Barndominiums
The Perfect Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Living
Quick answer
Compared with a traditional home, a barndominium can combine finished living space with a shop, garage, or storage under one roof and can offer flexible, open floor plans. A barndominium is a style and use, not one structural system: both post-frame engineered wood columns and steel framing are used. Sherman builds post-frame barndominiums engineered for the project site and local requirements.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium combines the comfort and livability of a custom home with flexible shop, garage, or storage space under one roof. The term describes the building’s style and use rather than a single framing method, so barndominiums can be built with post-frame engineered wood columns or steel framing.
Post-frame engineering creates wide-open interior spaces without load-bearing walls, so you can design the floor plan that fits your life. Pair that with modern insulation systems, energy-efficient windows, and your choice of interior finishes, and you have a home tailored to how you live.
Sherman Buildings has been constructing barndominiums and custom post-frame structures across Minnesota for 50 years. Our family-owned team brings generations of craftsmanship to every project, and we supply all materials from our own lumber yard to ensure consistent quality from foundation to ridge cap.
Post-Frame vs. Steel-Frame Barndominiums
A barndominium is not automatically a steel-frame building. Both post-frame and steel-frame systems are used for barndominium-style homes. Sherman builds post-frame barndominiumswith engineered wood columns and trusses. The right framing system depends on the building’s span, use, site, local requirements, and the interior you want to create.
How the systems differ
Wood has lower thermal conductivity than steel, and post-frame wall cavities can accommodate insulation. Steel framing can also be insulated effectively, but its higher conductivity means thermal breaks and complete insulation detailing are especially important. With either system, a comfortable home depends on the full envelope: insulation, air sealing, vapor control, windows, and roof and wall details.
For interior finishing, post-frame construction can provide wood attachment surfaces for planned interior framing, drywall, cabinetry, and backing. Steel-frame buildings commonly use furring or sub-framing to create attachment and finish planes. Neither approach eliminates the need to coordinate the interior plan with the engineered structure, mechanical systems, and code requirements.
Both methods can create open interiors. Steel has a legitimate advantage for exceptionally large clear spans and certain industrial uses. Post-frame is well suited to many residential living-and-shop designs, where engineered columns and trusses can support open, flexible layouts.
Foundation details are system- and site-specific. A post-frame home may use a slab with engineered post and footing details, while steel frames are commonly connected to engineered concrete foundations with anchors. A basement or walkout option can be designed when the plan and site support it; local soils, frost requirements, loads, and permitting determine the final approach.
Both systems need moisture-aware detailing and engineering. Steel requires appropriate corrosion protection and attention to condensation; post-frame requires preservative treated ground-contact columns, drainage, and moisture management to protect wood. Sherman coordinates post-frame barndominiums to the engineered plan and applicable permitting requirements.
Why Choose a Barndominium?
Open Floor Plans
Post-frame construction eliminates load-bearing interior walls, giving you complete freedom to design the layout that works for your life.
Durable Construction
Built on engineered posts and trusses, barndominiums are designed to handle Minnesota's snow loads, high winds, and temperature extremes.
Energy Efficient
Deep wall cavities, airtight vapor barriers, and continuous insulation make post-frame barndominiums naturally efficient to heat and cool.
Faster Build Times
Fewer foundation requirements and prefabricated components mean your barndominium goes up significantly faster than a traditional stick-built home.
Flexible Project Scope
A barndominium can combine living space, a shop, a garage, and storage under one coordinated design.
Customizable Design
Choose your exterior steel colors, roofline, window placements, entry styles, and interior finishes to make the space entirely your own.
Can a Barndominium Include a Shop?
Every barndominium Sherman builds starts with your priorities. Some customers want a massive open great room flowing into a chef’s kitchen. Others need a dedicated shop bay with direct exterior access — separate from the living quarters but under the same roof. We’ve built it all.
Our design process is collaborative. We use 3D modeling to show you exactly how your space will look before a single post goes in the ground. That means fewer surprises during construction and a finished product that matches your vision.
Post-frame construction is inherently adaptable, so if your needs change down the road, additions and interior reconfigurations are far simpler than with traditional framing systems.
What Is the Barndominium Building Process?
The process depends on how hands-on you want to be. Sherman builds barndominiums three ways — each with its own design phase, scope, and handoff point. Pick the path that fits your budget and timeline, and we’ll meet you there.
Be your own GC
Structure Dried In
We frame it up. You take it home.
Design phaseLighter design phase — we draft the structural plan and rough-in layout. You make the interior design calls with your own subs after handoff.
- 1
Site Walk & Quote
We visit your property, talk through goals and budget, and quote based on real site conditions — soil, slope, access, and utility runs.
- 2
Structural Drafting
Our team produces stamped drawings for the post-frame structure, foundation, and rough-in layout. $2,500 drafting fee.
- 3
Site Prep & Foundation
Sherman handles dirt work, concrete, and utility rough-ins so the structure sets on a solid, code-compliant base.
- 4
Shell Construction
Our crews frame the post-frame structure, roof, siding, windows, and exterior doors — weather-tight and ready for your trades.
- 5
Handoff to You
You take it from here — your subs, your schedule, your finishes. The fastest path into a Sherman-built barndo for the customer who wants the reins.
The DIYer's dream
Craftsman
We build it. You finish it.
Design phaseFull design partnership for the structure and rough finish — we work through floor plan, roofline, exterior, and mechanicals with you. You drive the final finish design.
- 1
Design Consultation
We map out your vision, lot, budget, and how you want to live in the space — bedrooms, shop bays, great room, the whole picture.
- 2
Custom Floor Plan
Our design team develops a fully custom floor plan tailored to your lifestyle, lot, and budget — produced as stamped construction drawings. $2,500 drafting fee.
- 3
Site Prep & Foundation
Site work, grading, concrete footings, and utility rough-ins — coordinated by Sherman to your engineered plan.
- 4
Construction Through Drywall
We handle framing, roofing, siding, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, and paint — supplying materials from our own lumber yard for quality control.
- 5
You Finish It
You take over flooring, cabinets, trim, and interior finishes on your own timeline and budget — real savings for the hands-on customer, without being your own GC.
Do nothing. Move in.
Turnkey Custom
Fully custom. Hand to key.
Design phaseDeepest design phase — every detail (layout, finishes, fixtures, lighting, exterior) chosen with our design team and locked into the build plan before construction starts.
- 1
Design Consultation
A deeper conversation about how you live, what you want the space to do, and the level of finish you have in mind.
- 2
Custom Floor Plan & Selections
Our design team produces a fully custom floor plan and stamped drawings, plus a full selections process — flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, exterior finishes, lighting. $2,500 drafting fee.
- 3
Site Prep & Foundation
Sherman coordinates site work, grading, concrete footings, and utility rough-ins so construction starts on a solid base.
- 4
Construction
Our crews handle framing, roofing, siding, windows, and doors. We supply all materials from our own lumber yard for quality control.
- 5
Full Interior Finish
Insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, trim, paint, fixtures, FF&E — we finish every detail to your specifications.
- 6
Walkthrough & Move-In
Final walkthrough, punch list, and the keys. You show up, we hand it off — fully custom, fully done.
Not sure which path is right for you? Compare all four ways to build →
Barndominium Inspiration Gallery
Browse custom post-frame barndominium exteriors and finished interiors combining durable steel siding with open, modern living spaces.
Barndominium FAQ
Does Sherman Buildings build barndominiums in Minnesota?
Yes. Sherman Buildings is a family-owned Minnesota barndominium builder and we have been building post-frame barndominiums, homes, and pole buildings across Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin since 1976. Our Mora, MN headquarters and sales office handles all sales and admin inquiries, with our Floodwood distribution center supporting crews heading to project sites.
What is a barndominium?
A barndominium describes a home style and use: finished residential living space often combined with a shop, garage, or storage area under one roof. It is not one structural system. Barndominiums may use post-frame engineered wood columns or steel framing; Sherman builds engineered post-frame barndominiums.
How long does it take to build a barndominium?
A typical Sherman barndominium takes several months from site work to move-in, depending on size, finish level, weather, and utility availability. The post-frame shell itself goes up fast — most interior finishing is what drives the overall schedule. Your project manager will give you a realistic timeline after the design consultation.
Are barndominiums more affordable than traditional homes?
The right comparison depends on the site, foundation design, size, roof shape, openings, utilities, and finish selections. A barndominium can combine living and shop space in one structure, while a traditional house may suit a different site or layout. Sherman does not publish standard pricing; request a project-specific quote based on your plans and property.
Can you live in a barndominium full time?
Yes. A Sherman barndominium is a permanent, code-built residence — constructed on a permanent foundation, permitted as a single-family dwelling, and inspected to Minnesota residential code. Once it passes final inspection you can move in and live in it year-round, the same as any conventional home. The post-frame shell is insulated well beyond standard minimums, so it stays comfortable through Minnesota winters and summers.
Can a barndominium be financed like a regular home?
Yes, when it is built on a permanent foundation and permitted as a residence. Sherman partners with Acorn Finance and HFS Financial, both of which have lending products set up for barndominiums and pole-barn homes. Our team can walk you through how the process differs from a standard conventional mortgage.
Do you design the barndominium, or do I need my own plans?
We design it with you. Every Sherman barndominium starts with a design consultation, followed by a custom floor plan built in our 3D designer. You can also bring your own sketches or inspiration photos — our team turns them into a buildable engineered design.
Are barndominiums steel or wood framed?
Both are used. “Barndominium” describes the style and use of the building, not its frame material. Sherman barndominiums are post-frame structures using engineered wood columns and trusses; other barndominiums use steel or metal framing.
Is a post-frame barndominium cheaper than steel?
It depends on the building size, clear-span requirement, foundation design, site conditions, exterior openings, and interior finish. Post-frame is often a practical fit for residential living-and-shop layouts, while steel can be a strong choice for very large industrial spans. Sherman does not publish standard pricing; request a quote for the design and site you are considering.
Can you finish the interior of a post-frame barndominium?
Yes. A post-frame barndominium can be finished with insulation, vapor and air-control layers as designed, interior framing or backing where needed, drywall, cabinets, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and other residential finishes. The interior plan should be coordinated with the engineered structure and local code requirements.
Which is better insulated: post-frame or steel-frame?
Both can be designed for a comfortable, code-compliant building envelope. Wood has lower thermal conductivity than steel, and post-frame wall cavities can accommodate insulation. Steel framing needs careful thermal-break and insulation detailing because steel conducts heat more readily. In either system, insulation, air sealing, vapor control, and the complete wall and roof assembly matter.
Do barndominiums need a full foundation?
Not necessarily. Foundation design follows the engineered plan, soil conditions, frost requirements, and local code. A post-frame barndominium may use a slab with engineered post and footing details, while a basement or walkout foundation can also be designed where the site and plan call for it.
When does a steel-frame barndominium make sense?
Steel framing can be a good fit when a project needs exceptionally large clear spans or serves a more industrial use. It should be engineered for the location and detailed for foundations, insulation, condensation control, and corrosion protection. For residential barndominiums, Sherman specializes in post-frame construction and can discuss the structural trade-offs for your plan.
Explore Barndominiums
Explore the home styles, comparisons, and finishing options behind a Sherman Buildings barndominium — from rough-in shells to fully finished living space.
Pole Barn Houses
Post-frame homes built to last.
Learn more →Pole Barn Homes in Minnesota
Regional home builds across the state.
Learn more →The Craftsman Series
Built to rough-in, finished your way.
Learn more →Custom Homes
Full custom home builds.
Learn more →Modular Homes
Modular home designs.
Learn more →Barndominium Examples
A gallery of real Minnesota projects.
Learn more →Barndominium vs. Traditional House
Compare layout, shop integration, and traditional-home trade-offs.
Learn more →Barndominium vs. Modular Home
Customization and shop integration compared.
Learn more →Finished Interiors & Insulation
Turning a shell into a finished home.
Learn more →Ready to Build Your Barndominium?
Talk to our team about your vision and get a free, no-obligation quote. Or browse our barndominium gallery to see what’s possible.
Barndominium Builder by Region
Regional pages with local considerations, snow-load notes, and area FAQs.
What Our Customers Say
The team was on point from start to finish. Absolutely turnkey and phenomenal — I couldn’t be more pleased with the result.
First-class service all the way. The Mora crew was fast, professional, and a pleasure to work with.
They worked through horrid weather without missing a beat. The crew was a professional representation of everything Sherman stands for.
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Sherman Buildings has been building quality post-frame structures for 50 years. Browse our full range of homes and pole buildings.
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