Building a barndominium in Colorado? [floor Plans, builders & more]

Barndominiums in Colorado need to be open, daylight friendly, complied with Colorado’s sustainable building practices.

Colorado shines 300 days a year but the weather requires you to invest in insulation which ultimately gives you a tax credit of $1200.

Also, the property tax in Colorado is lower which drives the housing market to an upward trend.

In this article, we will discuss on why Colorado can be a suitable place for barndos and share other related information.

Does Colorado allow barndominiums?

Colorado’s weather & regulations allow you to build a barndominium at minimal cost but some area’s jurisdictions won’t allow you to build whatever you want.

Let me show you, why Colorado is a suitable place for building a barndominium.

How Colorado’s regulation supports barndominium?

In Colorado, the variance in building codes and zoning regulations is significant. For example, the International Building Code (IBC) is adopted at the state level, but local jurisdictions have the autonomy to modify these codes based on local needs and conditions.

In areas like Boulder County, known for its strict building codes aimed at preserving natural beauty and ensuring sustainability, the requirements for construction can be more rigorous than in more rural counties where regulations might be more lenient.

Therefore, it’s essential to consult with local authorities directly or hire a knowledgeable local architect or builder early in your planning phase.

Do barndominiums last in Colorado’s weather?

Colorado’s climate is diverse with heavy snowfall to rain. Colorado experiences over 300 days of sunshine per year, but also receives significant snowfall in the mountains, with averages ranging from 60 inches in lower elevations to over 300 inches in mountainous areas.

Due to Colorado’s weather diversity, you need to have a robust plan about the barndo, particularly in insulation and heating systems, to withstand the cold winter months, while also considering cooling for the warmer summer periods.

The cost of such systems should be carefully evaluated in the early planning stages.

Since Colorado is not prone to hurricanes, you can save your barndo budget from strong roofing to siding, flooring, and insulation to make the barndominium Colorado-proof.

However, Colorado can experience strong winds, including downslope winds which are common, especially in the winter months. These winds, sometimes called “Chinook” or “snow-eater” winds, can occasionally reach hurricane force (74 mph or higher) in some areas, particularly along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. And, a barndominium can withstand stronger winds of more than 170 mph.

Is Colorado’s tax & cost barndominium friendly?

In Colorado, a barndominium is taxed the same way as other properties at a tax rate of 0.48%, which is significantly lower than the US average property tax rate of 1.03%.

Let me show you how the barndominium is taxed in Colorado.

In the simple formula, the property tax rate is applied on the ‘Assessed value’ which is currently 7.15% in Colorado.

Imagine a barndominium with an appraised value of $400,000 would have an assessed value of $28,600 (7.15% of 400,000). And, the tax payable would be 0.48% of 28,600 or, $137.

Interestingly, the resale value of barndominiums in Colorado is typically 30% higher than in other US states. Per the Centersquare’s data, the typical home in US is worth $200,000 whereas in Colorado, the typical home is valued at $395,000.

On the construction cost side, building a barndominium can be less expensive than traditional homes, with costs varying widely based on materials, design, and location.

For instance, the average cost per square foot for a barndominium can range from $150 to $200, compared to traditional home construction costs which can easily exceed $200 to $300 per square foot in many areas of the country.

Does Colorado’s sustainable building principle affect barndo?

Colorado has been a pioneer in adopting sustainable building principles that affect barndominiums. There are sustainable building principles and these principles aren’t just nice to have; they’re integrated into the construction, design, and operation of buildings, including barndominiums.

Let me show you the sustainable building principles of Colorado affect barndominiums.

Since Colorado sunshines more than 300 days a year, the authority wants you to maximize the utilization of natural resources and save electricity. So, your barndominium needs to be designed with an open floor concept, high ceiling and accompanying skylights.

Not only that, the roof needs to be designed in a manner so that the solar pannel works around the year and that does not disrupt other features of the barndominium such as skylight or rainwater collection system.

Additionally, the Colorado authority wants you to ensure maximum utilization of the rainwater. So, your barndominium design must have a metal roof if you are targeting rainwater collection from its roof. But, make sure not to store more than 110 gallons to comply with the Colorad’s water law.

In Colorado, there’s a growing trend of using locally sourced, sustainable materials for barndominium construction. For instance, beetle-kill pine, a material made from trees killed by the mountain pine beetle, is both sustainable and adds a unique aesthetic to the interior finishes

Given Colorado’s climate, insulation is paramount. Sustainable barndominiums often feature high-grade insulation and design principles that maximize natural light and heat retention. This not only reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling but also aligns with the state’s green building codes. You can also get a tax credit of $1200 just for using the right insulation.

Sustainability isn’t just about the physical building; it’s also about fostering a sense of community and connection to the environment. Barndominiums in Colorado are often designed with communal spaces and outdoor living areas that encourage interaction and a lifestyle that appreciates and protects the natural beauty of the state.

In that case, selecting the initial barndominium design is the key.

Who builds barndominiums in Colorado?

Here are some barndominium builders of Colorado. You can directly reach out and discuss your plan & budget.

Before the final negotiation, review our checklist of questions that you ask your barndominium supplier.

Name	Contact Number	Area of Expertise
Colorado Barndominium Pros	Not provided	Custom metal building homes, energy-efficient designs
Boss Hog Barndominiums	Not provided	Comprehensive barndominium solutions, custom designs
Timberlyne	888-489-1680	Wood barndominium kits, sustainable materials
Worldwide Steel Buildings	800-825-0316	Metal building kits, custom metal buildings
The Barnyard Store	1-800-628-2276	Luxury timber framing, custom barn kits
Mountain State Construction	Not provided	Metal building engineering and erection
The Barndo Co.	Not provided	Trusted barndominium building process, customization
Back Forty Building Co.	Not provided	Steel, pole barn, or stick-built barndominiums
Country Wide Barns	Not provided	Rustic materials, custom beams, energy-efficient designs
Durango Metal Buildings	(970) 459-5253	Custom steel building homes, red iron steel framing

Who finances barndo in Colorado?

Arranging a financing option for the barndominium is sometimes tricky since such structures are utilized for residential purposes fully.

The following table contains details of barndominium financing organizations however, your discretion is needed before selecting one.

Name	Type	Contact Number	Address
Wells Fargo	Bank	800-956-4422	420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104
LoanDepot	Banking Lender	(866) 258-6572	26642 Towne Centre Drive Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Chase Bank (JP Morgan Chase)	Bank	1-800-935-9935	270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017
North American Savings Bank	Bank	866-599-9800	903 E 104th Street Building C Ste 400, Kansas City, MO 64131
First National Bank	Bank	1-833-226-5362	3015 Glimcher Blvd, Hermitage, PA 16148
Flagstar Bank	Bank	(855) 385-2750	P.O. Box 660263, Dallas, TX 75266-0263
Normandy	Bank	Not provided	Headquartered in New York
Acorn Finance	Lending Platform	Not provided	Online

Follow this checklist before you opt for a financing partner:

• Assess Your Financial Health:
  • Check your credit score, aiming for a score that meets or exceeds lenders’ requirements.
  • Review your credit report for errors and address any issues.
  • Calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to ensure it falls within acceptable limits for lenders.
• Determine Your Budget:
  • Use online mortgage calculators to estimate how much you can afford.
  • Include potential property taxes, insurance, and homeowners association (HOA) fees in your calculations.
• Research Loan Options:
  • Explore various types of loans (e.g., conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) to find one that suits your situation.
  • Consider both national and local lenders, including credit unions and community banks.
• Gather Necessary Documentation:
  • Prepare financial documents, including W-2 forms, tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
  • Document your assets and liabilities.
• Explore Down Payment Assistance Programs:
  • Look into state-specific programs in Colorado that offer assistance with down payments and closing costs.
  • Check eligibility criteria for programs such as CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority).
• Get Pre-Approved for a Loan:
  • Approach lenders for a pre-approval letter, which gives you an idea of the loan amount you qualify for.
  • Compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms.
• Understand the Terms of Your Loan:
  • Carefully review the interest rate, APR, loan term, and any fees associated with the loan.
  • Ask about the implications of prepayment penalties or balloon payments, if applicable.
• Plan for Closing Costs:
  • Save for closing costs, which can range from 2% to 5% of the home purchase price.
  • Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate form to understand the detailed costs involved.
• Consider Future Financing Needs:
  • Think about long-term financial planning, including home improvements or refinancing options.
  • Maintain a good relationship with your lender for potential future financing needs.

Conclusion

You can easily build a barndominium in Colorado keeping sustainability practices in first priority. We suggest you to check out the barndominium plans carefully and select an appropriate one.