview
- 3 Where Can You Build a Barndo in West Virginia?
- 4 3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in West Virginia
- 5 Is it Worth Building a Barndo in West Virginia?
Can You Build a Barndominium in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia is an excellent place to build a barndominium. The state has moderately cold winters, while its summers are warm and humid. West Virginia is a rural state, so finding a spot for your barndo will be a breeze.
West Virginia Barndominiums Overview
Barndominiums are recognizable because of their barn-like appearance. You can use them as your dwelling, garage, workshop, or warehouse. You can build a barndo and turn it into a huge man cave. While most barndominiums use steel, you can find wooden or hybrid ones that use wood and steel. Head to our Pinterest account for more pictures of different barndo designs and building materials.
Read our Barndominium 101 Guide for some interesting facts about these structures.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Just like other buildings, there are advantages and disadvantages to barndominiums. Learning about them can help you decide whether a barndo is the best structure for your needs.
Advantages
- They can be affordable – A barndominium is a cost-effective alternative to a house. It has a simple design that’s easy and quick to build, enabling you to save on labor costs. Since it is easy to build, you can construct the barndo yourself and further reduce your construction expenses. Follow our Facebook page for more articles about saving expenses while building your barndo.
- They can be termite-resistant – If you are building a metal barndo, it might be more resistant to termites compared to regular buildings. Metal does not attract them because they are not a food source for termites. Take note, though, that metal barndos still have some wooden parts, so ensure you use anti-termite treatment on wooden components to increase your barndominium’s ability to resist termites.
- They are easy to maintain – A barndominium requires less upkeep compared to a traditional house because metal roofing is more energy efficient than asphalt shingles. Metal roofing offers homeowners significant energy savings through cool roof pigments and above-sheathing ventilation. Cool roof pigments are designed to reflect sunlight, lowering the amount of energy absorbed by the roof material. Just be sure to repaint your barndo or repair dented sidings from time to time to keep your barndominium in mint condition.
Disadvantages
- They can be prone to rust – An all-metal barndo can be prone to rust which may reduce its life cycle. Be sure to apply a protective coating to your barndominium to prevent rusting. Always be on the lookout for leaks that may cause moisture and result in rusting. Try connecting with our Facebook group members to get more tips on how to keep your barndo rust-free.
- You cannot build a barndo anywhere – Unlike conventional buildings, you cannot build a barndominium anywhere. Some cities prohibit the building of steel structures within their city limits. Check for ordinances about metal structures in your county to avoid running into building permit issues.
Regulations
You need to secure a building permit before you can start constructing your barndominium. Visit your local building and zoning office to get a list of requirements and regulations because not all counties implement the same regulations. For example, if you are building in the City of Weirton, your permit gets voided if you don’t begin construction within 60 days of receiving your permit. In the City of Bluefield, you have up to 6 months from the date of issuance to start your construction project.
Taxes
One of the perks of building in West Virginia is its low property tax rate of 0.57%. This means that you will be paying one of the lowest barndominium taxes in the country. Get your computation of property taxes from your local tax assessor to get an accurate computation and ensure you are paying the correct amount each year.
Insurance
Insuring a barndominium in West Virginia costs around $1,124. With the help of an insurance policy, you can receive funding to repair any damage to your barndominium. If your structure is declared a total loss, your insurance provider can also help you rebuild your barndo.
Financing
If you want to build a barndominium without the financial stress that comes with it, partner with a local financial institution. You can get barndominium financing from a local bank or a mortgage company.
Premier Mortgage
Premier Mortgage is a private mortgage company in Morgantown, West Virginia, offering USDA, FHA, conventional, and VA loans.
WesBanco Bank Inc.
WesBanco is headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia but has branches in eight states. The bank offers Construction-to-Permanent Loans to borrowers.
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Builders
If you want to build your barndominium confidently, hire an expert builder. Prioritize local builders since they can be more affordable than out-of-state builders.
Champion Buildings
A supplier of pre-engineered steel buildings in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The company services select areas in West Virginia, including Bluefield, Berkeley Springs, Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown.
RM Buildings, Inc.
RM Buildings, Inc. has been operating in Jane Lew, West Virginia, since 2001. The company specializes in residential, commercial, equestrian, and agricultural post-frame buildings.
If you cannot find a local builder, use our list of the top barndominium contractors that build in different locations across the US.
Kit Providers
Planning to go the DIY route? Start your project right by getting your steel building kit from a trusted local provider.
DC Builders
DC Builders sells pre-engineered barn and barn home kits. The company is based in Oregon but services in other states, including West Virginia.
Sunward Steel Buildings
A Colorado-based company that manufactures and sells steel buildings to several states, including West Virginia.
Tarheel Metal Structures, Inc.
Tarheel Metal Structures, Inc. is based in North Carolina but sells metal buildings to residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
We also have a directory of barndominium kit sellers that sell and ship to multiple locations in the country.
Cost
Barndominium prices in West Virginia range from $141,000 to $161,000. This is cheaper than building a new house which can range from $180,000 to $400,000. However, these are estimates and can change depending on your location, building size, etc. If you want to know how much your barndo might cost, feel free to use our barndominium cost calculator.
Where Can You Build a Barndo in West Virginia?
The best places to build a barndo in West Virginia include Beckley, Elkins, Ripley, and Stonewood. There are small towns with affordable living costs, so you can stretch your budget and use your savings for your nest egg, vacation, or college fund.
3 Things to Consider Before Building a Barndominium in West Virginia
Several factors can affect how your barndominium looks and functions, so consider them during the planning stage.
Your lot
The size of your lot is crucial because it dictates how big your structure will be. Consider building a two-story barndominium to maximize space if you have a small lot. You should also take note of the setback regulations in your county or the minimum distance your barndo should be from the property line.
Outdoor spaces
Plan outdoor spaces like the gazebo, kitchen, or dining area. With proper planning, you can have an outdoor layout that doesn’t look crowded.
Building materials
Decide on whether you want an all-metal barndo or a wooden barndominium. The building material you will use will affect your budget since an all-metal structure is more expensive.
Is it Worth Building a Barndo in West Virginia?
Yes, it is worth building a barndo in West Virginia. It has low property taxes, so you can save on annual expenses. The state has many excellent natural attractions, making it ideal if you love outdoor activities like hiking, mountaineering, or biking. You can use our barndominium floor plans to start planning your barndominium and tailor it to include the features you need.
Use our barndominium construction guide to know more about how you can build the barndominium of your dreams.
