4 Min Read
Alternative houses are becoming more common in Central Texas. Two of the most common types are custom-built homes and "barndominiums" (or barndos). If you have been considering an alternative house, you are probably wondering which arrangement is best for you.
J. Bryant Boyd wants to give you the answers you need, so we made this blog about the pros and cons of both structures.
In this guide, you can expect to find out:
- What Counts as a Barndominium vs. a Custom Home?
- Which One Is Cheaper?
- Which Build Moves Faster?
- Design Flexibility: What Can You Live With for 10+ Years?
- Durability and Comfort in Central Texas
- Which Is Easier to Finance and Insure?
- Resale and Neighborhood Fit
- Decide What Fits Your Lifestyle
- You Dream, and J. Bryant Boyd Will Build
- Contact Us
What Counts as a Barndominium vs. a Custom Home?
A barndominium is typically a steel-frame or post-frame structure with living space finished inside. Many modern builds start with a pre-engineered shell or barndominium kit, then the interior gets built out like a home. Because the structure carries most of the load, the inside is basically a blank canvas.
A custom home is a traditionally framed house built specifically for your site and preferences, from the foundation up. Custom doesn’t just mean nice finishes; it means the floor plan, elevation, systems, materials, and details are tailored to you.
Simple way to think about it:
-
Barndo: flexible shell + custom interior
-
Custom home: custom from slab to shingles
Which One Is Cheaper?
In many cases, barndominiums cost less per square foot than custom homes, but not always less overall. An experienced contractor like J. Bryant Boyd will go over costs with you and help you determine the best plan for your budget.
Why barndos often cost less
Barndos tend to save money on the “outside”:
-
Simpler shapes
-
Fewer rooflines
-
Faster shell assembly
-
Less exterior detailing
Where barndos can rise in cost
Inside a barndo, the costs are the same as any home. Kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, insulation, flooring, windows, and trim are where budgets rise fast. If you’re going for high-end interiors, you can land close to custom-home pricing.
Which Build Moves Faster?
Setting a timeline is an integral part of the design-build process, regardless of project type. If you have time constraints, then consider how barndominiums differ from custom homes in terms of time from design to completion.
Barndominium timeline
Barndos can move quickly because once the shell arrives, it goes up fast. Pre-engineered parts mean fewer surprises. If permits and site prep are smooth, you may shave meaningful time off the total build.
But the timeline depends on:
-
Lead time for the kit or shell
-
County permitting
-
Your interior finish schedule
-
Builder experience
Custom home timeline
Custom homes usually take longer. There’s more onsite framing, masonry work, and detailed sequencing across trades. If you’re doing a fully custom design (not a modified stock plan), add design and engineering time up front.
If you’re racing a lease end or need a quicker move-in, barndos often have the edge, assuming you’re working with the right builder.
Design Flexibility: What Can You Live With Long-Term?
Time to dig into the gritty design details. This is where you really want to think about the kind of home you see yourself living in for years to come. Ask yourself things like what features are must-haves and which are nice-to-haves, and consider how barndominiums and custom homes each offer different layout options.
Barndominium design strengths
The big advantage here is the open span. With fewer (or no) interior load-bearing walls, you can create almost any barndominium layout inside. These amenities are some of your options:
-
Vaulted great rooms
-
Massive kitchens
-
Wide open living/dining zones
-
Integrated shop or garage space
-
Flexible guest wings or bunk rooms
Custom home design strengths
Custom homes shine when you want. If your dream includes a very specific architectural look, a custom home gives you fewer structural constraints as they can offer:
-
Layered rooflines and architectural character
-
Defined rooms and acoustic separation
-
Specific exterior styles (modern, Hill Country, transitional, farmhouse)
-
Curated details like arched entryways, courtyards, built-ins, or specialty rooms
Design gut-check:
-
Love open concept and multi-use space? Barndo.
-
Want defined rooms and architectural presence? Custom home.
Durability and Comfort in Central Texas
Heat and humidity are very real factors in Central Texas, so building a place that withstand the elements over time is a must for homeowners. Here is how barndominiums and custom homes stack up.
Barndo durability
Steel/post-frame structures resist pests, rot, and many moisture issues better than wood framing. That matters on property where termites and humidity are part of the environment.
The insulation “must-get-right”
Metal buildings require a good insulation package. In Central Texas heat, a cheap or poorly installed system can lead to:
-
Bigger temperature swings
-
Higher cooling costs
-
Condensation issues
A barndo can be incredibly efficient, but only if the building envelope is done right.
Custom home durability
Traditional Central Texas customs often use masonry, engineered framing, and multiple moisture-control layers. They can be just as long-lasting, but they’re more vulnerable to pests without regular upkeep.
Bottom line: Both can last generations. Your long-term comfort depends more on build quality than on barndo vs. custom labeling.
Which is easier to Finance and Insure?
Barndos are more mainstream now, but some lenders and insurers still see them as nonstandard construction. The main hurdles can be:
-
Fewer financing options
-
Appraisal challenges if your area lacks barndo comps
-
iIsurance underwriting that takes extra documentation
This doesn’t mean you can’t finance or insure a barndo. It just means you should talk to both early instead of assuming it will be identical to a house loan.
Custom home advantage
Custom homes are easier for banks and insurers to categorize. Even when the design is unique, the structure type is familiar, so the process tends to be smoother.
If you want the simplest path through financing and insurance, a traditional custom build is usually less friction.
Resale and Neighborhood Fit?
Resale in Central Texas is strong overall, but match matters.
-
Acreage / rural edges: Barndos are highly attractive. Buyers love the shop space, open layouts, and ranch-friendly durability.
-
Suburban neighborhoods: Custom homes typically have broader appeal, especially where style expectations or HOA standards are in play.
A barndominium can resell extremely well in the right market. The best strategy is to build for both your lifestyle and your location.
decide what fits your lifestyle
There’s no universal winner in the barndominium vs. custom home debate. There’s only what fits your land, your budget, and how you actually live.
Barndominiums are a smart choice if you value open space, shop-plus-home functionality, and cost efficiency through a simpler shell. Custom homes are the better fit if you want architectural personality, defined spaces, and the easiest route through financing, insurance, and neighborhood resale.
If you’re still torn, price both options using the same square footage and the same finish expectations. Once you see an apples-to-apples comparison for your county and site, the right path usually becomes obvious.
Our team at J. Bryant Boyd is here to answer any questions you have.
you dream, and J. Bryant Boyd will build
A custom home is more than a place to live. It is a place you had a hand in making. If you want a barndo, a farmhouse, or something you dreamt of last night, we here at J. Bryant Boyd are ready to make it happen for you. We have more than 30 years of experience designing, building, and remodeling custom homes in Central Texas. Our team looks forward to partnering with you for your next project.
Contact Us
Ready to build the home you want? Contact Us to start your custom home build or remodel.
