Barndominium Plans vs. Barndominium Kits: A Simple Breakdown
Ask ten people what a barndominium is, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Some picture a metal building with a wide-open interior, while others imagine a wood-framed home with barn-inspired details. But no matter the style, most people exploring a barndominium-style build hit the same question early on: Should I start with a
barndominium house plan or look at a barndominium kit?
They may sound similar, but they support different parts of the process. A house plan gives you the full floor plan and design, while a kit provides materials for the structure. Put simply: plans tell you
what to build, while kits supply
what to build it with. If you’re also weighing the
pros and cons, you can find a full side-by-side comparison in that post.
In this breakdown, we’ll look at what each option includes, what to expect from each, and how they fit into the building process — whether you’re
working with a builder, comparing barndominium kit companies, or simply
beginning your search.
Barndominium Plans vs. Barndominium Kits at a Glance
If you’re deciding between the two, this is the quick snapshot. Keep reading for the full picture.
Barndominium house plans = complete layout + construction drawings for pricing, permitting, and building.
Barndominium kits = pre-packaged structural materials for the exterior shell (contents vary by company).
Many builds use both = a plan for the design/permitting + a kit for the shell.
Want a ballpark budget as you compare options? On any plan page, you can order a
Cost to Build Report to see estimated construction costs based on your location.
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What’s Included in a Barndominium House Plan?
A barndominium house plan is a full architectural drawing set that guides how your home will be built and how you’ll live in it. It’s the tool that bridges your vision and the
construction process, giving you clarity before any materials are ordered or any work begins. You can customize this plan to suit your particular needs, whether that means adjusting the floor plan layout or tweaking the exterior elevations. We handle changes through the original designer, so your updates stay consistent with the plan’s structure and intent.
A Floor Plan You Can Visualize
Your plan includes detailed, to-scale floor plans showing room sizes, wall placement, and dimensions, door and window openings (including sizes), and general notes, so you can see how each room is laid out and connects to the next.
Exterior Elevations
Elevations show the building from an outside perspective. This typically includes the front, sides, and rear views, along with window and door placement and exterior materials like siding, brick, or other finishes. These drawings help you understand the exterior style before construction begins.
Foundation and Roof Plans
Most barndominium plans include a foundation plan (detailing footings, walls, and slab layout) and a roof plan (showing ridges, valleys, and dormers). These drawings support your builder and engineer in preparing for early construction stages.
Cross-Sections and Construction Details
Many plan sets include cross-sections and construction details that show how key parts of the home come together. These may include framing details, wall sections, stair sections, and other build-specific cut-through views that add clarity during construction. They help your builder price accurately and avoid guesswork on site.
Basic Electrical Plan (When Available)
Many designs include an electrical plan showing suggested fixture locations, switches, and outlets so you can start thinking about lighting early on.
Flexible Framing Options
Many Architectural Designs barndominium plans are available for 2×4 or 2×6 wood framing, and some also offer metal
framing options. This flexibility makes it easier to align with local building practices and your builder’s approach.
Designer-Led Modifications
If you want to adjust the floor plan — change a bedroom size, add storage, revise the kitchen layout, or rework the exterior look — designer-led modifications make
house plan customizations straightforward without starting from scratch.
What Barndominium House Plans Don’t Include:
House plans cover the architectural design, but some items are handled locally and aren’t part of the plan set. Depending on where you build, you may need:
A local architectural/engineering review or stamp
A site plan for your specific lot
Mechanical (HVAC) and plumbing layouts
Energy, wind, snow, or seismic calculations
Truss engineering/packages
Your builder and local pros can help you confirm what your area requires.
What’s Included in a Barndominium Kit?
A barndominium kit is a packaged set of materials sold by a manufacturer. While house plans focus on design, kits focus on the physical components needed to assemble the exterior shell. Kit contents vary by company, so it’s worth confirming exactly what’s included early on. Most kits are sold as set packages, so layout flexibility depends on whether the provider offers upgrade options.
Structural Materials for the Shell
Most kits include:
These materials are pre-engineered to work together as a system.
Exterior Features (Depending on the Provider)
Some kit tiers include:
Exterior doors
Windows
Insulation options
Metal siding or cladding
Pre-finished trim
Not every kit includes these items, so reviewing package details matters.
Plan Sets That Vary by Manufacturer
Some kit providers include drawings to guide assembly or support permitting. These may include:
However, not all kits come with a complete architectural plan set. Even when drawings are included, they’re usually designed around that company’s structural system, which can limit flexibility if you want to change the layout or exterior look.
What Barndominium Kits Don't Include:
Kits generally do not include:
Interior walls
Plumbing
Electrical work
HVAC systems
Insulation beyond basic add-ons
Drywall, cabinetry, flooring, or finishes
Interior build-out, site work, or labor
Permitting Requirements Depend on Your Location
Some jurisdictions accept kit-provided drawings, while others require a full architectural plan set regardless of kit contents. Because requirements vary, understanding your local permitting needs early on can help guide your next steps. If you’re not sure what your area requires, your builder or local building department can usually confirm.
A Quick Look at Barndominium House Plans
Barndominiums come in all kinds of layouts and exterior looks, from clean and modern to more traditional barn-inspired styles. Here are a few of our barndominium house plans that show how flexible the designs can be:
Modern Barndominium Plan with Split Bedrooms
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Two-Story Barndominium with a Wraparound Porch
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Contemporary Barndominium Plan with Bright, Open Living
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Want to dig in further? Browse our
barndominium house plan collection to find more plans with the layout, size, and curb appeal you’re after.
