Barndominiums—a portmanteau of barns and condominiums—have been gaining popularity lately. They were originally introduced as a practical living solution: Farmers and ranchers created a loft area above the barn so caretakers could have a space where they can take a break while keeping an eye on livestock, giving rise to the first barndominums. They have since evolved into luxury homes and vacation rentals in upscale ranches, but they remain a viable option for those looking for multifunctional spaces.
Electricity costs are a significant concern among business and homeowners, which is why they often ask about the costs associated with cooling and heating a barndominium. Well, the short answer is most barndominums are energy-efficient, provided they were designed properly and were built using high-quality metal building components.
What are the features an energy-efficient barndominum should have?
Don’t underestimate how much heat is lost through your windows. According to the Department of Energy, drafty or inefficient windows account for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That’s why an energy-efficient barndominium should have insulated double-pane windows installed. Contractors recommend installing windows on the south side near living spaces to take full advantage of natural lighting and ventilation.
It’s not uncommon to across a barndominium with a wooden frame, but if you’re looking to maximize energy-efficiency, a prefabricated steel frame with metal panels would be a more durable and more energy-efficient choice.
Open floor plans might seem like a good idea at first, especially if you want your interior to feel more spacious. However, if you want to reduce heating and cooling costs, contractors recommend installing steel partitions to keep heat and cool air within the room and prevent it from leaking into rarely-used sections of the barndominium.
Metal Warehouse, Inc., a leading steel company in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, offers a wide range of premium steel buildings and metal supplies. To get a free quote, you can call one of our sales reps at (903) 465-6699 or leave us a message here.
Cost-effective, energy-efficient and low-maintenance, barndominiums remain an enduring favorite for unconventional living spaces in Texas.…
A pre-engineered steel building is a building component that is manufactured at a factory and…
Pre-engineered steel buildings offer significant benefits that standard buildings cannot. Particularly as add-ons, they are…
From professional leagues to youth sports and community centers, communities are investing in top-quality steel buildings now…
Many homeowners are using metal carports for storage solutions. Whether you're using your carport as…
Metal buildings may not experience wood rotting and termites, but you may still have to…