A 30×50 barndominium gives you 1,500 square feet — the affordable step up from a 30×40. That extra ten feet of length is enough to add a third bedroom, a bigger primary suite, or a real dining area without pushing you into a much larger budget. It stays easy to build, easy to heat and cool, and easy to finance, which is why 1,500 sq ft is such a popular sweet spot for small families, downsizers, and first-time builders who want a little more room to grow.
This guide covers what a 30×50 costs to build in 2026, the best floor plans you can buy today, popular ways to lay out 1,500 square feet, and how to finance it.
How much does a 30×50 barndominium cost?
The figures below come straight from our barndominium cost guide, where you’ll find the full breakdown and a calculator. Here’s how a 30×50 (1,500 sq ft) shakes out in 2026:
| Build type | Cost per sq ft | 30×50 (1,500 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Kit materials only | $20 – $35 | $30,000 – $52,500 |
| Shell, erected | $30 – $50 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Finished — standard finish | $80 – $120 | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Finished — high-end | $150+ | $225,000+ |
Like all smaller builds, the per-square-foot number runs a touch higher than a big home because kitchens, baths, and mechanicals cost about the same regardless of size — but the total stays low. A finished 30×50 at a standard finish lands around $120,000–$180,000, and DIY finishing off a kit can bring it down further.
30×50 Barndominium House Plans
The Knox Plan BCO-40116
Here are three of the most popular 1,500 sq ft plans — a three-bedroom, a two-bed with dual en-suites, and a two-bed with an attached garage. All are complete, buildable plan sets, and most 30×50 designs fit the 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom range.
PL-61704 Milan — 3 bed / 2 bath
1,599 sq ft heated · 50′ wide · single story · front & back porches (711 sq ft) · $849.99
The most house for the size. Milan fits three bedrooms and two baths into 1,500-ish square feet with an open living core and covered porches front and back — proof you don’t need a big footprint for a full family layout.
PL-61101 Lizbeth — 2 bed / 2.5 bath, dual en-suites
1,500 sq ft heated · 38’×50′ · single story · both bedrooms en-suite with walk-in closets · 400 sq ft porch · $849.99
Built for comfort over bedroom count. Lizbeth gives each of its two bedrooms a private bath and walk-in closet — ideal for a couple, a guest-friendly home, or a shared arrangement where everyone wants their own space.
PL-64017 Pecan — 2 bed / 2 bath + 2-car garage
1,500 sq ft heated · 80’×46′ · single story · 2-car garage (900 sq ft) · front & rear porches (800 sq ft) · $849.99
The one with a garage. Pecan keeps a full 1,500 sq ft of two-bed, two-bath living and attaches a big two-car garage plus generous porches — a practical everyday home for anyone who wants covered parking and storage under the same roof.
Want more options? See all 1,500 sq ft plans → or browse our 1,200+ stock plans.
Popular 30×50 layout ideas
Fifteen hundred square feet gives you just enough room to add what a 30×40 can’t quite fit.
Three-bedroom family layout. The extra length lets you add a third bedroom while keeping an open kitchen-living core — the Milan approach, and the reason many families choose 30×50 over 30×40.
Two suites for privacy. Give both bedrooms their own bath and closet (the Lizbeth layout) — great for couples, roommates, or a home that hosts guests often.
Living plus garage. Attach a garage and keep a two-bedroom home (the Pecan approach) when covered parking and storage matter more than a third bedroom.
Add a loft. Taller sidewalls let a 30×50 carry a loft for an office or bonus room, adding usable space without a bigger slab.
Advantages and disadvantages of a 30×50 barndominium
Advantages
- Room for a third bedroom or bigger suite over a 30×40, at a modest cost bump
- Still low total cost, low utility bills, and easy to finance
- Fits narrower lots than a 40-foot-wide build
- Fast to build
Disadvantages
- A 30-foot width limits how wide-open the interior can feel
- An attached garage uses up a good share of 1,500 sq ft
- Still tight for large families — consider a 40×50 or 40×60
Other costs to consider
Beyond the kit and finishes, budget for land, site prep and a slab (plus septic and a well on rural land), utility hookups, and interior finishes. These apply at every size — our cost guide breaks them down line by line.
Financing a 30×50 barndominium
A 30×50’s modest total keeps it very financeable, but you still want a lender familiar with barndominiums. Construction-to-permanent loans, USDA Rural Development loans (little or nothing down on eligible rural land), VA loans, and Farm Credit lenders are all common routes. Use an appraiser who has valued barndominiums before. See our financing guide. (General information, not financial advice.)
Other popular barndominium sizes
Comparing sizes? Here are the closest neighbors:
- 30×40 barndominium (1,200 sq ft) — the most affordable footprint
- 30×60 barndominium (1,800 sq ft) — longer again for more room
- 40×50 barndominium (2,000 sq ft) — a wider step up in space
- See all barndominium sizes →
30×50 barndominium FAQ
How much does a 30×50 barndominium cost? At a standard finish, a 30×50 typically runs $120,000–$180,000 in 2026 ($80–$120 per sq ft), up to $225,000+ for high-end. The shell alone is $45,000–$75,000 erected ($30,000–$52,500 for kit materials only). See our cost guide.
How many square feet is a 30×50 barndominium? A 30×50 barndominium is 1,500 square feet on the main floor. A loft can add more usable space.
How many bedrooms fit in a 30×50 barndominium? Two or three comfortably. The extra length over a 30×40 is usually what makes a third bedroom possible.
Is a 30×50 barndominium big enough for a family? For a small family, yes — 1,500 sq ft fits three bedrooms in the right plan. Larger families usually prefer a 40×50 (2,000 sq ft) or 40×60 (2,400 sq ft).
Can I get a floor plan for a 30×50 barndominium? Yes — dozens of ready-to-build 1,500 sq ft plans, including the three above, start around $850 and can be customized to your lot.
Ready to build your 30×50 barndominium?
Start with a floor plan — pick a ready-to-build 30×50 design and customize it. Browse 1,500 sq ft plans →
Work out your budget — see our full cost guide →
Compare your options — a stock plan, a prefab SIP shell, or a steel kit. Get started →
This page is for general informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for confirming requirements with your county building and zoning office, a licensed contractor, or a mortgage professional. Costs and local ordinances change — verify current requirements for your parcel before you build.
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