With its favorable climate and breathtaking landscapes, Virginia has become a hotspot for barndominium lovers. If you’re planning to build a barndo in Virginia, it’s important to understand the state’s regulations, the costs of building, your financing options and the best builders in the state.
Can You Build a Barndominium in Virginia?
Yes, you can build a barndominium in Virginia.
There are no state regulations that prohibit barndos. However, it’s important to remember that each jurisdiction has its own rules. Make sure that you do your research and contact the local building department to learn more about building requirements and regulations.
You will likely need:
- Zoning permits
- Building permits, which include permits for the building, electric, plumbing, mechanical and septic (if necessary)
Zoning will be an especially important consideration if you plan on using your barndominium for commercial use at any point in time.
Some barndominium builders will take care of acquiring the necessary permits for you. Otherwise, it will be your responsibility to secure all of the permits you need.
In many areas of Virginia, it’s legal to disconnect from water and power utilities, so you can have an off-grid barndo if you want. Just keep in mind that urban areas often require residents to connect to the local sewage system.
Generally, Virginia is considered a favorable state to build a barndominium, and not surprisingly, this has led to a major uptick in the number of barndos being built in the state.
Why Barndo Homes are Popular in Virginia
The barndominium trend is picking up steam in Virginia. Why? Because the state has a lot to offer, including:
A “Goldilocks” Climate
Virginia is known for having a “Goldilocks” climate, meaning that it’s not too hot and not too cold. Summers can be a bit humid along the coast, but the mountains of Virginia are 10 degrees cooler all year round.
Off-Grid Friendly Environment
Virginia is a friendly state for off-grid living. From composting toilets to solar power, you’ll find that many alternative systems are permitted in many regions of the state.
Urban areas tend to have the most restrictions, but most rural areas have relaxed laws when it comes to utilities.
Beautiful Landscapes
Virginia is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from stunning beaches along the coast to beautiful mountains along the West and Southwest. There are plenty of lakes, waterfalls and rivers in between to explore.
Let’s not forget that the state is also home to numerous farms, making it an idyllic location for a barndominium.
The state also allows you to experience all four seasons.
With such a wide variety of landscapes, it’s not surprising that so many people are building barndos in Virginia.
Lots of Open Land and Water
Barndominiums are also popular in Virginia because the state has so much open land and water. Not only is Virginia a very water-rich state, but it also has very relaxed water rights laws.
If you’re looking for a large plot of land to build your barndo, you’re sure to find it in Virginia.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndo in Virginia?
Cost will likely be your biggest concern if you’re building a barndominium in Virginia. The good news is that these homes are more economical to build than a stick-built home.
On average, the cost to build a traditional home is $300-$500 per square foot in the state.
The average cost to build a barndominium, on the other hand, is $65-$160+ per square foot. Some builders will charge $200 per square foot. In both cases, a barndo is still the more affordable option if you want to build your dream home.
Keep in mind that this is just the cost of the structure itself. Some builders offer turnkey solutions, but not all do. If your builder doesn’t offer this option, you will need to find a general contractor for the job, which will add to the cost.
Other costs to consider are:
- Permitting
- Preparing the site for building (clearing trees, excavating, etc.)
- Labor
- Finishing the home
- Installing or connecting utilities
- Appliances
The size and the location of your barndo will also impact the cost, as labor costs can vary from one area of the state to another.
Financing and Insurance
Financing a barndo can be challenging, but it’s not an impossible feat. Now that these homes are becoming more mainstream, more banks are becoming open to financing them.
In many cases, builders can connect you with lenders who will finance barndominiums.
You can also acquire barndominium insurance, which offers most of the same protections as a traditional home insurance policy. Typically, insurance companies have special policies for this type of home.
Virginia Barndominium Kits and Recommended Builders
Virginia’s beautiful mountainous areas are the perfect location for barndominiums. The idyllic scenery and strong community of designers and architects will help you bring your design to life.
The following are the leading architects and builders of barndos in the state.
Virginia Barn Company
Virginia Barn Company (VBC) was founded in 2005 by twin brothers who were passionate about bringing the barndominium to more residents in the area. The brothers have been part of dozens of home builds, but they do not use steel or pole barn construction methods.
The Farmville, VA company’s services include:
- Prince Edward
- Brunswick
- Campbell
- Halifax
- Charlotte
- Fluvanna
- Cumberland
- The surrounding areas
You’ll need to reach out to the company on the phone or online because they do not publish their physical location.
https://www.virginiabarncompany.com/
Farmville, VA 23901
Quarry View Building Group
Quarry View is located in Pennsylvania, but they’re one of the best barndo builders in the Mid-Atlantic region. Custom, state-of-the-art structures are the builder’s forte. They’ve helped build everything from dream facilities and workshops to beautiful residential homes.
Since 2008, Quarry has shaped the barndominium industry with projects that are known for being on:
- Budget
- Schedule
The company is located out of state in:
2603 E Lincoln Hwy
Ronks, PA 17572
https://quarryviewbuildinggroup.com/
Cadence Architecture
Cadence has a team of barndominium architects that are known for their Virginia Barn-dominium design. The stunning plan incorporates horse stables and connects them to the home’s living area to create the perfect space for farmers and animal lovers alike.
Cadence:
- Works closely with builders to design efficient, stunning homes
- Thrives when designing a custom solution
The company holds architectural licenses in multiple states: Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Virginia. Licensing in California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas is underway.
The company is located at:
1519 Huguenot Rd Suite 102
Midlothian, VA 23113
https://www.cadence-architecture.com/
We Build Barns
We Build Barns is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the surrounding locations, including Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Prince Willian, Spotsylvania and Stafford.
The barndominium architects at We Build Barns will happily discuss their process with you and help you get into your own barn as soon as possible.
Since 1994, the builder has been integral in helping clients build their dream homes. Home Loan Investment Bank works with the company’s clients to make paying for your home as stress-free as possible.
Potential homebuyers are walked through the entire process, from working with a designer to presentation and the building and fabrication process.
The company is located at:
1130 International Pkwy STE 137
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
https://webuildbarns.com/
Building a Virginia barndominium can help you land in your dream home for less. The builders and architects above have decades of experience working with would-be homeowners to have their dream homes go from concept to completion.
