Barndominium builders in Virginia [Suitability, FAQ & More]

Barndominiums are suitable for Virginia due to moderate to distinct seasonal changes. Virginia’s homeowners experiences a humid subtropical climate across most of its regions, with slightly cooler weather in the mountainous areas due to elevation.

In Virginia, Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold with moderate snowfall, especially in the western and northern parts.

So, if you are thinking of building a barndominium in VA, you should avoid pole barn-type wooden structures and heavily focus on the insulation since Virginia’s humidity can contribute to moisture issues and pest infestation in traditional wood-frame constructions.

Who builds a barndominium in Virginia?

Here’s the list of barndominium builders in VA. we encourage you to evaluate them on various categories such as experience, price compatibility, and timely delivery.

Builder Name	Contact	Address
DC Builders	888-975-2057	11251 SE 232nd Avenue
Milburn Design & Construction, LLC	814-521-8512	1475 Salco Road, Berlin, PA 15530
Millennium Buildings	866-216-8499	317 W Atkins Street, Dobson, NC 27017
Sunward Steel Buildings	866-646-9137	6800 E. Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO 80224
Virginia Barn Company, LLC	Not specified	5996 S James Madison Hwy, Farmville, VA 23901
Worldwide Steel Buildings	800-825-0316	10606 State Route YY, Peculiar, MO 64078
Quarry View Building Group	717-656-3018	P.O. Box 309, Ronks, PA 17572

Can Barndominium be an ideal structure for VA?

In Virginia, the climate varies significantly across the state, which can pose challenges for traditional wooden structures. However, barndominiums or steel structure houses can offer numerous advantages in this region, thanks to their inherent properties and the state’s climate characteristics.

in the below part, we will justify if the metal structures in VA can face temperature fluctuation and resist volatile weather during winter.

How do temperature & humidity fluctuate in Virginia?

Virginia experiences significant seasonal temperature swings, from hot and humid summers to cold winters, with average humidity levels varying across different regions of the state. Metal structures with proper insulation can be an ideal home for such a volatile climate.

For instance, morning humidity levels can average up to 83% in some areas, dropping to 52% by the afternoon​​.

The insulation capabilities of barndominiums can help regulate indoor temperatures more efficiently, making them ideal for the state’s varied climate and protecting the indoor ambiance from condensation (moisture).

Does metal structure provide weather resilience in VA?

Virginia is subject to diverse weather events, including thunderstorms, occasional hurricanes, and, in certain areas, considerable snowfall​​​​. Steel structures are inherently durable, offering high resistance to wind and heavy snow loads, making them a safer choice for areas prone to such weather conditions.

Hurricanes can be a significant threat to buildings in coastal and low-lying areas of Virginia. The impact of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which caused nearly two billion dollars in damage, underscores the importance of constructing buildings that can withstand such extreme weather events​​.

Steel barndominiums are engineered to resist the forces created by high winds and heavy rains, offering better protection compared to traditional construction materials.

Moreover, certain areas in Virginia, such as the Mountains region & Burkes Garden receive considerable snowfall. The mountains region, including Wise experience an average annual snowfall of 47.1 inches and Burkes Garden with 46.9 inches.

The weight of accumulated snow can compromise the structural integrity of buildings not designed to handle such loads. Steel buildings, however, are capable of supporting heavy snow loads without buckling or collapsing, ensuring the safety and security of the occupants​​.

How barndominium is taxed in Virginia?

In Virginia, barndominiums are taxed as real property, which means they’re subject to property taxes just like any other residential property.

The taxes are based on the assessed value of the barndominium, determined by local assessors. These assessors consider factors like the size of the land, location, and comparable property prices.

The property tax rate in VA is 0.80% which is lower than the national average of 1.1%.

The owner of a home worth the Virginia median of $258,400 can expect to pay around $2,067 annually, but this can range from $1,266 in Bath County to $2,972 in Alexandria.

Do metal structures comply with Virginia’s building code?

Virginia’s building codes may have specific requirements tailored to its climate and geographical considerations, differing from states like Alabama and Colorado.

For instance, Virginia’s coastal areas may necessitate stricter codes against hurricanes, while Colorado’s codes might focus more on snow load and earthquake resistance.

Barndominiums, with their durable metal structures, provide an ideal option in such diverse conditions. Metal buildings are highly adaptable to various environmental stresses, from heavy snow in Colorado to hurricanes in Virginia, making them more versatile and often more sustainable than traditional homes in meeting state-specific building codes.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) encompasses regulations for constructing new buildings or additions, maintaining or repairing existing buildings, and renovating or changing a building’s use. It includes the Virginia Construction Code, Virginia Existing Building Code, and Virginia Maintenance Code.

The USBC is adopted and amended by the Board of Housing and Community Development, based on nationally-accepted model codes and standards, with enforcement delegated to local government building inspections departments.

This ensures buildings meet high safety, structural, and environmental standards, making metal structures like barndominiums an ideal option due to their durability and adaptability to code requirements.

How much does a barndominium cost in Virginia?

In Virginia, the cost of building a barndominium can range from $200 to $300 per square foot.

This variance in cost can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the quality of materials used, and the level of customization requested.

Additionally, costs might fluctuate based on local building codes and the price of labor in different areas of the state. States like California or New York could potentially have higher costs due to stricter building regulations, higher labor rates, and the overall cost of living.

Conclusion

If you are building a metal house in Virginia, it will surely be a good decision. You should only focus on the structure’s insulation so that it fights with the volatile temperature and moisture arising from the humidity.