Barndominium

A barndominium is a steel structure that combines living space with utility space in one building: a finished residence on one side, a shop or storage bay on the other. It is durable, affordable, and stylish, and it goes up on the same pre-engineered framing as our other buildings.

Most buildings do require a building permit, but the requirement is set locally, so check with your county or city before you order. Ask your specialist about engineered drawings while you are at it, since permit offices usually want them along with your local wind and snow ratings.

The whole footprint has to be level within about 3 inches front to back and side to side, and it has to be square. "It looks flat" and "it slopes just a little" are the two assumptions that get installs postponed. Level under the building, sloped away around the building, so water runs off instead of pooling at the base.

Concrete slab is the strongest and most durable option, is easy to clean, and is the right call for garages, workshops, and commercial buildings. Gravel is affordable and drains well for carports, RV covers, and small storage, as long as it is compacted and level. An asphalt pad is smooth and stable and sits between the two on cost, though it is not as durable under heavy use.

Yes. Across all programs the overall approval rate is 95 percent. Rent-to-own requires no credit check at all: approval comes with a valid ID, leases run $1,200 to $30,000 over 24 to 72 months, and there is a 90 days same as cash option. Non-prime financing starts around a 550 score with fixed monthly payments and no early payoff penalty. Select lenders do not require you to own the property.

29-gauge steel carries up to a 20-year warranty against chipping and cracking. 26-gauge heavy-duty steel carries up to a 40-year warranty against fading and adds heavy-duty resistance to weather. Keep in mind that an improperly leveled site can void manufacturer warranties, which is one more reason site prep is worth getting right.

Our structures are engineered to withstand up to 90 PSF snow loads and 180 mph wind gusts, meeting or exceeding local building code requirements. The exact certification depends on your county, so your specialist will match the build to your local ratings.

Four things. Get the site level and square within 3 inches. Clear debris and vegetation so there is 3 ft. of level clearance around the perimeter, or 10 ft. if a lift is needed. Make sure there is a path in for a dually pickup and trailer totalling 55 to 70 feet. And call 811 to have every underground utility line under the footprint marked, which is free. Crews assemble the structure only; they do not grade, level, or excavate.

Yes, and expanding costs less than starting a new structure. Common additions are open or enclosed lean-tos on the sides, enclosing an open carport with panels and doors, insulation and HVAC, added electrical and lighting, and cupolas or awnings. Plan for whether the concrete slab or gravel pad needs to extend, and check whether the expansion needs its own permit.

With proper care, 40 to 50 years or more. Maintenance is light: walk around it twice a year and after any severe storm, keep the ground sloping away from the base, tighten loose fasteners, lubricate roll-up doors and hinges, rinse the panels, and touch up any paint chips or scratches right away so they do not turn into corrosion.