Barndominium House Plans vs. Barndominium Kits: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose
If you’re researching barndominiums, you’ll usually see two starting points: selecting a barndominium house plan or buying a barndominium kit. They aren’t interchangeable, and the right choice depends on how you want to price, permit, and build.
If you want the full side-by-side breakdown first, read
our guide to barndominium plans vs. barndominium kits.
Below, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of each option so you can see what fits your project best.
Pros and Cons of Barndominium House Plans
Barndominium house plans are a helpful starting point because they let you define the layout and style before structural decisions are locked in. With a
complete plan set, you can compare options, talk through ideas with your builder, and move into permitting with confidence.
Pros of Choosing a Barndominium House Plan
Clear layout before you commit.
You can review room sizes, flow, and functionality early.
Supports permitting in most areas.
Many building departments require architectural drawings, and a full plan set gives them what they need to review.
Easier to customize early.
If a plan is close but not quite right, the designer can modify it to better fit your needs or land.
Matches local framing methods.
Architectural Designs barndominium plans often offer 2×4 or 2×6 wood
framing options, and some designs also support metal framing. That flexibility helps you align with local codes and your builder’s preferred approach.
Helps your builder price accurately.
Complete drawings reduce unknowns and help avoid costly mid-build changes.
Cons of Choosing a Barndominium House Plan
Materials aren’t included.
Plans provide the design, not the supplies. Materials are chosen and purchased separately.
Local engineering may still be required.
Some areas need
additional documentation to meet regional codes.
Not step-by-step instructions.
Plans guide the build, but your builder still handles construction details.
These barndominium house plans highlight a range of popular features and exterior styles.
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Pros and Cons of Barndominium Kits
Barndominium kits focus on structural materials for the outside of the building. They can simplify the shell phase, but what’s included varies by manufacturer.
Pros of Choosing a Barndominium Kit
Bundled structural materials.
Major components arrive together, simplifying early ordering.
Pre-engineered components.
Pieces are designed to work as a system, which can make assembly more straightforward.
Faster path to a weather-tight shell.
Pre-cut materials can speed up the exterior stage.
Good fit when the shell is your priority.
If you’re already confident about the footprint and want a quick structural start, kits can be efficient.
Some kits include drawings.
Depending on the provider, you may get assembly drawings or basic permit support — but details vary.
Cons of Choosing a Barndominium Kit
Plan sets vary widely.
Not all kits include full architectural drawings, and layout flexibility may be limited.
Less design freedom after ordering.
Changes to openings or footprint often require re-engineering.
Interior build-out is separate.
Systems and finishes (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, insulation, cabinetry, etc.) are priced independently.
Permitting depends on your location.
Some areas accept kit drawings; others still require a full architectural plan set.
Good to Know Before You Build
No matter which direction you start with, these points can save time and surprises later.
1. The shell price isn’t the whole budget.
Kits can feel straightforward because the shell cost is clear up front. But interior build-out is separate and often a large share of the full cost. That includes the slab, insulation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, finishes, and cabinetry.
2. Check local permit requirements early.
Some counties accept kit documentation for the shell, while others require a complete architectural plan set before approving construction. Your builder or local building department can usually confirm what you’ll need.
3. Changing course later can get expensive.
If you start with a kit and later want a new floor plan or different window layout, the structure may need re-engineering. Starting with a plan gives you more room to refine the design first.
Choose a Barndominium House Plan If…
You want to compare floor plans before committing to structure.
You need architectural drawings for permitting.
You want flexibility to adjust the design early.
You prefer selecting materials with your builder.
You want framing options that match local codes.
Choose a Barndominium Kit If…
You want a pre-engineered structural package up front.
You’re comfortable working within set dimensions.
Your jurisdiction accepts kit documentation for permits.
Speed to a finished shell is a priority.
Barndominium Plans vs. Kits: FAQ
Are barndominium kits cheaper than barndominium house plans?
Kits can make the shell cost feel clearer up front. But interior build-out is separate and often a large part of the total budget. Plans don’t include materials, but they help you and your builder estimate the full project accurately.
Do barndominium kits come with floor plans that work for permits?
Some kits include drawings, but the level of detail varies a lot. Many counties still require a full architectural plan set even if a kit provides shell documentation.
Are all barndominiums metal buildings?
No. Barndominiums can be framed in steel, wood, or hybrid systems.
Do kits include everything needed to finish a barndominium?
Not usually. Kits focus on the shell, while interior systems and finishes are handled separately.
Can barndominium house plans be modified?
Yes. Most
barndominium house plans can be customized to better fit your needs. If you’re buying through Architectural Designs, you can request plan changes directly through the original designer — whether that’s shifting room sizes, adding storage, reworking the garage, or updating exterior details. It’s a straightforward way to get a plan that fits your lot and lifestyle without starting from scratch.
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Bringing It All Together
Understanding
the difference between barndominium house plans and barndominium kits makes the process feel simpler. Plans help you lock in the layout and design first, while kits usually cover the structural materials for the outside of the building, with the interior planned and finished separately.
If you’re still deciding on size, layout, or features, starting with barndominium house plans is often the easiest way to compare options and move forward. You can also browse our barndominium plan collection for more layouts and exterior styles.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help you choose a plan that fits your build — or
modify one so it works better for your lot, layout needs, and local codes.
