Build or Buy

The Benefits of Building Your Own
Easier-to-Build Hybrid Design Shouse or Barndominium
Versus Buying an Existing Home

As home buyers face challenges such as a limited housing inventory, skyrocketing prices, increased costs to purchase, and the complications of traditional home construction, many are turning to alternative solutions.  Among these, the hybrid design Shouse (shop + house) or Barndominium stands out as a highly appealing option. The advantages of building one of these structures go far beyond just cost savings; they offer customization, convenience, and long-term financial benefits that outshine the conventional approach to homeownership.

1. One Problem: Limited Housing Inventory & High Prices

Across North America, housing inventory is tight, particularly in urban areas. In many places, the availability of affordable homes has diminished significantly, pushing buyers into fierce competition and driving prices even higher. Custom-built homes have also become increasingly expensive, with costs for materials and labor continuing to rise. This creates a challenge for prospective homebuyers, leaving them with fewer affordable options.

• Low inventory: According to recent reports, housing supply has hit its lowest levels in decades.
• High prices: The average price of a newly built home has surged dramatically in the past few years, pricing out many buyers both in new and pre-owned residences.

2. Building Your Own Shouse or Barndominium: The Smart Solution

Amidst the limited housing inventory, building your own Shouse or Barndominium offers an effective, serving, creative, innovative and cost-effective alternative. These hybrid design homes also combine the practicality of a workshop, safe play area or storage space with comfortable living areas, providing versatility, resilience and affordability that’s difficult to find in conventional homes.

Why Choose a Hybrid Design Shouse or Barndominium?

Cost Savings

• Lower upfront costs: Building a Shouse or Barndominium is often more affordable than purchasing a traditional home. Hybrid designs tend to use durable, cost-effective, value engineered materials like steel, which can significantly reduce initial construction costs.
• Energy efficiency: Many hybrid buildings are designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating features like EPS core insulation boards with built-in thermal breaks, reducing long-term energy consumption and costs.
• Lower maintenance costs: The materials used in Shouses and Barndominiums, like steel trusses and metal siding, require less maintenance over time compared to traditional wood or brick homes, translating into lower upkeep expenses.

Ease of Construction

• Simpler building process: Hybrid designs like Shouses and Barndominiums are typically easier and quicker to build than conventional homes. The use of prefabricated and pre-engineered materials and kits makes the construction process more streamlined and less dependent on labor shortages, supply chain issues or weather conditions.
• Customization: Unlike existing homes that often come with outdated features, building a hybrid design home allows you to customize everything from the layout to the finishes and use any of the most recent technological advances to also make your home SAFE and SMART. Want a workshop attached to your living space? Need extra room for a home office or a personal gym? You’re in control of the design.

Availability of Land

• Urban and rural flexibility: Whether you’re looking to build in a rural setting with acres of land or closer to an urban area, Shouses and Barndominiums offer flexibility in where you can build. Unlike conventional homes that are often tied to high-demand areas with limited space, you can find more affordable land options in both rural and suburban areas with or without sometimes costly City or County public services.

3. Affordable to Own and Maintain

Owning a Shouse or Barndominium is not only affordable upfront but also comes with long-term financial benefits:

Lower Operational Costs

• Energy-efficient living: With features like better insulation and energy-efficient materials, these hybrid designs are easy to heat and cool, resulting in lower utility bills and more consistently comfortable living, play and workspaces.
• Lower property taxes: Many hybrid design homes, especially those built in rural areas, come with the added advantage of lower property taxes. Since the structures may be considered non-traditional or even partially industrial, they often fall into a different tax bracket compared to conventional homes.

Lower Service Costs

• More self-sufficient: Many hybrid homes, especially those built in rural areas, can be designed to be more self-sufficient. This can mean lower reliance on city services like water and sewage, potentially lowering monthly bills, adding reliability and autonomy.
• Durability: Steel structures like Barndominiums are less prone to issues like termites, rot, and mold, reducing long-term repair costs compared to traditional homes.  Plus the way some of the more seasoned providers pre-think their processes you can also have more peace of mind from flexibility and ease to “fix” or replace parts quicker, easier and more simply.

4. The Fun Factor

Owning and designing a Shouse or Barndominium is also about creating a space tailored to your own unique lifestyle. Whether it’s a workshop for hobbies, a large family cave for recreation, or even a sports room with an indoor basketball court, the customization options let you build a space that is fun, healthy, and safe. Imagine a space that not only provides comfort but also enhances your quality of life, reducing stressors to allow you to enjoy time with family and friends and pursue your passions—all within your own home.

5. Conclusion: The Future of Homeownership

In a world where traditional home buying and building come with increasing financial burdens, the hybrid design Shouse or Barndominium offers a smarter, more flexible, more resilient, and cost-effective solution. Whether you want to build in the countryside or close to the city, these customizable homes provide the benefits of affordability, ease of construction, and lower long-term costs. By building your own hybrid home, you’re not just creating a house—you’re building a future, a true HOME, that’s more in tune with your needs, your finances, and your dreams.

Building your own Shouse or Barndominium puts YOU in control of your home and your life. Why settle for less when you can design a home that’s affordable, versatile, beautiful and built to last?