FAQs Answered: Costs, Timeline, Financing, Permits, and More

FAQs on barndominium costs, timelines, financing, permits, and what to expect when building a custom home

Building a custom home or barndominium is exciting—but it also comes with many questions. Most homeowners ask the same things before they start.

• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• Can I get financing?
• Do I need permits?

At Boone County Builders, we believe the best projects start with clear answers. This blog covers the most common questions we hear so you can feel confident and prepared before building begins.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home or Barndominium?

This is usually the first question people ask. The honest answer is: it depends. Costs change based on size, design, materials, and site conditions.

That said, here are general ranges to help you plan:

• Barndominiums: often range from $150 to $250 per square foot
• Custom homes: often range from $175 to $300+ per square foot

These ranges may change based on:

• Custom layouts
• Finish level (basic vs high-end)
• Land prep needed
• Local labor and material costs
• Weather and location

Important note:

The cheapest price upfront is not always the best value long term. Quality materials and proper building methods help avoid repairs, energy loss, and future costs.

What Is Included in the Price?

Many homeowners assume everything is included—but that is not always true. Prices usually cover the build itself, not the land.

Most builders, including Boone County Builders:

• Build on your land
• May help connect you with land options
• Clearly explain what is included and what is not

Always ask:

• Is site prep included?
• Are utilities included?
• Are permits included?
• Are finishes included or allowances?

Clear questions now prevent surprises later.

How Long Does It Take to Build?

Timelines vary, but here are general time ranges:

• Barndominiums: about 6 to 10 months
• Custom homes: about 8 to 14 months

Several things affect timing:

• Weather
• Permit approval
• Material delivery
• Custom design changes
• Size of the home

The first month often includes site prep and foundation work. Framing usually starts soon after. Finishing work takes the longest and requires patience.

Good builders focus on doing it right, not rushing.

Can I Get Financing for a Custom Home or Barndominium?

Yes. Many homeowners use construction loans. These loans pay the builder in stages as the home is built.

Boone County Builders works with local banks and can recommend lenders familiar with custom builds and barndominiums.

Common financing options include:

• Construction-to-permanent loans
• Owner-builder loans (in some cases)
• Traditional construction loans

Lenders usually look at:

• Your credit score
• Income and debt
• Land ownership or equity
• The builder’s experience

Tip: Talk to a lender early so you understand your budget before designing your home.

Do I Need Permits? Who Handles Them?

Yes, permits are required for almost all builds. These permits help make sure your home is safe and meets local rules.

Permits may include:

• Building permits
• Electrical permits
• Plumbing permits
• Septic or well permits
• Zoning approvals

In most cases, the builder handles the permit process, but this should always be confirmed upfront.

Permits can take:

• A few weeks in some areas
• A few months in others

Starting early helps avoid delays.

Do You Only Build Barndominiums?

No. Boone County Builders builds:

• Custom homes
• Barndominiums
• Fully personalized layouts

Every project is custom. There are no one-size-fits-all homes here. Whether you want a modern barndominium or a traditional home, the process is designed around your needs.

What Makes One Builder Cost More Than Another?

Price differences usually come down to quality and process.

Higher-quality builders often:

• Use better materials
• Spend more time on site prep
• Hire skilled crews
• Follow stronger building standards
• Communicate more with clients
• Offer better support after the build

Lower bids may skip steps or use cheaper materials. This can lead to higher costs later.

How Involved Do I Need to Be During the Build?

You can be as involved as you like. Many homeowners enjoy checking in and asking questions.

Boone County Builders encourages:

• Open communication
• Feedback during key stages
• Clear updates throughout the build

We believe we are small enough to hear you and big enough to serve you well.

What Should I Do Before I Start Building?

Before starting, it helps to:

• Know your budget range
• Own land or explore land options
• Talk to a lender
• Think about layout and size
• Make a list of must-haves vs nice-to-haves
• Choose a builder you trust

Good planning leads to smoother builds.

Final Thoughts: Building Starts With Good Information

Building a custom home or barndominium is a big decision. The more you understand upfront, the better the experience will be.

At Boone County Builders, we believe in:

• Honest answers
• Clear expectations
• Quality construction
• Strong customer service
• Custom homes built the right way

If you have questions about costs, timelines, financing, or permits, we are always happy to help. The best builds start with trust—and that starts with answers.

Reach out today, and let’s plan something that works for your future.