Building a Barndominium in Canada – Your Ultimate Guide

Building a custom home is something that a lot of people aspire to. With the prices of new homes and real estate going up, people are wondering if there is a solution to the traditional way of purchasing a home and a new build is something that comes up a lot.

Plus, when building your own home, you can add all of the things that you want from a house and can make sure that it is built to your exact specifications and needs. However, once they take a look at what building a new home costs and how many things there are to consider in order to get a project like that done, many people lose the taste for it very quickly. That’s why building a barndominium in Canada is such a great option.

There are many benefits to building this kind of home instead of something more traditional and if you have been thinking about building a home but have been put off by the cost, it could be the solution you have been looking for. With the popularity of alternative homes like container houses, tiny houses, and RVs booming, there are all kinds of builders and lenders that are going to be more willing to work with you on a project like this. 

In this article, we have laid out everything there is to know to start building a barndominium in Canada. By understanding what goes into a large-scale construction project with unique needs like this, you can set yourself up for success and be much more likely to find yourself living in your own custom dream home. 

What Is a Barndominium and What Are Some of the Advantages? 

A barndominium is a home that has been constructed from a metal pole barn or pole structure.

These types of buildings are all steel and use a frame made of metal posts that are driven into the ground instead of frames built on top of cement foundations. They are generally used for things like workshops, storage, and stables, but they also make excellent shells for residences.

Barndominiums were first introduced to the world in the late 1980s when they were used for an equestrian community in Connecticut. However, since then, they have started popping up all over the United States and have evolved into beautiful, modern homes. 

One of the main advantages of a barndominium in Canada is the fact that they are so much easier to build than a traditional home.

A barndominium can usually be built in around 6 months, which is about half the amount of time it takes to build a stick frame house. Because of this, you can end up saving yourself a lot of money on materials, labor, and other things that a long, drawn-out construction process can use up a lot of. 

One of the other benefits of building a barndominium in Canada is their lack of maintenance.

A wood-frame home is going to be very susceptible to things like snow, ice, and rot from moisture. This could easily translate into expensive repairs and structural problems.

This is especially important in a place like Canada, where there are heavy winters and lots of snow. An all-metal building is going to be much more durable in the face of that kind of weather than a traditional, wood-frame building. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Canada 

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One of the first things you will have to do when deciding to build a barndominium in Canada is figure out your budget.

Budgeting for a home is a bit different than other types of budgeting in that you generally figure out your cost per square foot instead of the entire cost of the project.

This allows you to know how much house you can afford and you can then decide how many bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas you can fit inside that square footage. 

The cost of building a traditional home in Canada is around $310 per square foot.

This price will get you the initial structure of the home but it does not include things like furnishings, electronics, countertops, or any of the things that you will need to include in order to make a home livable.

If you want those things, you will have to include some extra money in your budget and add it to the per-square-foot cost of the initial construction. 

Building a barndominium in Canada, however, is quite a bit cheaper.

The cost of building a barndominium in Canada per square foot is right around, on average, $200 per square foot.

When this is spread out over the course of a 2,000-square-foot home, you can see just how much money this can end up saving you in the long run. With this extra money, you can afford all the high-end furnishings you could want for a home that you have designed and built yourself. 

Barndominium Builders in Canada

After you have decided on your budget, you will then have to figure out who you are going to hire to do the building for your barndominium in Canada.

The construction business can be difficult to navigate for someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to do a project like this before. It can be hard to know who is the right choice for you and your barndominium. Luckily, there are a few things you can look for in a builder that will help you with your decision. 

The first thing you should look for in a builder for your barndominium in Canada is experience.

Not every builder will have worked on a metal post-frame building before. If you choose someone who has, you can be sure that they will do the right things when it comes to putting your building up. There are a number of builders that specialize in this type of construction, so if possible, finding one of them could be a great option. 

You should also look for a builder who is friendly and personable.

Building a home is a very personal thing and you will be spending a lot of time with the people who help you build your barndominium in Canada. Look for reviews online and make sure that any builder you are going to work with has a history of good relationships with their previous clients.

To help you get started, we have put together a small list of some of the best builders to help with your barndominium in Canada. 

Barndo Canada

With over 40 years of experience in the steel building industry, BARNDO Canada makes that happen by leveraging the knowledge of our professional network.

By working with them and their construction management team, you get the reliability of having single-point responsibility. This saves you the difficulty of coordinating with contractors and more.

Integrity Buildings

Integrity Buildings has experience building all kinds of wood pole frame structures for all kinds of purposes. If you are looking to work with a builder who knows all the ins and outs of this kind of construction project, they could be a great option for you. 

Metal Pro Buildings

Metal Pro Buildings also has a lot of experience with post-frame buildings but they work specifically with residential buildings. This makes them a good choice for your barndominium in Canada. They will know everything there is to know about converting one of these structures into a livable home.

Goodon Industries

Goodon Industries has been operating in Canada since 1967. In that time, they have constructed all kinds of metal post frame buildings and have built up a reputation for friendly, professional customer service. 

Remuda Building Ltd

Remuda Building Ltd. is a renowned builder specializing in post frame homes and barndominiums. Established in 2014 by Steve Schouten, Remuda has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, custom-designed buildings that cater to the unique needs of farms, acreages, and rural homes.

CIA Buildings LTD

CIA Buildings LTD is a reputable builder specializing in post frame, stud frame, and pre-engineered steel buildings, including barndominiums. Known for their durable and economical structures, CIA Buildings caters to a variety of needs, from oversized garages to large commercial buildings. Their barndominiums are designed to withstand the harsh Canadian climate, offering a blend of strength and modern design.

Barndominium Kit Providers in Canada

If you have been thinking about building a barndominium in Canada but you don’t want to start from scratch, a barndominium kit could be just the thing you’re looking for.

Barndominium Kits come completely prefabricated and all of the parts are going to fit perfectly with one another. Plus, they all come in one convenient shipment right to your build site. 

Some barndominium kit providers will offer comprehensive support for your build. A few even have dedicated builders that they work with on a regular basis who are familiar with the kits and can supervise their construction. 

Trillium Steel Buildings & Barndominiums

Trillium Steel Buildings & Barndominiums is a premier provider of barndominium kits designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Trillium offers comprehensive packages that include pre-engineered steel structures, pre-finished steel siding, and galvanized steel roofs, ensuring durability and ease of assembly. Their kits are crafted to withstand the Canadian climate, blending modern design with practical functionality.

Ironspan Steel Buildings

Ironspan Steel Buildings is a provider of pre-engineered steel structures, including barndominium kits. With nearly two decades of experience, Ironspan is renowned for its innovative designs, durability, and commitment to quality. The company utilizes the latest technologies and high-quality materials to ensure their buildings are strong, reliable, and tailored to meet the unique needs of both residential and commercial clients.

Carbon Steel Buildings Inc

Carbon Steel Buildings Inc. specializes in providing custom-designed steel building solutions, including barndominium kits. Known for their robust and versatile structures, they cater to both residential and commercial needs with a focus on quality and durability. Their barndominium kits are designed to withstand the Canadian climate, offering a blend of modern aesthetics and practical functionality.

Market Metal Steel Buildings Inc.

Market Metal Steel Buildings Inc. is a trusted provider of high-quality steel building solutions, including barndominium kits. With a strong focus on durability and customization, they cater to both residential and commercial clients, ensuring each project meets specific needs and withstands the Canadian climate. Their barndominium kits are designed for easy assembly and offer a blend of modern design and practical functionality.

Barndo Canada

Barndo Canada is a provider of barndominium kits designed to meet the diverse needs of Canadian homeowners. Barndo Canada’s kits are engineered to withstand the Canadian climate, providing a cost-effective and sustainable option for building your dream home. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Barndo Canada supports clients from the initial design phase through to the final construction.

Barndominium Financing in Canada

Farm Credit Canada

Farm Credit Canada is a large corporation that deals with all kinds of agricultural projects in the country. If you are planning on doing any kind of farming near your barndominium in Canada, they could be a great option for getting the financing you need. 

Canada Imperial Bank of Commerce

CIBC is an institution in the agricultural world. They understand what it takes to get funding for a large agricultural project and they know how to work with people looking to do a project like this. If you want to work with a bank with experience for your barndominium in Canada, they are a good choice. 

Barndominium Taxes in Canada

Just like with any other home, you will have to pay property taxes on your barndominium in Canada. The rate of taxes that you pay will depend on quite a few things, like the area you have built-in and the size of your home. 

Like most property taxes, though, what you end up paying will likely be a percentage of the actual value of your barndominium in Canada. A tax assessor can help you find out how much you will need to pay on an annual basis. 

Where to Find Barndominium Insurance in Canada

Barndominium insurance is a good idea for anyone who is going to be living in their home. Insurance can not only protect your investment, it can also protect you and your family in the event of a disaster. 

An insurance agent can advise you on what kind of coverage your barndominium in Canada needs. For example, if you live in an area where wildfires are common, you will want to make sure that your barndominium insurance has a wildfire clause. This is your best bet when it comes to being covered should disaster strike. 

Barndominium Floor Plans in Canada 

Before you can get started on a barndominium in Canada, you will need a floor plan to work from. To put together a floor plan you will be happy with, write down all of your ideas for your home as far as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want and whether you want an open or closed concept. 

Then, bring those ideas to a professional draftsman. A draftsman can take your ideas and turn them into a workable floor plan that a builder can use to create your ideal, dream custom home. 

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Conclusion

Now that you understand everything that goes into building a barndominium in Canada, you can start planning for your very own. Knowing how to best get started and what you need to get a project like this up off the ground is one of the best ways to ensure your success. 

If you would like even more inspiration and tips from the pros, be sure to get the Barndominium Life Program. We have many in-depth guides and a barndominium cost calculator to help you get started on the right track for your barndominium in Canada.