Combining barn-style structures and open-concept residential living, barndominiums are quickly becoming a popular choice for rural homeowners. With lots of live-work space, a durable exterior, and fully customizable elements, barndominiums align with a range of lifestyle-motivated buyers who love the great outdoors.
There are many benefits to building your own barndominium, and even more so in Texas. The second-largest state by area, Texas boasts over 261,000 square miles of acreage, with plenty of opportunities for landowners.
If you’re still wondering “what is a barndominium?”, you’re in the right place to learn what goes into building one from the ground up. In this article, our real estate experts will break down how to build a barndominium in Texas, discussing the entire process from start to finish. Before you know it, you’ll have the tools to align your barndominium project with your long-term goals.
What to Know Before Building a Barndominium in Texas
For prospective barndominium owners, Texas’ sprawling land area isn’t the only factor to consider. You’ll also want to take the following into account:
- Wide variation in county regulations – Some areas of Texas have minimal to no zoning restrictions, while other areas require permits and inspections for construction. For instance, many small towns and rural areas have strict zoning laws.
- Rural land classifications – Texas has a variety of land use classifications, including residential, commercial, and agricultural. If you’re interested in building a barndominium on a farm or ranch, for instance, you’ll need to comply with rural land codes.
- Climate – Texas is home to 12 different eco-regions, and this diversity in terrain creates a unique land market. Acreage may be restricted by conservation easements, while drought may impact large-scale water usage. On the other hand, landowners can take advantage of conservation policies by receiving property tax exemptions for supporting native Texas wildlife.
Researching local rules and policies is crucial before purchasing land or starting construction for a barndominium. As with any land investment, being proactive upfront saves you time, money, and stress down the line.
Finding the Right Land in Texas for a Barndominium
Successfully building a barndominium in Texas starts with finding the perfect acreage. It’s also why the state is often considered one of the best locations to build a barndominium, with plenty of rural land and fewer restrictions in certain areas.
All prospective buyers should evaluate build-ready land ahead of time, carefully considering factors such as:
- Zoning designation – If you’re building a barndominium, the land needs to be residentially zoned. If you’re planning on combining a barndominium homestead with a for-profit farm, you’ll need agricultural land that doubles as commercial. Keep in mind that Texas also offers agricultural and timber tax exemptions, which can help decrease your budget.
- Deed restrictions – Unrestricted land in Texas is free of deed restrictions and lacks local zoning rules. This can offer greater freedom in what and how you build.
- Floodplain maps – Flood maps identify high-risk flood areas in Texas and can help determine the best areas to build. They can also inform insurance requirements.
- Soil health – When building a barndominium, it’s important to choose stable ground. To determine soil fertility, you can also run soil tests.
- Road access – No matter how perfect a barndominium is, you won’t be able to enjoy it if you can’t access your property. With that in mind, make sure your acreage has an all-weather access road.
- Proximity to utilities – Does your land already have infrastructure for everyday utilities like water and electricity, or will these need to be added to your budget and installed down the line? In rural areas, you should also assess the driving distance to the nearest supplies and amenities.
At Land.com, we’ve identified suitable acreage for buying or building a barndominium across the state, simplifying your search.
Texas Zoning Laws, Permits, and Building Codes
In Texas, areas are designated as either incorporated or unincorporated. Incorporated cities have their own local government and elected officials, whereas unincorporated areas are not part of a city and are instead under the authority of the local county, which enforces laws, ordinances, and regulations
With that in mind, the guidelines for building a barndominium will depend greatly on the area of Texas you’re in. Landowners will need to research:
- Permits
- Inspections
- Septic approvals
- Well permits
- Electrical connections
- Gas, water, and sewer connections
- Building codes
Restrictions can impact everything from utility access to building materials. Make sure to verify requirements directly with local county offices so nothing slips between the cracks.
Designing a Barndominium for the Texas Climate
So, you’ve done your research, and you’re ready to start construction. What’s next?
Learning how to build a barndominium in Texas that takes into account the regional terrain, climate, and land usage. Consider elements such as:
- Heat control – Texas is known for its hot summers, so you’ll want a barndominium that’s well-insulated and stays cool.
- Energy-efficient windows – Proper windows will help keep your barndominium cool in the summer and warm in chilly weather.
- Ventilation systems – For tightly sealed structures like barndominiums, ventilation is crucial even in the dry Texas climate. Proper airflow helps regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold growth, making a mechanical ventilation system an important addition.
- Durable roofing materials – Barndominium roofs are typically built with metal, such as steel, for a durable exterior.
- Covered outdoor living spaces – Since barndos are customizable and open concept, many builders opt for ways to extend the living area into spaces like covered porches.
- Large garages – Another benefit of building a barndominium on an open plot of land is choosing a garage size that fits all your vehicles and equipment.
- Equipment storage – Having an easy flow between living and working spaces allows builders to incorporate ample storage areas.
- Livestock areas – If you’re building a barndominium on farmland, you can incorporate designated interior and exterior spaces for livestock.
- Multi-generational floor plans – Fully customizing your home gives you the freedom to design independent living spaces for various family members.
Ultimately, building a barndominium in Texas should make sense for the local weather and climate, while staying aligned with your lifestyle and goals.
Estimating the Cost to Build a Barndominium in Texas
The sticker price of your barndominium will vary depending on its size, but in general, it costs about $68 to $168 per square foot to build a barndominium in Texas. Of course, this does not include the land purchase itself.
Various other factors can influence the total cost of your barndominium build, including:
- Land clearing
- Permits, surveys, and inspections
- Foundation type
- Steel pricing
- Labor demand
- Interior design
- Rural infrastructure installation
Finally, building in more remote areas can increase utility and site preparation expenses. Before making a purchase, create a detailed budget that accounts for all aspects of the build, design, and landscaping process.
Taking the time to understand your total costs upfront can also help answer a bigger question many buyers have: are barndominiums a good investment in the long run?
Choosing a Texas Barndominium Builder or Going the DIY Route
There are two ways to achieve your dream barndominium: working with a local builder or doing it yourself. Each option has pros and cons—the right choice for you is the one that aligns best with your budget and goals.
If you’re going the builder route, make sure to vet your options carefully. Consider factors like:
- Previous examples of work
- Turnkey packages vs. shell builds
- Contract terms
- Timeline expectations
- Subcontractor coordination
On the other hand, managing the build independently keeps you in full control of the process. However, building a home without prior experience can be complex and challenging, requiring significant time, technical knowledge, and coordination across multiple trades. Mistakes can lead to costly delays, safety concerns, or issues with inspections and code compliance.
It’s also possible to strike a balance, contracting out certain portions of the build and handling other areas yourself. Weighing the risks and rewards will help you reach a confident decision.
Preparing Your Texas Land for Construction
Building a barndominium involves a range of land preparation before vertical construction begins, especially if you’ve purchased undeveloped acreage. These steps include:
- Land clearing
- Grading
- Driveway or access road installation
- Drainage planning
- Septic system installation
- Well drilling
- Electricity and utility connection
Raw or undeveloped land, especially in rural areas, often requires significant upfront development, which will impact your building budget. It can be helpful to work with local professionals to get an idea of estimated costs.
Final Steps Before Breaking Ground
Before you officially start building your Texas barndominium, there are a few due diligence steps to take. Your to-do list may include:
- Builder contracts – If you’re working with professional builders or a construction company, make sure you have clear contracts that detail timeline, cost, and expectations.
- Construction insurance – Builder’s risk insurance covers construction-related hazards to structures, equipment, and materials. It typically does not cover injuries or weather-related damage.
- Financing readiness – Have you secured financing from a third-party lender? Is your budget up-to-date? Are you prepared for potentially unforeseen costs? When it comes to financing your barndominium, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Work permits – Depending on your location, you may need to secure permits before construction begins. Requirements can vary by county, so be sure to check with your local county office early in the process.
- Zoning compliance – It’s crucial to confirm zoning compliance and ensure that your plans follow local guidelines.
Once you complete final approvals and your infrastructure plans are finalized, you’re ready to build a barndominium in Texas.
Find the Perfect Acreage for Your Barndominium
When it comes to building from scratch, the first step in the barndominium process is often acquiring your own acreage. Explore undeveloped parcels and barndominiums for sale in Texas on Land.com, the nation’s leading online network for rural real estate. Browse Texas land listings across the state, using our convenient filters to search by size, terrain, land use, and more.
Connect with a local Land Professional to streamline the entire process. Land Pros know the ins and outs of the Texas market, and can offer expert insight into an area’s terrain, community, county regulations, and more.
Your barndominium journey starts on Land.com.
Sources:
United States Census Bureau. Texas. https://data.census.gov/profile/Texas?g=040XX00US48.
National Zoning Atlas. Texas Zoning Atlas. https://www.zoningatlas.org/texas.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Land Use Classification. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/remediation/trrp/land-use-classification-rg-366-trrp-07.pdf/%40%40download/file/land-use-classification-rg-366-trrp-07.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwis14zRj4KTAxWZEFkFHRxmDToQFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3ve4QIsgan9pNR5YcoZQRO.
Texan Nature. A Conservation Guide for Texas Landowners. https://texanbynature.org/2023/03/a-conservation-guide-for-texas-landowners-2/.
FEMA. Flood Maps. https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps.
OER Commons. Chapter 10.1: Local Government. https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/61395/student/?section=4.
All Draft Design Services. Barndominium Ventilation Myths: What Homeowners Need to Stop Believing. https://alldraft.com/barndominium-ventilation-myths-what-homeowners-need-to-stop-believing/.
Better Homes and Gardens. What Is a Barndominium? Pros and Cons of This Open-Concept Design. https://www.bhg.com/what-is-a-barndominium-7567518.
HomeGuide. How much does a barndominium cost to build? https://homeguide.com/costs/barndominium-cost.
Investopedia. Understanding Builder’s Risk Insurance for Construction Projects. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/brcf.asp.
