The unique charm of a barn with today’s modern conveniences – living in a barndominium is well worth it. These homes, designed with a barn-like structure in mind, are meant to give you the perks of any other home but with so much more flexibility.
Imagine having spacious living areas and plenty of room for whatever hobbies you wish to pursue. Entertainment spaces come in every section. And a large garage is ready for all your tinkering projects.
So, for families wanting more than just a house, a barndominium is that perfect lifestyle fit. Building the standard home can quickly get expensive – especially if you need the extra space for your hobbies. Barndominiums come in all shapes and sizes. Some go big with luxurious living spaces, while others focus on practical features.
Building a barndominium in Kentucky is for those who love comfort and functionality combined seamlessly – and our feature today is about to prove that. So whether you’re into cars or just need the room for equipment, a home of this type has it all.
Let’s jump right in!
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Overview
Our barndominium feature today is in Kentucky! Living in the Bluegrass State offers a great balance between city and country life. And when winter comes around, a well-insulated barndo can easily handle the cold to keep your home warm and cozy.
This Kentucky barndominium is by Chad Fritsche. A fun fact is that he drew up the plans himself (see the bottom of this article for plans), and the builder brought his vision to life. The home cost only around $150K.
If you plan on starting your own project, that might be a good starting point for your budget. But the cost ultimately depends on the finishes you choose, like the flooring, windows, and cabinets. Chad and his family were able to save a lot by doing their own flooring, painting, and cabinet installation.
This barndo has a 70×42 shop and a 30×42 living space with two bedrooms and one bath, plus an additional bath in the shop. While there are extra costs to consider, it’s still much more affordable than a traditional home. A barndo is definitely a solid choice for those who want space and value for their money.
It’s amazing to see Chad’s house go up. Check out his homebuilding journey below.
Exterior
Chad’s Kentucky barndominium is actually a type of barndo known as a “shouse.” This basically combines a shop and house in one. It’s a workshop that’s directly connected to the living space. This setup is incredibly convenient, letting you move between work and home without having to step outside.
This home is a hobbyist’s dream, great for those who want to start a small business and get their hands dirty. If you love woodworking, mechanics, or other DIY projects, a shouse gives you plenty of space without sacrificing comfort. It brings together the best of both worlds.
This home has quite an understated exterior. The living space is sheeted and wrapped, while the workshop is post-frame construction, all built on a concrete foundation. No posts are in the ground, resulting in a smooth finish.
The gray barndominium siding contrasts with the lush green surroundings. Its gable roof gives it a classic barn-like silhouette.
Meanwhile, the entrance of the living spaces is tucked under the wraparound porch. It offers multiple access points to the home and provides shade, allowing you to relax and entertain outdoors without worrying about the weather. You also get to enjoy the view outside.
The front of the house greets you with a three-door garage, giving you easy access to your vehicles and equipment.
Interior
The interior of this Kentucky barndominium has a modern feel. The walls are painted in repose gray. It brings in a calming feel throughout.
As you enter the garage, you’ll notice how spacious it is, with plenty of room for storage and work. A bathroom is also conveniently located within the shop. The post-frame construction is visible here, showing the solid build of the structure.
Right next to the garage is the home’s living space, featuring an open-concept layout. It’s a design that connects the living room, kitchen, and dining area, making it feel more inviting. Open floor plans are great for bringing people together, whether you’re hosting guests or just spending time with the family.
The gray walls blend in with the dark gray wood flooring for a unified look. The couches are positioned around the TV on a farmhouse-style stand. It’s a cozy spot to relax. Pops of color in the decor add contrast to the neutral tones.
The kitchen is impressively spacious for a barndo of this size. White cabinetry keeps the space looking fresh. There’s also a small dining nook for a small family to enjoy meals together. The compact design is well-utilized and offers both style and function.
Another welcome feature is the pantry, helping to keep the kitchen organized and free of clutter. This extra storage makes a big difference.
Plans for a loft area are in the works. It will add an 18×16 bonus room and a 16×16 storage area. This additional space will provide even more room for the family to enjoy.
The laundry room ties everything together with its clean, all-white design. It’s practical but still fits with the home’s overall aesthetic, showing that utility spaces don’t have to be boring.
Floor Plan
Wrap Up
This Kentucky Barndominium by Chad Fritsche is a great example of how flexible a barndo can be. The layout is ideal for a young family, and showcases how you can combine living space with a workshop. With its open-concept layout and modern style, it still manages to feel both spacious and inviting.
A barndo unlocks a world of possibilities. For more inspiration on what a barndo can offer, check us out at Barndominium Life. We’re here to guide you through the process.
We even have a comprehensive list of barndominium kit providers and barndominium builders. You’re sure to find someone in your area who can work with you and bring your dream home to life. The barndo lifestyle is waiting for you, and it’s never been easier!
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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