Barndominium Plans vs Barndominium Kits
What’s Included with Our Plans and What’s Included with the Kits
At My Barndo Plans, we offer Barndominium Plans and Barndominium Kits. These are two different products, but they work together in the home planning and building process.
Every kit build starts with a plan. Plans define the home. Kits provide the engineered structure matched to your location.
Barndominium Plans
Plans are the starting point for every build. Barndominium Plans are architectural documents that define the layout, dimensions, and design of your home. They are required whether you are buying a kit from My Barndo Plans or sourcing materials on your own.
What’s Included in a Barndominium Plan
- Architectural floor plan
- Exterior elevations
- Roof plan
- Electrical plan
- Window and door schedule
- Interior layout and room dimensions
- Renderings (varies by plan)
- Designed by an architect
- Plan modifications available
What Plans Are Used For
- Land planning and site layout
- Budgeting and pricing with builders
- Financing and appraisals
- HOA and design review submissions
- Selecting the correct kit type
- Permitting preparation
Important to Know
- Plans do not include engineering.
- Plans do not include materials.
- Plans are required even if you purchase a kit from My Barndo Plans.
Think of the plan as the roadmap. Everything else is built from it. Learn more about designing your barndominium plan
Barndominium Kits
Barndominium Kits are engineered structural systems created from one of our plans and stamped for your specific build location. Engineering is included with kits because it must match the structural system being used. If a plan is modified after engineering is complete, reengineering may be required at the customer’s expense.
Kits reduce guesswork, shorten timelines, and limit the number of suppliers you need to coordinate.
What’s Included by Kit Type
Each kit type is different. Below is a clear breakdown of what is typically included with each system.
SIPs Home Kits (Structural Insulated Panels)
SIPs kits use factory CNC-cut wall and roof panels that combine structure and insulation into one system. These kits are known for speed, energy efficiency, and predictable builds.
SIPs Kits Typically Include
- Engineered SIP wall panels
- Engineered SIP roof panels
- Engineering stamped for your location
- Panel shop drawings and layouts
- Structural fasteners specific to SIPs
- Interior framing
- Windows
- Exterior Doors
- Delivery coordination to the jobsite
Optional Add-Ons (Varies by Project)
- Windows and doors upgrades
- Install or erecting services (select regions)
Best for: Energy efficiency, speed, predictable builds, and colder climates
Red Iron Steel Home Kits
Red Iron kits are built for durability and large clear spans, but they require professional steel erection, fabrication, and welding on site.
Red Iron Kits Typically Include
- Engineered steel framing package
- Columns, beams, rafters, and bracing
- Engineering plans for your location
- Anchor bolt plans
- Steel shop drawings
- Delivery coordination
Optioal Add-Ons
- Windows
- Doors
- Interior Framing
Important Red Iron Notes
- Red Iron kits require on-site fabrication.
- Professional welders are required.
- Cutting, fitting, and welding occur in the field.
- Not a DIY-friendly system.
Best for: Large homes, large garages, wide spans, and commercial-style durability
Cold-Formed Steel Home Kits
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) kits use lighter-gauge steel systems that arrive pre-cut or panelized for faster assembly and excellent dimensional accuracy.
Cold-Formed Steel Kits Typically Include
- Pre-cut or panelized steel wall systems
- Engineered roof and structural components
- Engineering for your location
- Panel drawings and framing layouts
- Structural connectors and fasteners
- All interior walls
- Windows
- Exterior doors
- Delivery coordination
Best for: Residential builds, dimensional accuracy, and termite resistance
What Kits Do Not Include (All Types)
Unless explicitly listed in your proposal, kits do not include:
- Interior finishes
- Garage Doors
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical wiring and fixtures
- HVAC systems
- Appliances
- Septic or well systems
- Site work or grading
Plans vs Kits: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plans Only | Plans + Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design | Yes | Yes |
| Engineering | No | Yes (included with kits) |
| Structural Materials | No | Yes |
| Stamped for Your Location | No | Yes |
| Jobsite Delivery | No | Yes |
| Faster Path to a Shell | No | Yes |
How Most Customers Build with My Barndo Plans
- Choose a barndominium plan
- Modify the plan if needed
- Select the kit type that fits your goals
- Engineering is completed for your location (included with kits unless modifcations were made)
- Kit is fabricated and delivered
- Your builder erects the structure (or you can hire MyBarndoPlans to do it)
Not Sure Which Kit Is Right?
Choosing the right system depends on your location, budget, timeline, and your builder’s experience. If you tell us where you’re building and what kit type you’re considering, we’ll help you choose the right path.
