Barndominium built by JD Custom Construction *Photo by Web & Print Boutique
Two Families Find Home in the Barndominium Trend
Nick and Carissa Gonzalez, along with Adam and Tanya Armstrong, are proud homeowners and soon-to-be homeowners – embracing a new housing trend known as barndominiums. Barndominiums, also known as “barndos,” are barn-style structures with fully finished living spaces on the interior. While they are not new to the housing market, they have recently surged in popularity across both the United States and Canada. Meg Lyttle, Broker of Record and Owner of Nest Realty Inc. Brokerage, confirms that barndominiums have steadily grown in popularity over the past five years. She explains, “Post-COVID, people became far more creative in how they combine work and play. With telecommuting now a long-term reality for many, living in a barndominium has proven to be a smart and flexible strategy.”
According to Jake McAgy, a builder from J.D. Custom Construction, “Barndominiums offer a smart and modern housing solution for today’s homeowners with long-term value.” With the right contractor, homeowners can truly unlock all the benefits of this unique homestyle. Both the Armstrong and Gonzalez families were thrilled to discover the benefits of building this type of home and were sold on the idea. Carissa explains that one of the initial features that drew them in was the fact that they would get, “significantly more square footage for our money” by building a barndominium instead of a traditional new home. Both families also learned that this style of home would allow them to combine a house and shop (workspace) in one structure, rather than building two separate buildings. This proved to be a bonus, as combining the two not only saved on costs but also created an additional space that could be used year-round. Beyond serving as a workspace, the shop would double as an area where their kids and dogs could run around, ride cars, play games and stay active throughout the winter months. Tanya further explains, “The heated shop means projects happen year-round, equipment stays safe and muddy boots and tools don’t end up taking over the living space.”
*Photo by Nest Realty Inc.
*Photo by Nest Realty Inc.
Once the decision was made to build a barndominium, Carissa says the priority was “building it properly with the mindset that this could be our forever home.” From a construction perspective, Jake from J.D. Custom Construction says, “barndominiums are known for their low-maintenance construction.” Because Nick had been in the construction industry for approximately 15 years, he took on the role of general contractor. Some parts of the construction were subcontracted, while others were completed by Nick, his father, and Carissa. “We focused on the structure and systems first, knowing finishes could be updated later,” Carissa says. “That meant perma-column posts.” She explains that many people assume a barndominium is built as a traditional pole barn, with wood posts placed directly into the ground that can eventually rot. Perma column posts, however, are engineered with concrete and steel plates, which makes a significant difference in the overall structure.
Similarly, the Armstrongs took on much of the construction work themselves and, in doing so, were able to keep their costs down. Adam explains, “We focused on low-maintenance materials, durability, and efficiency- things you don’t always see in magazine homes but that matter when you are juggling careers, kids and a working farm.” Meg Lyttle addresses the fact that each of these style homes is unique, allowing buyers their own interpretation of elevated functional living. Building without a contractor or builder also allowed the Armstrongs to design their home in a way where “every room, every detail actually serves a purpose in our daily lives,” Tanya says.
*Photo by Anthony Sheardown
Jake from J.D. Custom Construction notes that barndominiums provide excellent design versatility, adding that this flexibility is another highly desirable feature of these homes. “Homeowners enjoy virtually limitless options for interior layouts and exterior aesthetics, allowing it to be customized to personal style and functional needs,” he says. For this reason it is not surprising that Meg Lyttle says, “Since 2021, Chatham-Kent has seen approximately 30 newly constructed barndominiums, which speaks volumes about the direction buyers and builders are heading.” The Armstrong family felt this approach was the right fit for them. “Our kids will grow up riding bikes through the shop, helping on the farm, and doing homework at the kitchen island while we finish work,” Adam shares. The Gonzalez family appreciated the layout options of this type of home. One of the major advantages for them is the open floor plan because there is so much space for entertaining and everyday life. Carissa says, “The kids can be upstairs, others can be in the shop, and the main living area stays open and functional.” The functionality of these homes allows them to include smart home technology throughout, clean air systems, floor drains in case of leaks, air quality sensors, full alarm systems and so much more.
Meg Lyttle believes that while barndominiums remain a “niche market”, their appeal will continue to grow. She says, “I do not see this as a passing trend, but rather the beginning of a new era of intentional, easy living.” Both the Gonzalez and Armstrong families are pleased with their choice of homes, and rave reviews from visiting guests have been a bonus for the Gonzalez family. Carissa says that quite often her guests will comment on their “vaulted ceilings, the size of the island, heated floors, the brightness of the home with all the windows, the exterior colours, wraparound porch and spaciousness.” As the Armstrong family approaches the completion of their home, Adam acknowledges that “nerves are part of the experience when building without a contractor or builder.” Tanya and Adam take the nerves in stride. As Adam puts it, “The house wasn’t meant to be perfect- it was meant to be right for our family.”
