in

Owner’s Story: Chris’ & Brandi’s Incredible Self-Contracted Barndominium (Only $77/sq. ft.!)

The Closeup view of Chris’ and Brandi’s Incredible DIY Barndominium.

Constructing a barndominium could be experimental. Though its integrity needs to be secured, its planning and designing have no law! You can think outside the box, be practical, and make a comfortable dwelling out of it.

We have a graceful and economical DIY barndominium to showcase today. Chris and his wife Brandi had a perfect home idea and did all the work with just their creativity and vision. The outcome is this fantastic unit that became an inspiration for our growing circle, the Barndominium Living group on Facebook.

Why not spare some time and look at this barndo masterpiece that could also inspire you?

Home Details

State

Texas

Year

2021 to 2022

Baths

2.5

Size

5,200 sq. ft (2,780 heated sq. ft.)

Construction Time

11 months

Beds

3

Cost

$400,000

The Front view of Chris and Brandi's Incredible DIY Barndominium.
The Front view of Chris and Brandi’s Incredible DIY Barndominium.

Barndo Building Process

This self-built barndominium is a family home project led by the couple, Chris and Brandi Hill. The planning and design were inspired by several barndo plans that matched their living space needs. Despite constructing the unit during the pandemic, building it by themselves gave them broad possibilities in styling according to their budget and preference. Some of its elements are custom crafts, while others are outsourced. Since there are a lot of furnishing sources nearby and online, the Hill family achieved a sweet modern barndo. 

It is a 5,200 sq. ft. cabin-like house with a metal and wood frame. The dedicated 2,780 heated sq. ft. space is for the main quarters. Three bedrooms are spaced within the single-story barndominium, overlooking a meadow surrounding the house. It looks a lot like an expensive country property, but amazingly costs only $400,000, which is quite reasonable and low-cost for its high-quality build.

Receive Quotes from Multiple Barndominium Builders & Kit Providers Near You Today (It's Free!)

Fill in this 1-minute form below and receive estimates for your project without having to find them yourself! Let them do the work.

The Entrance to Chris and Brandi's Incredible DIY Barndominium in seasonal decor.
The Entrance to the barndo in seasonal decor.

Financing – How Did They Do It?

The Hill couple is the immediate contractor of this structure, so they took charge and personally handled their construction funds. With discipline and resourcefulness, their four-hundred grand was enough and worthwhile to complete this cool and charming barndo.

The Barndo's exterior at night with Christmas lighting.
The Barndo’s exterior at night with Christmas lighting.

Barndominium Exterior – Bright and Welcoming

From afar, you will fall in love with this featured barndominium. Its wide white perimeter blends naturally with the abundant woods and pasture, creating an inviting appeal; you will want to visit and see the interiors!

There is an outdoor hangout place that prides itself in having a high ceiling and an open gable roof with cedar beams and posts fresh from the family’s woods. Its spacious area is perfect for entertaining guests and enjoying the refreshing breeze.

The Hill’s epic barndo exterior.

Interior – Modern Country-Style

Within the quarters is an open plan highlighting a fusion of wood and brick. It is nice and airy; the ceiling presents the tongue and groove shiplaps that spread throughout the barndo and continue to the porch. Cabinetries and furniture are not custom-made besides the repurposed and redesigned furnishings by Brandi. Nonetheless, everything seems complementary and harmonious.

Get to see more of this home and check out how the owners designed their interiors.

Living Area

A step inside and through the lovely foyer, you will promptly spot a spacious area that caters to the living room, dining, and kitchen. The living area, in particular, is eye-catching for its high gabled ceiling and black accent wall with a fireplace. An entertainment setup is ideal and a must for this setting, completing the restful mood of the barndo.

The Living area is furnished with leather sofa and coffee table that is sitting on a rug, stone fireplace, and a wall mounted TV.
The Living area is furnished with a leather sofa and coffee table that is sitting on a rug, a stone fireplace, and a wall-mounted TV.

Dining Area

Right across the great room is the formal dining area, furnished with a 6-seat dining table, has wide legroom, and is accessible to the kitchen.

The dining area, right across the great room, is furnished with a 6-seat dining table.
The dining area, right across the great room, is furnished with a 6-seat dining table.

Kitchen

The kitchen provides a generous cooking area and storage. The cupboards are made out of an old hutch and a butcher block. It pairs well with the old wooden island and smooth white countertops, a great choice for an open kitchen. The sink faces a window that overlooks the garden and shows off the base made from an old antique liquor cabinet. They saved a lot with these innovative features that gave the home an additional touch. 

A well lit kitchen, equipped with a 4-seat island bar, cabinetries and appliences.
A well-lit kitchen, equipped with a 4-seat island bar, cabinetries, and appliances.

Bedrooms

Three sizable bedrooms provide comfortable sleeping quarters for the family. Two are cozy and have big windows overlooking the fantastic greenery outside. The master suite is distinct from the other rooms for it has a black tongue and groove ceiling. The master bed is also a highlight piece, holding sentimental value since it is a cedar bed uniquely made by Chris’ grandfather. 

The Master Suite with a cedar bed.
The Master Suite with a cedar bed.

Bathrooms

The barndo offers two bathrooms, one being the common bathroom and another being an en-suite toilet and bath with a walk-in closet, an exclusive bathtub, and a panoramic view.

An en-suite toilet and bath with an exclusive bathtub.
An en-suite toilet and bath with an exclusive bathtub.

High-raised Shed Porch

Though it is just a partially indoor space, it is still worthwhile to present and appreciate. Its vast area greatly stands out, especially from the front perspective. It has well-spaced sections furnished with an entertainment and dining setup. What a pleasant place to enjoy the holidays with family!

Spacious front porch furnished with entertainment and dining setup.
Spacious front porch furnished with entertainment and dining setup.

Similar Floor Plans for Your Dream Barndo

If you are ready to take on your own barndo building story, here are the best similar floor plans to consider, especially if you need a house like Chris’. We also included the porch, which you might want for your future barn home.

Economical Metal-Framed Barndominium w/ 2-Car Garage (HQ Plans & 3D Concepts)

Timber prices are reaching for the sky in 2022. To save the headache, this modern 3-bedroom farmhouse features an alternative metal frame design. However, it can also be upgraded with 2×6 traditional wooden framing. The structure is designed to be constructed utilizing the ‘bolt-up’ metal building technique. Bolt-up structures are prefabricated at the manufacturer site, making them quick and easy to install on the building site. It cuts down the costs and time frame without compromising durability and flexibility.

front view of the traditional bungalow carriage style barn home
Front view of the traditional bungalow carriage-style barn home

Finest 2,765 Sq. Ft. 3BHK Country House with Tandem Garage (HQ Plans & 3D Concepts)

This magnificent barndominium with a large corner porch is designed to celebrate traditional elegance. The deeper color of the paneling lends a rustic sense to the home. The porch is supported by wood columns with a creamy thick grey stone base, while the fireplace ornamented by rubble stone shines out from a distance. The exterior of this lovely barndominium is balanced by each component.

Front view of the glorious country-style 5-bedroom barndominium
Front view of the glorious country-style 5-bedroom barndominium

Dazzling 3BHK Country House w/ 2-Car Garage (HQ Plans & 3D Concepts)

A large wrap-around veranda and a gambrel roof supported by two dormers unite to create a stunning residence. This floor plan is designed keeping lavishness and costs in mind. The facade gives a dreamy look to the house.

Front view of the Stunning 3BHK Country House w/ 2-Car Garage
Front view of the Stunning 3BHK Country House w/ 2-Car Garage

Wrap-Up

We saw how enchanting Chris’ and Brandi’s barndominium ended up, regardless of building it in times of pandemic and without professional help. As a consequence of the owners’ cleverness and capability to design with the available mediums, they acquired an impressive dwelling to be proud of. It took them many long days and nights, but it was surely fulfilling for them. Just as Chris said, “good luck to anyone doing this because it will be rewarding in the end!”

Catch a conversation with him and his wife by sending them an email to [email protected]. Don’t miss out on the relevant barndo updates too! Be a part of our growing group on Facebook and be in the know of the latest barndominium trends. Stay inspired, and have a happy barndo-building journey!

Image Gallery

Avatar

Written by Metal-Building-Homes.com

We strive to deliver informational and inspirational content for unconventional homes. From barndominiums to steel-framed modular homes, this is the place to browse if you're looking into untraditional housing options.