Why a Barndominium?
Open layouts, vaulted living rooms, and integrated shop/garage space. Steel frames deliver long spans without interior load walls.
Open SpanLive + ShopTall Ceilings
Metal Buildings Guide
Barndominiums
Live + shop under one engineered roof. Barndominiums combine open-span living areas with garages, workshops, or RV bays—optimized for energy efficiency, tall ceilings, and flexible floor plans.
Framing & Envelope
Red Iron frames are common for barndos (height & span). Cold-formed works for compact footprints. Add porches, lean-tos, and architectural panels.
Red IronCold-FormedPorches
Energy & Comfort
High-R insulation, thermal breaks, and air-sealing reduce condensation and improve year-round comfort. Plan HVAC and fresh-air ventilation early.
High R-ValuesAir SealingVentilation
Layouts & Mezzanines
Flexible floor plans with lofts/mezzanines over garage or shop areas. Large framed openings for glass walls, patios, and covered breezeways.
LoftsMezzaninesFramed Openings
Popular Sizes
Common Footprints
40×60 • 40×75 • 50×80. Expand length in 10' bays. Porches and lean-tos extend living/entertaining space.
Heights & Doors
Clearances
Eave height 12–18'. Use 10×10 to 14×14 doors for trucks/RVs. Coordinate window/door packages with energy code.
Codes & Loads
Engineer It Right
Verify wind speed & exposure, ground snow, seismic, and risk category with your local building department before ordering.
Next Steps
- 1. Run CodeSmart™ to note wind, snow, and seismic for your address.
- 2. Choose frame type (red iron vs cold-formed) and target size/eave height.
- 3. Plan window/door packages, porches/lean-tos, and interior layout zones.
- 4. Specify insulation, HVAC/ventilation, and slab details (vapor barrier, joints).
- 5. Verify with your local building department, then request a quote from the supplier recommended by CodeSmart™.
Always verify loads and code requirements through your local building department. Energy-code packages, glazing U-factors, and door wind ratings vary by jurisdiction.