Choosing Between a Barndominium and a Traditional Home
When it comes to building a custom home, one of the first big decisions families face is choosing the style of home that best fits their lifestyle. In recent years, barndominiums (often called “barndos) have risen in popularity in Texas. With their open and customizable layouts, durable structures, and rustic charm, they’re a favorite for rural living and enjoying wide-open landscapes. Choosing between a barndominium and a traditional home is a big decision, but at Willmark Custom Homes, we’ve helped clients bring both visions to life. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of each type of build, here are some factors to consider.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium is typically a metal structure that’s durable with an industrial edge. Many families choose this style of home for its open floor plans, high ceilings, and the ability to combine living quarters with functional spaces like workshops, storage, garages, or stalls. They’re especially popular for people with acreage who want a home that feels practical, versatile, and low-maintenance.
Design-wise, barndos often lean toward rustic, farmhouse, or modern-industrial styles, making them a natural fit for those who love wide-open spaces and flexible layouts.
What Defines a Traditional Home?
Traditional homes are what most people picture when they imagine residential living: wood-frame or brick construction, with countless architectural styles to choose from. Whether it's a classic ranch, a modern farmhouse, or a timeless two-story, traditional homes offer more variety in their exterior and interior designs.
Traditional home styles tend to fit seamlessly into established neighborhoods and communities, and because buyers are more familiar with them, traditional homes often carry stronger resale value. If you’re planning to pass your home down through the generations or want one-of-a-kind architectural details, traditional construction may be the right fit.
Lifestyle and Design Considerations
When choosing between a barndominium and a traditional home, it’s important to think about how you plan to use your living space:
Barndominiums: With their open layouts, they’re perfect for families who prioritize space, storage, or multi-purpose areas. If you have hobbies or work that require additional square footage, a barndo’s design can easily be adapted to accommodate woodworking, farming equipment, or hosting large gatherings.
Traditional Homes: These often provide more defined rooms and design options. For families who want cozy, curated spaces like formal dining rooms, reading nooks, or entertainment rooms, a traditional home can better support the desired layout.
The design team at Willmark Custom Homes can help you customize either type of home to reflect your lifestyle and personal taste. We’re with you every step of the way during the design process to make sure everything is exceeding your expectations.
Cost, Maintenance, and Longevity
Barndominiums are often viewed as a cost-effective option because of their straightforward structure. Metal construction can also offer durability and lower exterior maintenance compared to wood. Most of the budget is driven up by interior finishes, which can vary widely depending on the level of customization.
Traditional homes may require more upkeep over the years, especially with wood siding and roofing materials, but they’re also familiar to buyers. That means when it comes time to sell, a traditional home can hold a stronger market value.
Ultimately, the long-term investment depends on your priorities: lower upfront costs and flexible living spaces, or higher resale value and timeless design.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a barndominium and a traditional home in Texas. Families who love open-concept living, flexible spaces, and durability may lean toward a Brando. Those who value architectural style, resale potential, and a design that fits naturally into any community may prefer a traditional home.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home in Texas?
Whether your vision is a modern barndominium or a classic traditional home, Willmark Custom Homes has the expertise to bring it to life. From the first sketches to the final touches, we’ll help you create a home that reflects your lifestyle and tells your story. Contact us to start planning your home, or view our project gallery for inspiration for your custom build.
