Barndominium Examples & Floor-Plan Guidance

Sherman Buildings designs every barndominium to the specific Minnesota site and program — we do not publish a catalog of fixed floor plans. The layouts on this page are examples of how Minnesota barndominiums commonly get organized: single-story living by default, practical open great-rooms, an optional attached garage or shop under the same engineered roof, and a mudroom between them. Use these examples as a starting point for a design conversation, then submit a quote request to plan a build scoped to your lot.

Barndominium Examples & Layout — FAQ

Does Sherman publish fixed barndominium floor plans?

No. Every Sherman barndominium is custom-designed to the site, the program, and the owner's priorities — we don't work off a catalog of fixed plans. The layouts on this page are examples of how Minnesota barndominiums commonly get organized, not a standing floor-plan library. Bring a sketch, a Pinterest board, or a list of must-haves to the design conversation and we’ll work forward from there.

Are Sherman barndominiums single-story or two-story?

Single-story by default. One level of living — optionally with an attached garage or shop under the same roof — is the layout that matches post-frame construction most cleanly and keeps the engineered truss package efficient. Two-story layouts are possible but change truss, stair, and mechanical scope meaningfully, so we start with single-story unless there’s a specific reason to go up.

What size barndominium is typical in Minnesota?

Most Minnesota barndominium shells we build land between roughly 40×60 and 60×100 — living space on one end and an attached garage or shop on the other, under a single engineered roof. Smaller 30×40 to 30×50 cabin-style builds and larger walkout or hobby-farm layouts are also common. The right size comes from the program (bedrooms, baths, shop scope) and the site, not a target square-footage number.

Can I combine living and a working shop in one building?

Yes — that’s a classic "shouse" layout. Living on one end, a real working shop on the other, separated by an insulated and fire-rated wall. Sherman has built these across Minnesota for contractors, mechanics, hobbyists, and acreage owners. Confirm shop-side ceiling height, overhead-door sizing, and electrical service early; those decisions shape the whole shell.

Do you build barndominiums on sloped or walkout sites?

Yes. A single-story barndominium over a walkout lower level is a good fit where the lot naturally slopes — roughly doubling the livable footprint without adding a second story above. Walkout builds carry more foundation and site-prep scope than slab-on-grade, so we evaluate the specific lot before recommending that approach.

What finishes and interior styles are available?

The shell is post-frame; the interior finishes the same way any custom home would. Flooring, cabinetry, counters, trim, fixtures, lighting, and interior wall finishes are all owner-selected within the scope of the quote. Sherman can guide selections toward choices that wear well in Minnesota use and that match the overall build budget.

How does the barndominium quote work?

Sherman quotes each barndominium project to the site and program — we do not publish a ballpark price-per-square-foot. See /barndominium-cost-minnesota/ for the factors that actually drive the number, and submit a /quote-request/ with your lot location and rough program so a project manager can start a real conversation. No dollar figures are published up front; the quote reflects your actual scope.

Do I need a permit and engineered drawings for a Minnesota barndominium?

Yes. A barndominium on a permanent foundation, built to Minnesota residential code, is permitted, inspected, and financed like any other single-family home. Engineered truss and column drawings are standard on every Sherman build, and we help guide the local permit process (zoning, setbacks, snow-load, well/septic) as part of the project.