One of the first steps to building a barndominium in Florida is to choose a company to work with on your design and construction.
We have seen reports from some people who say that it is hard to find a company to build a barndominium in FL. But actually, there are quite a few options, many of them local to the state.
Perhaps those who have run into this challenge were mostly looking at larger nationwide companies that simply were not prepared to build to Florida’s strict hurricane and flood codes.
This post will introduce you to Florida-based and nationwide builders that can build beautiful and sturdy barndominiums that comply with the state’s strict regulations.
Before we share the list, here are some basic things you need to know about building a barndominium in Florida:
- Barndominiums are legal to build and live in, but they need to comply with the Florida Building Codes.
- Your barndominium will also need to meet the building codes and zoning regulations set by the individual city or county.
- Barndominiums are not legal in every district or municipality. Rural areas are the most relaxed in their regulations, and usually the most open to barndos.
- If you are constructing your barndo in a hurricane or flood zone, it will need to meet flood elevation and hurricane zone regulations, which vary from city to city and from county to county.
- In Florida, all barndominiums must sit on a foundation.
- Finally, your barndominium will need to meet all liveability standards and be constructed on appropriately zoned land. You will need to connect to water and sewage, and may also be required to put in an access road if one is lacking. Florida complies with the International Property Maintenance Code.
To learn more about Florida barndominium laws and regulations, see our guide, “Can You Build a Barndominium in Florida?”
Our Top Barndo Builders in Florida
Now that you have an idea what to expect regarding Florida’s building codes and zoning ordinances, let’s have a look at some companies that can build you a code-compliant barndominium in this state.
1. MBMI Steel Buildings
Address: 4723 W Atlantic Ave, Ste A20 Delray Beach, FL 33445
Website: https://mbmisteelbuildings.com/
Phone: 800.293.2097
This company based in Delray Beach, FL, is our top overall choice for a barndominium builder in this state.
Why MBMI Steel Buildings?
MBMI Steel Buildings is actually among the top prefab metal building companies nationwide, yet conveniently, they are right here in Florida. So, it makes sense to leverage the expertise and experience of their talented team of designers and project managers.
Additional reasons to go with MBMI Steel Buildings include their high-quality, detailed drawings, their clear and transparent price quotes, and the wide range of customizable features available for their barndominiums.
Specialties:
MBMI has a long history of building agricultural structures, including barns. As barndominiums have skyrocketed in popularity, MBMI has leveraged this background in barn construction to build beautiful residential barndominium homes. In fact, even though they offer a broad range of metal buildings, barndos are listed among their top specialities.
You get a 4-year paint warranty for your steel panels, and Energy Star approved panel coatings. All engineering takes place in-house to ensure precision and consistency.
One important thing to note is that MBMI can only construct the shell of your building along with its accessories and components. Finishing and interior work is up to you.
2. Boss Hog Barndominiums
Address: 1297 Silver Ridge Lane Brownsburg, IN 46112
Website: https://bosshogbarndos.com/
Phone: 317-429-7342
Boss Hog Barndominiums is a company that focuses exclusively on barndominiums. While they were founded in Indiana and offer their services nationwide, Florida is one of their areas of service.
Why Boss Hog Barndominiums?
Boss Hog does not actually construct barndos on-site (more on that shortly), but they do everything else you need under one roof. When you order blueprints from them, you will receive structural files, MEPs and foundational sets, stamped and sealed as required. So, it should be easy to satisfy the documentation requirements when you apply for your building permit in FL.
Specialties:
Boss Hog Barndominiums is a one-stop shop for metal barndo kits, custom plans, barndo construction, and even barndo financing and neighborhood development.
Note that Boss Hog does not actually build barndos in-house; instead, they work with a network of builders in the states they serve. So, after they work with you on your plans, they will connect you with a builder in FL.
3. Florida Barndominiums LLC
Address: 3012 Kacher Rd North Port, FL 34288
Website: https://floridabarndominiumsllc.com
Phone: 850-800-6514
Our next recommendation is the aptly-named Florida Barndominiums LLC, which is based in North Port, FL. Joseph Elliot Craft III founded this company back in 1998 specifically to serve the local market.
Why Florida Barndominiums LLC?
Craft got into barndominium construction right back when it was just starting to gain traction, which put him ahead of the curve. He and his company thus have more extensive experience reaching back further than a lot of competitors.
Specialties:
We remember when there were just a few barndo plans on the Florida Barndominiums website. But over the years, this company has increased its selection, and now offers blueprints in all of the following sizes:
- 27 x 40
- 28 x 40
- 30 x 42
- 32 x 50 with garage
- 36 x 60
- 40 x 74
- 40 x 90 (1 floor)
- 48 x 80
- 56 x 42
- 34 x 35 (2 floors)
- 60 x 80 (1 floor)
- 60 x 80 (2 floors)
- 45 x 68 (1 floor)
- 45 x 68 (2 floors)
So, no matter the size or layout of barndo you are looking to build, you should find one or more floor plans from this company that could suit your needs.
One of Florida Barndominiums LLC’s specialties is spray foam insulation. So, if you are looking to keep the interior of your home comfortable in all weather conditions and keep your energy bill low, that is another reason to think about working with this builder.
4. Keen’s Buildings
Address: 620 W. Howard St., Live Oak, FL 32064
Website: https://keensbuildings.com/
Phone: 386-364-7995
Those in search of a metal building company that has a location near where they live will appreciate the strong physical presence Keen’s Buildings has in FL. You can find their offices in:
- Two in Live Oak (one is a Super Center)
- Masaryktown
- Perry
- Chiefland
- Dade City
- Madison
This makes them mainly North Florida barn builders, but means they also double as central Florida barndominium builders.
Why Keen’s Buildings?
Keen’s Buildings is a company that puts sustainability front and center, creating eco-friendly barndo homes. They also put a strong emphasis on affordability, offering an excellent value. With a variety of one- and two-story floor plans along with a handy 3D builder tool, it should be easy for you to find a layout that suits you and customize it to become your dream home.
Something else that puts Keen’s Buildings among the top Florida barndominium contractors is their zero-down financing program, which is completely in-house. They also offer rent-to-own as a flexible alternative. So, if you cannot afford a large down payment (or any down payment), and/or you are not sure you are ready to commit yet to buying a barndo, Keen’s Buildings gives you additional options to turn your dream into a reality.
Finally, Keen’s Buildings has been around for over 25 years. During that quarter of a century, they have worked with over 100,000 customers. So, they have the deep experience needed to do an excellent job on your barndo project.
Specialties:
Keen’s Buildings isn’t exclusively a barndominium builder, but barndos are among their specialties (as are pole barns, metal barns, sheds and garages).
7. Back Forty Building Co.
Address: P.O. Box 58 Bryceville, FL. 32009
Website: https://backfortybuildings.com/
Phone: 904-503-3042
Another company that has over two decades of experience building barndominiums in Florida is Back Forty Building Co.
While this company’s primary service area is Florida, they do ship nationwide, so that is something to consider if you are reading this from another state a looking for a company with their specializations and expertise.
Why Back Forty Building Co.?
Along with their unique specialties (see below), this company offers a versatile range of beautiful floor plans. Choose between 2-6 bedrooms, and up to 5 bathrooms. Their smallest floor plans are under 1,200 square feet, while their largest ones are more than 3,600 square feet. Whatever the size of your family, they can provide you with everything you need for comfortable living.
Something else you will like about Back Forty Building Co. is that their styles range all the way from classic to modern, with plenty in between. So, you can achieve any sort of ambience and aesthetic for your barndominium.
Specialties:
Along with specializing in barndominiums, Back Forty Building Co. specializes in shop houses (shouses). So, if you specifically want a barndo that features a workshop in combination with living quarters, Back Forty Building Co. can make it happen. No matter your hobby or trade, you will have all the space you need to work on your projects.
Build Your Florida Barndominium
Now that you have had a chance to compare top barndo builders and design companies in Florida, you are ready to take the next step toward building your Florida barndominium. Click on any of the links in this post to request your custom quotes.