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The Daily Insight

Are pole barn houses cheaper to build?

Author

Rachel Newton

Updated on February 24, 2026

Are pole barn houses cheaper to build?

Some assume that pole barn homes are cheaper to build than traditional, stick-built construction, but our answer to that would be, “It depends on what you’re looking for.” For a finished home, you could expect to spend anywhere from $125 – $200 per square foot (shell-only costs are usually 60% to 80% less).

How much does it cost to build a Barndominium in South Dakota?

The average cost of building a barndominium in South Dakota is around $125 per square foot. This makes it much cheaper to build than a traditional home, which can cost upwards of $160 per square foot depending on the materials you choose to use.

Who builds Barndominiums in South Dakota?

Project Information

Project Type:Residential, > 3,000 sq. ft.
Manufacturer:Enercept
Builder:Jbar Construction Specialties, LLC
Design Professional:Jbar Construction Specialties, LLC
Year Built:2019

Will banks finance pole barn homes?

Most banks won’t offer construction loans on post frame pole barn houses. The small percentage of entities that do offer mortgages for pole barn houses will typically have much higher requirements, because they’ll be using internal money to finance it.

How much does it cost to build a 30×40 pole barn house?

1. Pole Barn Building Cost by Size

SizeCost RangeTypical Use
30×30$6,000 – $15,000medium farm workshop, 5 horse barn
30×40$8,000 – $20,0004 car garage, 8 horse barn
30×50$10,000 – $24,000farm equipment storage, 10 horse barn
30×60$12,000 – $25,0006 car garage, 12 horse barn

Are pole barn homes worth it?

If like McGraw, you want to live where the green grass grows, but aren’t sure how you’ll afford it, it might be time to consider a pole barn home. They are a cost-effective building project that can give you all of the durability and functionality you need in your new home design.

How much is a 2000 sq ft barndominium?

A 2,000 sq ft living area could cost $200,000 to $260,000 to build. We have found most people end up with higher end finishes in their barndominium thus the higher price per square foot.

How much is a 2000 square foot barndominium?

For a 2,000 square foot turnkey barndominium, the cost can range from $190,000 to $250,000. For a DIY barndominium, you can buy a shell for as little as $10,000. Constructing it can cost you as little as $80,000, but you have to do all the labor yourself.

Can you build a barndominium in South Dakota?

While many traditional homes can sometimes take years to be built, a barndominium in South Dakota can usually be built in around 6 months. One of the other benefits of building a barndominium in South Dakota is the fact that it is much cheaper.

How much does it cost to build a barndominium?

The average cost of building a basic barndominium is $180,000 to $360,000. The price is low because it is constructed relatively quickly, saving you money on labor costs. The cost of the kit can also range from $5,000 to $70,000, depending on the style you want and the size. The kit includes the roof, beams, and walls.

How long will a pole barn house last?

In fact, it is possible that with the proper care, pole barns could last upwards of 100 years. Many builders and experts cite 40-60 years to be on the safe side, but if the owner of a pole barn keeps up with all of the necessary structural upkeep, the building will likely outlast the 40-60 year pole barn lifespan.

What are barn style house plans?

Barn house plans feel both timeless and modern. Some might call these pole barn house plans, although they do have foundations (unlike a traditional pole barn). Barn style house plans feature simple, rustic exteriors, perhaps with a gambrel roof or (of course) barn doors.

What is a Barndominium house plan?

Barndominium plans or barn-style house plans feel both timeless and modern. While the term barndominium used to refer to a metal building, this collection showcases mostly traditional house plans with the barn look. Some might call these pole barn house plans, although they do have foundations (unlike a traditional pole barn).

Do barn house plans have stalls for horses?

Barn style house plans feature simple, rustic exteriors, perhaps with a gambrel roof or (of course) barn doors. Modern farmhouse style house plans with open floor plans have become very popular, and you’ll find many of them in this category. So do these barn house plans actually have stalls for horses, hay, and tractors? Actually, some of them do!