Why We Build Barndominiums Just Like Our Traditional Custom Homes
Barndominiums have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a blend of rustic charm, open concept living, and modern convenience. But not all barndominiums are built the same. At Grander Construction, we take a unique approach—one that sets our barndominium-style homes apart.
Unlike many builders who use pole-framed walls or steel trusses, we construct our barndominiums just like all of our other traditional custom homes using stick-frame, wood construction. Why do we do this? Let’s break down the key benefits of our barndominium-style construction.
Built Like a Home, Not a Pole Barn
The term “barndominium-style home” reflects our commitment to designing a custom home that feels and functions like a true residence, but with a barndominium design.
Many barndominiums rely on post-frame construction, where posts are used to support the structure. While this method works well for larger buildings, it’s not always ideal for residential homes. Our approach—traditional stick-frame, wood construction—offers several advantages:
- Easier to finance – Banks recognize and approve stick-built homes more readily, making it simpler to secure a mortgage.
Better for resale – A stick-framed home retains higher market value than a pole barn style home.
- Streamlined inspections – Local inspectors are familiar with standard home construction, leading to fewer delays and smoother approvals.
Proven structural integrity – Stick-frame homes are just as durable as post-frame buildings and follow trusted engineering principles.
Same aesthetic appeal – Our barndominium-style homes offer the same aesthetic appeal as traditional barndominiums, with soaring ceilings, rustic charm, and modern design elements—all while being built to the highest residential construction standards.
Do Steel Trusses or Pole Construction Make Sense?
You might wonder if there’s any real benefit to pole-framed construction or engineered steel trusses. The answer? Only in very specific cases.
- Pole-framed construction is great for structures with wide, open spans—think barns, warehouses, or arenas.
- Steel trusses are ideal when you need long, unsupported roof spans without interior load-bearing walls.
However, most residential homes don’t require these features. Instead, our stick-frame method provides:
✅ Superior customization – More design flexibility for floor plans, ceiling heights, truss design, and home aesthetics.
✅ Comparable cost – The overall material and labor costs between stick-frame and post-frame construction are virtually the same.
✅ Less DIY hassle – While setting individual poles is easier and cheaper as a DIY task, most homeowners hiring a professional builder will see no real cost savings with a pole-framed approach.
The Grander Construction Difference
At Grander Construction, we prioritize quality, longevity, and functionality in every custom home we build. By using traditional home construction methods, we ensure that your custom home, including a barndominium-style home, is not just visually stunning, but also structurally sound, financially viable, and built to last. If you’re considering building any custom home or barndominium-style home, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our design-build process and why our approach makes all the difference.
