Utah Barndominium Builders

Do you want to build a barndominium in Utah? You’re not alone. The barndo movement is growing in Utah as more residents look for affordable alternatives to traditional homes.

With its stunning landscapes, wild open spaces and three climate regions, Utah is a great place to build a barndominium. But what are the laws and regulations surrounding this type of home? Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Build a Barndo in Utah?

Yes, you can build a barndominium in Utah as long as the home meets the state’s and local jurisdiction’s requirements.

As with most states, it will be easier to build a home in more rural areas. Laws are generally more relaxed in these areas.

The biggest hurdle you’ll face is determining how you’ll get access to water. If you’re building your barndo in an area that has nearby connections to city water, then this won’t be a problem.

However, much of the state is under severe drought and there are often restrictions on water-use permits. It may be challenging or even impossible to drill a well.

It’s important to check local laws and regulations in the area you want to build just to see what you’re up against.

You’ll likely need a permit and a general contractor to carry out the work. Zoning laws will also come into play. Some areas have minimum housing requirements that essentially make mobile homes and tiny homes illegal. Barndos generally don’t fit into either of these categories, so you shouldn’t have an issue here. But if you were planning on building a tiny barndo, you may need to rethink your plans.

Apart from these minor issues, the process of building a barndominium in Utah is the same as building any other home.

Utah Barndominium Plans Best Sellers

Our Favorite Barndominium Builders in Utah

Roper Buildings

Roper Buildings’ partnership with Back Forty Building Co. and Mr. Post Frame to create stunning floor layouts and plans for your barndo. Customization, luxury and practicality are three of the main reasons people choose to work with Roper.

Roper has been serving the Western United States for more than two decades and helps customers cut through the “red tape” to have their barndo built.

Company Information

Address: 1656 W 2550 S, Ogden, UT 84401

Areas Served: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Great Western Buildings

Great Western Buildings serves the entire United States and the Caribbean. Customers can receive an instant estimate for their project, and they are known for their steel buildings. One of their most recent builds is a 40’ x 65’ barndo with an 18’ eave height. The builder offers vaulted ceilings, massive doors and windows, virtually any finishes and multiple projects to view in their portfolio.

Company Information

Address: 3033 S Parker Rd Suite 1200 Denver, Colorado 80014

Areas Served: Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New England, Pacific Northwest, Southeastern, Southwest and West Coast.

Why Build a Barndo in Utah?

There are many reasons to build a barndo in Utah, but the main driver for most buyers is the cost.

Cheaper Alternative to Traditional Homes

Compared to the cost of building a traditional home, barndos are the more economical option.

The cost to build a traditional house can range from $100-$200+ per square foot. To build a barndominium, the cost drops to $70-$90 per square foot for a kit.

Labor and material costs tend to be much lower with a barndo, which helps keep the overall cost of building at a more affordable rate.

A Versatile Home Choice

Barndominiums offer so much flexibility in terms of design and function. You’ll find that most floor plans are wide open, allowing you to maximize your space.

Many barndos have living and working spaces, which is great for buyers who are working remotely or running a home-based business.

Energy Efficiency

New barndos are energy efficient, which further helps you save on costs. Most of these homes are built with steel and have high-end insulation options that help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Owners of barndominiums enjoy lower utility bills every month, which is another perk of building this kind of home.

Strong, Durable and Low Maintenance

Barndominiums are well-known for their strength and durability. Most can withstand high winds. Depending on the type of barndo you build and the materials used, it may even be able to withstand hurricane-level winds.

Another advantage of building a barndo is that they’re easy to maintain. Steel structures are less vulnerable to the usual pests that threaten homes, like termites. They’re also less prone to mold and mildew, which causes wood to rot and fail prematurely.

Often, barndos are more fire resistant than traditional homes and can stand up to extreme weather conditions. Utah has a diverse range of climates and weather conditions, so this is a big advantage for barndo lovers.

With that said, it’s important to consider the local climate in Utah and ensure your barndo is built to withstand the weather in your area, whether it’s a high snow load, hurricanes or earthquakes.

What are the Costs Involved with Building a New Barndominium in Utah?

Barndominium costs vary greatly depending on size, materials chosen and the builder that you choose. Builders will provide you with a general estimate to better understand the actual, current costs of a barndo.

General costs are:

• $100 – $240 per square foot, depending on finishes, size and style
• $2,800 – $6,000 for an acre of land, but this can change considerably by location

You’ll need to consider the cost of land prep, too. Costs to consider are:

• Land clearing and grading
• Foundation work
• Cost to run utilities
• Well, septic or connecting to city lines

Prefab kits can help you save money on the design and material costs, too. A lot of builders in the state offer these kits because they speed up the barndo build and make it easier to source materials.

Adding to the cost of your build will be your finishes and customization options. You can choose thicker insulation, stonework, laminate, custom cabinetry, porches and so much more. Everything above the standard options will come at an added expense, which you’ll need to discuss with your builder.