If you would like to build a barndominium with a modest square footage, one common size to consider is 30×40, which is equal to 1,200 square feet. This guide will go over the benefits of 1,200 square foot barndominiums, their cost and demand, and some featured 12,00 square foot barndo floor plans.
Is a 30×40 Floor Plan Right for You?
Here are some scenarios where a 1,200 square foot barndominium might be a good fit.
- You are living alone, or with just one or two other people, and you do not need a really spacious home with a lot of individual rooms.
- You do not have a large lot, and you need to keep your home’s footprint small enough to fit.
- You want to keep your energy bills and carbon footprint low, and prefer a smaller home as a result.
Benefits of a 1,200 SQFT Barndominium Homes
A 1,200 square foot barndominium may feel more spacious than other homes this size. The reason is that barndominium construction allows for large, unobstructed clear-span design.
That means that you can have a wide open interior with an open floor plan kitchen, dining room and great room. Many barndominiums leave the space above the great room open to provide an even loftier sense of space and a cathedral ceiling.
At the same time, you can have enclosed, traditional rooms to serve as bedrooms. You may even be able to fit a flex room into a 30×40 barndominium house plan.
One thing to consider when selecting a 1,200 square foot plan is whether or not you want a garage, and if so, how you want to handle it.
An attached garage that is part of the 1,200 square feet will eat up quite a bit of space. So, you may want to plan it in addition to 1,200 square feet of heated living space, or skip it. Another option is a detached garage, if you have room for it on your property.
Barndominiums typically have large porches, even if they are smaller homes. A porch is by no means required, but it is something else to consider when you are allocating square footage. Decide whether this feature is important to you. If you have a second story, you could also consider adding a deck for more outdoor space.
Are 1,200 Square Foot Barndo Kits in Demand?
Demand stats are limited for barndominium sizes, but some builders state that the most common size range for barndos is anywhere from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet. So, 1,200 square foot floor plans are very popular.
Moreover, Rising Trends reports that based on search volume, barndominium kits are the top real estate trend as we head into 2026, with year over year growth of 22%. The affordability crisis, aesthetic trends, rural zoning flexibility, and the desire for a new kind of life are driving more and more people to embrace barndo living.
Cost of a 30×40 Barndo Home
The average cost to build a 30×40 barndo home ranges anywhere from $112,800 to $350,000. Sometimes, you might be able to get away with under $100,000. Many factors can affect pricing, including:
- Location
- Site prep requirements
- Build method
- Foundation type
- Materials costs
- Labor costs
- Finishing
- Special features
- Customization
- Layout
Size and Cost Comparisons
| 2,000 sq ft | $200,000–$360,000 |
Featured 30×40 Square Foot Barndominiums
To give you inspiration for your own home build, here are some of our best selling 30×40 barndominium plans for sale.
Ready to take the next steps toward building a 1,200 square foot barndominium? Click any of the links in this post to visit our recommended builders and purchase your 30×40 barndo house plans.
FAQ
Q: Can a 1,200 square foot barndo include a second story?
A: Yes, if you want, there are ways to fit a second floor into a 1,200 square foot barndo home plan. In some cases, it might be a loft. In others, it could be a full second floor.
Q: How many bedrooms can you fit in a 30×40 barndo house plan?
A: You can typically fit 2-3 bedrooms into a 30×40 barndo house plan. That includes a master bedroom, which usually comes with a master bathroom and a walk-in closet. You probably will not be able to make the other bedrooms as large.
