If you are looking for an idea for a spacious, beautiful multi-family home, you might want to consider building a barndominium duplex.
In this post, we are going to share some of our favorite barndo duplex house plans with you. But first, let’s explain a little bit more about what a barndo duplex is, and why you may want to build one.
What is a Multi-Family Home?
You probably know what a multi-family home is if you found your way here, but on the off chance that you do not, let’s explain it quickly.
A multi-family home is simply a single building that combines separate residences for different individuals or families.
Apartment buildings are one example of multi-family housing. Duplexes are another.
What is a Duplex?
A barndo duplex is what it sounds like: it is a structure that is both a barndominium and a duplex. So, let’s define each of these terms individually to start.
A duplex is a structure that contains two separate residences. Each one is inhabited by a different family or individual. There are no common spaces between them; each residence is private, even though there is a common wall dividing one from the other.
Usually when we talk about barndos, we are referring to single family homes, where the entire structure houses one family.
A barndominium duplex is the same basic thing, except it houses two separate families with a common dividing wall.
Why Construct a Barndominium Duplex?
There are multiple reasons you could consider building a duplex layout, but the most common scenario would be one where you want to live in a barndo, but you also want to “hack” your home payments.
You would live in one unit of the barndo duplex (with your family, if you have one). The other unit you would rent out. That way, you have that extra income to help offset your housing costs, but you also have your privacy.
If you ever get to a point where you no longer want to be a landlord, you could stop renting out the second unit, and just start using it (which could be a nice option if your family could use the extra privacy and space).
A lot of families’ adult children end up living at home for an extended time after graduating nowadays. One possible use for the second unit could be as housing for your adult child until they can get on the housing ladder themselves and buy their own homes.
Finally, some people might invest in a barndo duplex with no plans to inhabit either of the units themselves. They might just want to rent them both out.
Key Benefits of Choosing a Duplex Floor Plan for a Multi-Family Home
Why choose a barndo duplex in particular, rather than building a different style of duplex? Here are some of their advantages:
- Spacious and open: One of the reasons barndos are so popular is because they are well-suited to wide open layouts. While the bedrooms are private, living rooms and kitchens typically feature an open flow of space, well-lit by large windows offering inviting views of the surrounding landscape.
- Beautiful classic look and feel: Barndominiums are classic Americana; they remind us of old farmhouse estates and the slower and more traditional pace of life they represent. At the same time, you can easily build a barndo with a completely modern appearance, or combine features of new and old (as in the modern farmhouse style).
- Outdoor spaces: When we picture multi-family housing, we usually immediately imagine duplexes squeezed tightly onto residential city blocks. Those units may have tiny little yards out front, or no yards at all. But multi-family homes do not have to be that way. Barndominium duplexes can feature huge yards and spacious porches with wide awnings. In fact, if both families are outdoors on opposite ends of the house, they do not even have to see or interact with one another. They can simply enjoy their outdoor spaces to the fullest.
- Durable, long-lasting structures: There are multiple approaches you can take to constructing a barndominium, but many people opt for metal homes. A metal barndominium is fire-proof, pest-proof, and strong enough to stand up to harsh weather. It will require very little maintenance, and will remain in great condition for many years. This makes it ideal for living in and/or renting out—especially the latter. After all, when you are renting out a unit, you cannot just come in and do maintenance any time you want. With a metal barndo duplex, you won’t have to.
As you explore the floor plans we are about to share with you, we are guessing you will think of some additional benefits of choosing a barndo duplex that we did not even think of here.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Duplex Layout
Since there are quite a few ways you could potentially use a barndo duplex as a residence and/or investment property, you will need to find a layout that fits your purposes. Asking yourself the following questions can help you select the right floor plan.
- Will you be residing in the barndominium duplex yourself?
- Will you rent out both or either of the units full-time? Will you rent out either or both of them part-time?
- To whom will you be renting either or both of the units? Will they be people you know? Complete strangers?
- Will extended family be residing in one or both of the units?
- How long will you be using the barndo the way you intend to in the beginning? Do you expect to transition its use years down the road (i.e. stop renting out the second unit and live in it, or vice versa)?
- Does it make more sense for you to have completely symmetrical/matching units, or would there be value to having some extra features in just one of the units?
Of course, there are many more detailed questions you will need to ask yourself about what specific rooms and features you will need for yourself, your family, your renters, etc. Be sure to consider both the interior and exterior layouts.
3 Duplex Plans to Consider For Your Barndo
If the benefits of building a barndo duplex are starting to speak to you, then it is time to take a look at some floor plans for inspiration. Here are some layouts you may fall in love with.
1. Farmhouse Plan 1070-96
This floor plan is for a barndominium duplex measuring 3070 sq ft. In total, it features 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 floors, and 2 garages (divide in half to get the amount for each unit). The duplex features two floors.
The plan is simple, symmetrical and straightforward, featuring the common wall between the garages. All the other rooms in the home are to either side of the garages. This maximizes the distance between the lived-in parts of the two residences, ensuring that as little noise as possible travels between them. Each family can have lawn space of their own to either side of the home.
2. Country Plan 1064-255
Next, we have an even larger barndo duplex plan, this one for 4556 square feet. There are 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and 2 garages. Unlike the floor plan above, this one is only for a single story.
Another difference with this floor plan is that it is not symmetrical. On the right side of the barndo, you will find bedrooms, a great room, a laundry room and bathrooms. To the left of those is an office and a garage. On the other side of the garage and office is another great room, a dining room, a kitchen, another laundry, and additional bedrooms and bathrooms (as well as a loft upstairs).
So, this is a somewhat unusual floor plan. There are not two completely distinct units, because there is only one kitchen/dining room, only one garage, and only one office. But aside from those spaces, each side of the structures allows for fairly autonomous living (separate bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms).
For that reason, we would not necessarily recommend this plan for renting out to tenants. But it might be suitable if, for example, you have a family member who wants to occupy part of the home independently, while sharing the kitchen and a few other spaces.
3. Plan 68844VR Barndo Duplex
Our next floor plan features an astonishing 5 garage bays, ensuring that you have sufficient room for up to 5 vehicles. There are 3,206 heated square feet, with each unit featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The majority of the ground floor is taken up by the garage bays, but there is also a home office on the lower floor in one of the units (not in both).
The upper story features a symmetrical layout with two distinct units. In each, you will find bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen.
So, this would be a good floor plan to rent out either or both units; the one with the office you could charge more for—or you could live in it yourself and enjoy the advantage of the home workspace.
Ready To Build Your Own Duplex?
A barndo duplex makes for a spacious, flexible multi-family housing solution that is ideal for inhabiting, renting out, or both. If you are ready to build your own barndominium duplex, click on any of the links in this post to shop floor plans.
