Barndominiums are one of the most asked-about builds we do — and pricing is the number one question. The challenge is that "barndominium" means different things to different people. Some want a big shop with a small apartment. Others want a full custom home with an attached garage. The cost depends entirely on what you're building and how you finish it. Here's a straight answer based on real prairie builds.
The Shell — What We Build
Our barndominium packages include the full structural shell: concrete slab, framing (your choice of frame type), exterior cladding, roofing, overhead doors on the shop side, and exterior doors and windows on the living side. Insulation is included in the shell package — R22 walls and R50 ceiling — so the building is fully enclosed and insulated when we're done.
For a typical 40×60 or 50×80 barndominium shell, expect $120,000–$200,000+ CAD depending on frame type, layout, door configuration, and options. A simple 40×60 with a 2-bedroom apartment on one end will be on the lower side. A 60×80 with a full open-concept living space and multiple overhead doors on the shop side will be on the higher end.
The Finish — What You Arrange
This is where budgets vary the most, and it's the part most people underestimate. Finishing the living side means framing partition walls, drywall, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms. Depending on your finish level — basic builder grade vs. custom finishes — expect $80–$150+ per square foot for the living portion (this is client-scope interior finishing, not WBYS pricing).
The shop side is much cheaper to finish since most people leave it as open bay space with the metal liner exposed. If you want to add a heated workshop area, in-floor heat, compressed air lines, or a paint booth — that's additional, but very doable.
Finishing trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are typically hired locally. We can help coordinate and recommend tradespeople we've worked with on past barndo projects in your area.
How to Budget Realistically
A realistic all-in budget for a finished barndominium on the prairies — shell, concrete, insulation, and full interior finishing on the living side — is $250,000–$450,000 CAD depending on total size and finish level. That's competitive with conventional new home construction, and you get a massive attached shop that a regular house doesn't come with.
Our advice: budget the shell and finishing separately. Get your shell quote locked in first, then get estimates from local finishing trades before you commit to a finish level. That way there are no surprises, and you can phase the work if needed — build the shell this year, finish the interior next year.
Can I Finance a Barndominium?
Yes, but it depends on your lender. Some banks treat barndominiums like residential construction loans, others treat them like agricultural or commercial builds. We recommend talking to your bank or credit union early in the process. We can provide detailed quotes and engineered drawings that lenders typically require for approval.