HYBRID SHELLS faq

Our Hybrid Barndominium Shells are framed with 2x4 or 2x6 stick frame exterior walls in between the Steel Posts/Legs instead of using metal or wood wall girts. We install ZIP sheathing on all exterior walls prior to installing the 26g R-Panel metal siding.

A Hybrid Barndominium has many more advantages. Many of our building materials we use when building our “turnkey” Hybrid Homes, such as the Zip Sheathing System and Spray-foam, to name a few, help make our homes more energy efficient. We do strongly recommend you also use Sprayfoam for your Home Insulation. A Barndominium that is built right requires very little maintenance. They are easier to add-on which makes it easier to build in phases. We personally built our Hybrid Barndominium Home in 3 phases, and everything ties in cohesively. With the Steel Structure Frame, you have practically no-load bearing walls so changing the layout is a lot easier too. 

A Hybrid Barndominium Home is considered a Custom Home in Texas. We do not finance. You will need to apply for a loan. Most of the Shells we have built have been for clients that are funding the entire project without using a lender. Texas Lenders don’t generally permit a homeowner to act as the Builder for several reasons, including liability issues, to obtain a construction loan. We have had some clients have a trustworthy friend or relative that has an LLC represent them as the Builder. By doing this, it allows you and your “Builder” to hire your own subs. Others have obtained a HELOC loan over their existing home that has equity. You will need to do your research with lenders.

We have found that it averages out about the same. Although, some builders build lofts spaces using the standard ceiling joists or using purlins, we would never recommend this. Often people later decide to make loft spaces into true living space. It’s best that that those second story spaces are built right from the beginning to save you from costly issues in the future. We use open web trusses for any second level. Keep in mind, a second level requires a staircase and stair railing, and these can get costly too. 

Our office is a mini version of our Hybrid Barndominium Homes. On some occasions, we can offer tours with the consent of the homeowner. 

Of course we do!! 

Prior to 2020 building a barndominium was extremely cost efficient. However, times have changed. In the recent years, all building materials have increased. The costliest items in any type of home are kitchens and bathrooms, so just as a stick-built home, a Barndominium Home include these too. Don’t expect to build a Quality Barndominium Home for a fraction of buying a home now days. Of course, you will save money by DIY-ing and hiring your own contractors, but please do your diligent research. We always recommend you getting at least 3 estimates. Use contractors that are members of your local BBB. We have found that a cheaper option means they are cutting corners somewhere to be able to offer cheap work. If you hire one contractor per trade (ex., electrician, plumber, HVAC), you will find it is much easier and less stressful if you ever have an issue to track down one and not multiple. You will also find that your contractors will give you warranty if they have done every step throughout your build (rough-in, top-out, trim-out, etc.). Often, by doing this too, your contractors give you a discounted package price. Never give the total cost up-front to any contractor, honest ones will give you a payment breakdown up front. Keep in mind the savings in a Barndominium mostly come from the exterior. If you don’t particularly like the look of a metal siding home and start adding Masonry and Wood accents you’re increasing the cost of your build. With that, you are also adding items that will require more maintenance and no longer make your home a Low-Maintenance Barndominium. Wrap-around porches are beautiful but significantly add square footage that adds cost to your build. 

Although, we have our subs that we have been using for over 15 years this is not information we share. We strongly recommend you find contractors that are members of your Local BBB. 

We are a small family, husband and wife, business. We dedicate our time to our Hybrid Barndominium Homes. You will always be communicating with Liz or Daniel. Your Hybrid Shell is built by your very own builder, Daniel and his team. We treat every home like ours and we mean it.