FBi Buildings, Inc on LinkedIn: Barndominium vs. Shouse: What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a shouse and a barndominium? ›

Layout: The key distinction between the two lies in the layout. In a barndominium, the living and workspace are often intermingled, sharing the same open floor plan. This allows for seamless integration of work and living. Shouses usually delineate the living quarters from the workshop or business area.

Building Material: Barndominium vs. House. A traditional house is usually built of wood or brick - or a combination of the two - whereas a barndominium is made primarily of steel. Learn more about the various types of building materials and which is best for your particular home.

A shouse—also referred to as a “shop house” or “shome”—is an abode constructed with metal or wood pole frames that connects to a large workspace. Many shomes are open-concept, with high ceilings, large windows, and often oversized garage doors.

Both pole barns and Barndominiums have grown in popularity in Western Kentucky due to their flexible design, low cost, and durability as compared to traditional houses. While pole barns and barndos, as they are sometimes called, are similar in concept, they differ in a variety of ways.

Shouses offer a wide range of custom design options, allowing you to create a living area that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. One of the key benefits is the open floor plan, which provides a blank canvas for you to customize the layout according to your lifestyle.

The word “shouse” comes from two words, shop and house. A shouse is essentially a personal workshop and/or storage space that's connected to a house. It's often situated on a piece of land used for fishing, hunting, or a different recreational activity.

A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal.

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Most financial institutions will not provide mortgage loans for barndominiums, largely due to a lack of comparable sales during the appraisal process.

While a barndominium is very similar to a traditionally built home, insuring them can be much more difficult. There can be several reasons why insurance companies are hesitant to insure these structures. The primary reason is that these homes are non-standard construction, which means they lack historical data.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

In general, building a barndominium will cost about $62-$136 per square foot. Compare that to a traditional home build at $100-$150 per square foot, and it's easy to see why barndos are an affordable custom home building option!

A barndominium is typically a barn a builder has converted into an all-purpose living and workspace. The name combines barn and condominium; people often shorten it to “barndo.” Some barndominiums are new structures built from a kit and made of metal.

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.