Rent costs and mortgage rates are at all-time highs in the U.S., and younger generations are eager to find affordable but practical housing options. A few years ago, the tiny home trend emerged, and people began moving into small, compact, and sometimes portable homes that were less expensive (although truly tiny) compared to rental and mortgage costs. But now a new trend is emerging: steel barndominiums–and many people are choosing steel barndominiums over tiny homes!
Barndominiums combine barns with condominiums and provide practical living spaces for all different types of lifestyles. A traditional barndominium features a workspace, living space, and a garage.
According to an article published in Business Insider, the COVID-19 pandemic changed what people are looking for in the home, and helped escort in the steel barndominium craze. So why are steel barndominiums the new choice instead of tiny homes? Well, more people started moving to rural areas, wanting more spacious options than tiny homes can offer, and were tight on cash, but these aren’t the only reasons. Here are several reasons why people are choosing steel barndominiums over tiny homes.
Lower Long-Term Cost
Pre-engineered steel buildings are extremely durable and low maintenance. Unlike wood or brick and mortar, steel requires very little maintenance and it lasts a long time. Because steel buildings are so low maintenance, you won’t have to spend a lot of money to maintain the integrity of the structure.
It won’t give way to mold, mildew, rot, or mother nature, so you’ll save a lot of money! And, with the increasing cost of wood, steel is becoming a more affordable building material with each day that passes.
Steel Has a Longer Lifespan
After the pandemic, people are thinking more and more about practical and long-term housing. They don’t want to worry about being renters when they grow old or face housing insecurity amid a pandemic–they want to feel safe and secure in their own homes. Well, steel buildings are the perfect option because of how durable and long-lasting they are.
Weather, moisture, heat, fire, and more are no match for pre-engineered steel. Steel can last your lifetime, giving you a reliable structure to protect you, your family, and your personal belongings.
Quick and Easy Installation
Building a home, even a small one, out of wood or concrete can take several months. However, pre-engineered structures come measured, cut, and welded, so all the construction team has to do is secure the pieces together, tighten the bolts, and put on the finishing touches (such as installing glass windows or doors). If the team is large enough the project can be finished in as little as 1-2 days!
In most instances, a steel barndominium can be fully installed and erected in a matter of days or weeks. Of course, the timeline depends on the geography of the location, the size of the home, and the size of the construction team. Still, it takes way less time to get your steel barndominium up and running than it does a home built from any other materials. If you’re looking for a fast way to move into a new-build home, pre-engineered steel may be the right choice for you!
Versatility in Design
Small steel homes don’t have to be designed with the rustic country barndominium look–there are endless design options so you can create whatever look you desire. Whether you want a modern look with color blocking or wall finishes that resemble wood or brick, there are options that can suit your style.
Not only can you design the exterior to your liking, but you can also customize the interior. When you purchase a pre-engineered steel building to be used as a barndominium, the structure will have a clear-span design. This means there are no interior support columns or trusses required to hold the building up.
Having a wide-open interior means you can design the layout of your barndominium exactly the way you want it. With many size options, you can choose a small 1-2 bedroom barndominium or one that has several bedrooms for the whole family! While tiny homes have design limitations, steel allows you to lay out the bedrooms the way you want with a clear-span design.
A Barndominium Can Protect Your Vehicles, Too!
Another advantage of choosing a steel barndominium over a tiny home is that barndominiums often come with large garages attached that can store and protect your vehicles. Whether you live in a place that gets frequent hail, want to protect your car from sun damage, or simply want a secure place for your investment, a barndominium can provide you with that! Simply add a large garage door on one side so you can easily maneuver your car(s) in and out.
Is a Barndominium Right For You?
Since the pandemic occurred and house prices soared, home buyers began looking for more space than tiny homes have to offer, but at a better price. Barndominiums are both of those things and more. If you’re looking for an affordable, practical way into home ownership but don’t want to go the traditional route of real estate and mortgages, a steel barndominium may be the right choice for you!