What is a barndominium?

What this means for your home project

1. Ask the local planning office which dwelling-use and setback rules apply to the proposed site. Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, read 2026-11-05.
2. Request a written scope identifying structural design, foundation work and anchorage for the proposed Minnesota dwelling. Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, read 2026-11-05.
3. In Alachua County, ask the supplier to identify the residential-use designation and risk category on the plans before ordering the shell. (source)
4. For a Minnesota slab-on-grade design, ask the designer to mark the dwelling’s radon-control area separately from the attached shop. Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, read 2026-11-05.

What factors affect barndominium building costs?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) helps scope the design work a post-frame dwelling may need beyond conventional framing provisions. “Design by a structural engineer is required for any structural elements (design, foundation system, method of anchorage) of a dwelling that do not comply with the 2020 MNRC requirements for conventional light frame construction.” (source)

What should you check before ordering a kit?

Alachua County, Florida (read 2026-11-05), identifies the residential-use designations to look for on shell plans before making a purchase. “Plans for the steel building or pole barn shall indicate that it is designed to be a Risk Category II and/or the plans indicate it is an R-3 use.” (source) “This should be confirmed prior to the purchase of the building.” (source)

Are barndominiums and shouses required to have footings and foundations complying with the code?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) gives the performance test for evaluating a proposed post-and-footing, ground-level slab or other foundation system. “A foundation system of post and footings, slab-on-grade, or another foundation type must be capable of supporting all imposed loads regulated by the code.” (source)

Do barndominiums and shouses require frost depth footings?

Minnesota DLI and the Revisor (read 2026-11-05) explain how to discuss footing depth while retaining the state rule’s engineering exception. “The footings of all dwellings must be frost protected in accordance with the code.” (source) “In the absence of a determination by an engineer competent in soil mechanics, the minimum allowable footing depth in feet due to freezing is five feet in Zone I and 3-1/2 feet in Zone II.” (source) “Less depths may be permitted when supporting evidence is presented by an engineer competent in soil mechanics.” (source)

Are barndominiums and shouses required to comply with energy code requirements like other dwellings?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) connects the home’s energy obligations to its slab design; use this when requesting the insulation scope. “Barndominiums and shouses must comply with the minimum requirements of the Minnesota Residential Energy Code (MNREC) because they are considered single-family dwellings.” (source) “Slab-on-grade insulation must meet the MNREC requirements for minimum R-values and requirements for the climate zone (6A or 7) where the structure will be located.” (source)

Do post frame barndominiums and shouses require radon control systems?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) helps mark the part of a home-and-shop floor plan that needs the specified radon-control work. “A radon control system that complies with Minn. R. 1303.2400 is required for residential dwellings with floor systems in contact with the earth such as slab-on-grade floors.” (source) “The radon control system is only required for the dwelling area and not the attached garage, shop or storage area.” (source)

Can metal siding panels be used as the required fire separation between the dwelling and garage or shop?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) explains what to ask about the wall assembly where a barndominium’s living space meets vehicle storage. “The code requires ½-inch gypsum board at the common wall between the house and garage of conventional dwelling construction.” (source) “The same requirement applies to barndominiums and shouses with attached garages or attached storage and shop areas with overhead garage doors for vehicle access that could be used as a garage.” (source) “Metal panel siding may be noncombustible but does not function the same as gypsum board in a fire event.” (source)

Can a second floor or loft in the dwelling have doors or windows overlooking the garage or shop area?

Minnesota DLI (read 2026-11-05) helps evaluate a loft layout by distinguishing prohibited window openings from door openings requiring protection. “Window openings between the garage or shop and dwelling are prohibited.” (source) “Other penetrations or openings, such as doors, between the garage or shop and dwelling must be protected as discussed above.” (source)

Sources

• Barndominiums/shouses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; read 2026-11-05.
• Minimum barndominium plans review requirements — Alachua County Department of Growth Management; published 2024-06-04; read 2026-11-05.
• Minnesota Administrative Rules 1303.1600: Footing depth for frost protection — Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes; read 2026-11-05.
• Barndominiums/shouses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; read 2026-11-05.