Barndominiums have become increasingly popular as a low-cost housing alternative that also offers high customizability. But what exactly is a barndominium, you say? Today's barndominiums are barn-type structures built using steel or post-frame construction, or sometimes a combination of both. These structures, also known as "barndos," can be mixed-use spaces with a workshop or stables on the first floor and a living space on the second. Here are five reasons why barndos are all the rage these days.

Affordability: Barndominiums offer a budget-friendly alternative to traditional homes, providing more square footage for your money. While the cost per square footage varies depending on materials and customization, building a new barndo is always more affordable than new traditional wood frame construction. You can even reduce the costs further if you convert an existing barn into a living space, although purists would argue that this isn't technically a barndominium as real barndominiums feature a metal siding exterior.

2. Customizability: Barndominiums are highly customizable, making them appealing to homeowners who want to design a home that meets their specific needs and lifestyle. They can be designed as bi-level multi-use buildings with a workshop or stables on the first floor. Or they can be designed as a single-family home with open floor plans, high ceilings, and large windows to allow in natural light.

3. Low maintenance requirements and durability: Barndominiums are typically built with steel or metal siding, which is resistant to elements such as wind, rain, and snow. Barndominiums require little upkeep, and much of the internal plumbing and electrical is much easier to access if necessary. Barndominiums are a practical and cost-effective choice for long-term homeownership due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.

4. Time. They say time is money, but while you can always make more money, you can never make more time. One reason for the trend towards barndos is the time spent in the building and design process. Barndominiums often use a prefabricated steel frame or pole barn construction, which is faster to erect than traditional wood framing. This shortens the time required for on-site construction as well as the associated labor costs. Furthermore, because barndominiums frequently have large open spaces and high ceilings, there may be fewer interior walls and partitions to install, speeding up the construction process even more. Overall, the combination of prefabricated construction and open interior spaces often results in a shorter barndominium construction timeline.

5. Barndominiums are just cool. We live in a rural area, and barndominiums frequently provide a more industrial, rustic, and country-life aesthetic, which can be a welcome change from the cookie-cutter designs of many modern homes going up in the greater Prescott area. Barndominiums' low-cost ability to customize their interior and exterior design allows for creative expression and personalization, something you will not get in a cookie-cutter subdivision. So if you are looking to build, we recommend exploring the barndominium option!