Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

With the extreme shortage of housing in today’s hot real estate market, aspiring homeowners are in a tough position. Many homes are selling well above the asking price without any contingencies or home inspections. This shortage of existing housing would usually drive buyers to build new homes, however, the skyrocketing price of lumber and other materials is pricing customers out of the market. 

An alternative solution many customers have turned to in these uncertain times is Post-Frame construction. Post-Frame homes, also known as “Barndominiums”, have gained in popularity over the last few years as a solution that offers exceptional design flexibility, structural rigidity, and cost savings. Post-Frame construction will save customers a significant amount of money in 3 key areas. 

· Foundation – Unlike a traditional stick frame home which requires a large, poured foundation, Post-Frame homes are built using concrete columns that extend below the frost line. A traditional concrete foundation can be as much as 15% of the total build cost. This is a significant cost saving that can be saved or reinvested in other areas of the project.

· Excavation – Since a foundation is not required for a Post-Frame building (as described above), there is no need for excavation or backfill, which will save customers thousands of dollars.  

· Lumber – Post-Frame homes typically use metal siding and roofing which gives it tremendous shear strength. While metal siding is not required, it provides customers a great value as it is aesthetic, maintenance-free, and exceptionally durable.  Stick frame homes need OSB/Plywood sheets to gain shear strength, and at over $50 a sheet, these costs can add up.

For an all-encompassing list of the benefits of Post-Frame construction, please see the 10 Benefits of Post-Frame Construction section of our website. We hope you consider a Post-Frame building for your next project.