Editor’s Note 11/3/24: The owners were kind enough to include cost to build information! Toward the bottom of this page, we’ve included that info.
We all have that dream retirement home. After all, we’re all getting there someday. We want a place where we can finally unwind and enjoy the slower pace of life. But for many, the idea of building a dream home on a fixed budget can feel daunting. If that’s you, consider a barndominium.
With a barndomimium, you don’t have to compromise on style, comfort, or space. You get the best of both worlds: the charm and warmth of a traditional home but with the durability and versatility of a barn.
For retirees, a barndo provides the flexibility to design a home that meets changing needs. There’s easy accessibility, low maintenance, and even room for hobbies or guest spaces. And when built right, these homes radiate a warm, inviting feel – just like this Alabama barndominium that radiates coziness on every corner.
Building a barndominium in Alabama offers modern barn living with Southern coziness, and we can’t wait to show you its appeal in this home. Let’s get started!
Page Contents
Overview
Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama! Known for its mild climate, rolling hills, and friendly charm, Alabama is a top choice for retirees seeking a peaceful yet vibrant place to call home. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and a welcoming community – all without straying too far from the conveniences you need.
A barndominium is an ideal way to maximize this experience. Designed with practicality in mind, this 1,260-square foot Alabama barndominium is a comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom space.
This home, built by Summertown Metals, offers all the essentials for the ideal retirement home with its open layout, functional spaces, and a style that feels welcoming from the moment you step in. Every inch is thoughtfully planned, creating a spacious feel without any unnecessary extras.
For this family, it’s the perfect size – enough space to relax, entertain, and unwind without ever feeling cramped. And with its efficient design, a barndo is a cost-effective choice that doesn’t compromise on looks or comfort.
Exterior
What you first see in this single-story Alabama barndominium is its end-to-end covered front porch. It’s really just perfect for savoring the outdoors. Imagine spending easy days here, enjoying a gentle breeze while you sit back and relax.
The entryway, with its classic gable roof extension, adds a welcoming touch, creating curb appeal from the get-go. The home’s patina green siding has this charming, rustic feel, contrasted beautifully by exposed wood beams and columns.
Large windows surround the structure, bringing in natural light and allowing for views of the landscape from every angle. There are also smart, practical design choices here, like the decision to run metal siding all the way down rather than adding wainscoting, which cuts thousands of dollars off the budget. Yet, it looks polished and sophisticated.
Plenty of comfy seating options line the porch, while a natural wood front door and farmhouse-style decor and lighting give the entry a warm, welcoming look. At the back, a concrete slab backyard provides a simple but functional space for gatherings or outdoor relaxation.
Construction
This Alabama barndominium was built with strength, efficiency, and flexibility in mind. The home uses a post-frame construction method, which is built on a durable wooden frame and finished with your choice of exterior coverings.
Post-frame structures typically feature reinforced, laminated upper posts, robust wooden trusses, and steel exteriors. With interlocking frames and sturdy columns, post-frame homes are not only durable but can also be completed faster than many other building methods.
This speed, combined with affordability, has driven the popularity of post-frame construction in recent years.
Check out the awesome details behind the construction below.
Interior
Step inside, and you’ll find a space that’s both practical and inviting. The wood flooring paired with white walls creates a clean look that, together with the natural light streaming in from the large windows, gives the home an open feel.
This home has an open-plan layout, a signature feature of barndominiums. It’s a layout that creates a seamless flow between the living area, kitchen, and dining space. Open plans are especially appealing because they encourage gathering, and it’s easier to move around.
The living room has a recliner and comfy seating, inviting you to relax. Directly behind the living area, the kitchen takes center stage with a large island that doubles as a dining spot and a place to gather. White cabinetry lines the kitchen, contrasting nicely with black countertops.
To the side, accessible shelving provides space for trinkets and essentials, as well as a charging station for their devices. This keeps everything tidy yet within reach. Farmhouse-style light fixtures cast a warm glow over the area.
This Alabama barndominium layout keeps storage in mind, too. There’s plenty of space in the laundry room, along with hooks and storage areas to keep things organized and out of the way.
The bathroom is understated yet has its own charm, featuring a large mirror above the sink that enhances the sense of space. There’s a closed room for the toilet, offering privacy, and this bathroom also connects directly to a spacious walk-in closet.
Final Thoughts
This Alabama barndominium is a cozy retirement home that proves that you can have it all – charm, comfort, and practicality – without stretching your budget.
According to the owner, they are in Franklin County Alabama and the build cost was around $165 per sq ft. Extra cost was the land prep, which came in at around $17k, with 476 TONS of gravel and chert (our soil is mostly clay). We paid $25k for a bit over 3 acres. Designed with practicality in mind, this 1,260-square foot Alabama barndominium is a comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom space.
Imagine enjoying your retirement in a space designed to be just right for you, with plenty of room for family, friends, and hobbies. At Barndominium Life, we’re here to make that dream a reality.
From custom house plans to guides, trusted builders, barndo builders and kits, and even financing options, Barndominium Life is your one-stop solution for everything barndo.
Ready to start your journey? Check us out and see how your retirement home can be beautifully affordable.
If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.
Noah Edis is a passionate staff writer at Barndominium Life, a leading online resource for all things barndominium. With years of experience in the writing industry, Noah has made a name for himself as a skilled storyteller and a knowledgeable authority on the topic of barndominiums.
Noah’s interest in barndominiums began when he stumbled upon the concept while researching alternative housing options. Intrigued by the rustic charm and functionality of these converted barns, he soon became obsessed with the idea of living in one himself. He spent countless hours researching the construction, design, and decorating aspects of barndominiums, and soon became an expert on the topic.
As a staff writer at Barndominium Life, Noah enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for these unique homes with others. He has written numerous articles covering a wide range of topics, from the history of barndominiums to the best ways to decorate them. Noah’s writing is informative, engaging, and always on-trend, making him a valuable asset to the Barndominium Life team.
Noah is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in English Language and Literature. When he’s not writing about barndominiums, he can be found exploring the great outdoors, trying new restaurants, or spending time with his family and friends. Noah is dedicated to his craft and is always striving to improve his writing skills and knowledge of the barndominium lifestyle.
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