Those barndominium designs on Pinterest? Gorgeous—sure. But often completely unrealistic. Over the years, what started as a simple, cost-effective way to live in a metal building has spiraled into an overcomplicated and costly trend, largely fueled by Pinterest inspiration boards.
As Delan Hale of ADCO Metals puts it:
- “Barndominiums used to be simple—but Pinterest made it difficult.”
Originally, a barndominium was just a practical metal shell, essentially a square or rectangular building, designed to be finished out inside however you wanted. But today, more and more homeowners come in with full-blown house plans, fancy rooflines, dormers, and dozens of windows, expecting to get Pinterest perfection for a fraction of the price. The result? Frustration, delays, and blown budgets.
At ADCO Metals, we don’t sell Pinterest fantasies. We supply real, code-compliant metal building materials built for the Gulf South, backed by nearly 60 years of experience helping families and builders in Louisiana and Mississippi make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
If you’re looking to build a barndominium that makes sense for your lifestyle and your budget, we’re here to help you separate the barndominium expectations vs. reality, and focus on what really works.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium—or “barndo”—is a metal building designed for residential use. Traditionally, it’s a simple structure: think a wide-open, rectangular shell finished out on the inside for living. These buildings gained popularity for their durability, affordability, and customization potential.
Over time, however, the definition has drifted, especially online. What once was a basic, cost-effective metal shell has been repackaged into high-end Pinterest house plans loaded with architectural details, dormers, and expansive rooflines.
The problem? That’s not what barndominiums were ever meant to be. As Hale puts it, “They’re bringing a typical house plan and saying ‘I want a barndominium’— that’s not even close to the same thing.”
At ADCO Metals, we help customers focus on what works: keeping the exterior simple and durable, with the flexibility to build out the interior exactly how you like, without overcomplicating it or driving up costs unnecessarily.
The Problem with Pinterest Barndominium Plans
Pretty Pictures, Ugly Truths
Pinterest is filled with beautifully curated barndominium designs, but most of them don’t translate well into real-world builds. These plans often come without proper engineering, aren’t designed for your region’s building codes, and ignore the practical challenges of your property.
What’s worse is how these unrealistic plans skew expectations. Customers walk in excited by what they saw online, but quickly face sticker shock once reality sets in. The Pinterest versions are often over-engineered on the exterior and far removed from the cost-effective, practical spirit of true barndominiums.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All (Especially in the Gulf South)
Building in the Gulf South comes with its own set of challenges—high humidity, hurricane zones, drainage needs, and specific local codes. Online “one-size-fits-all” plans rarely meet those needs, which leads to:
- Permit rejections
- Redesign costs
- Project delays
- Risky builds that don’t meet structural safety standards
At ADCO Metals, we know the landscape. With four locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, we’ve supplied metal building materials tailored for this region for nearly six decades. We help you plan smartly from the start so your build isn’t just beautiful—it’s actually buildable.
Barndominium Cost Myths—Debunked
You’ve seen it: “Build your dream barndominium for under $100k!” But once you add up foundation work, utility connections, interior finishes, and the dozens of Pinterest-inspired upgrades, you’re often well beyond that budget.
Let’s break down the biggest barndominium cost myths we see:
Myth #1: Metal Homes Are Always Cheaper
While metal buildings can offer great long-term savings, the final cost depends on many factors, including:
- Layout complexity
- Exterior upgrades (windows, dormers, porches)
- Interior finish level
- Site prep and foundation work
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing installs
Delan points out, “You might as well stick build it out of wood and keep your costs down,” if your barndominium starts to resemble a traditional house. Why? Because the true savings of a barndo come from keeping it simple and investing on the inside—not dressing up the outside.
Myth #2: Online Kits Include Everything
Don’t be fooled by flashy kit ads. Most barndominium kits found online do not include critical elements such as the foundation, insulation, interior framing, plumbing, or HVAC systems. In many cases, you’ll spend just as much, or more, bringing these parts up to code or adding missing components.
Barndominium Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation: I’ll Just Buy a Kit and Build
Reality: Building a barndominium involves permits, contractors, and sourcing multiple trades.
Expectation: It’ll Look Just Like the Pinterest Picture
Reality: Many Pinterest designs are over-stylized or showcase high-end finishes that dramatically increase costs. That “affordable barndominium in Louisiana” may be double what the image implies.
Our goal at ADCO is transparency. We’ll help you build something beautiful, functional, and within reach.
Common Barndominium Design Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
When planning your build, steering clear of these barndominium design mistakes can save you time and thousands of dollars.
Mistake #1: Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Structure
Style matters—but structure is critical. ADCO’s materials are engineered for safety and longevity, not just looks.
Mistake #2: Not Planning for Utility Placement
Where will your plumbing go? What about electrical? HVAC? These are things a real-world design will account for, not just a Pinterest mood board.
Mistake #3: Poor Site Planning
Every build site is unique. Our team at ADCO ensures your building’s orientation, grading, and drainage are optimized for durability and energy efficiency.
The ADCO Advantage: Building Barndominiums the Right Way
With nearly 60 years of experience, ADCO Metals is a materials supplier you can count on—especially if you’re building in Louisiana or Mississippi.
Custom, Local, and Code-Compliant
We supply metal roofing and building materials that meet regional codes, weather demands, and project specs. No fluff—just dependable materials that work where you live.
Trusses and Pole Barn Kits Supplied In-House
We offer access to high-quality trusses and pole barn kits through trusted sources. That means fewer delays, better availability, and peace of mind when you’re sourcing structural components.
Friendly, Local Expertise
From Lacombe to Hattiesburg, Walker to Carriere, our team knows the Gulf South inside and out. We’re not just vendors, we’re your neighbors, and we’re here to help you build better.
Metal Building Home vs. Stick Built: What’s Right for You?
If you’re weighing options, here’s what you need to know: barndominiums (done correctly) offer faster builds, stronger durability, and lower long-term maintenance. But that only holds true when you keep the shell simple and focus your investment where it matters—inside.
Stick-built homes have their place, especially for complex exteriors. But if your goal is cost-efficiency, flexibility, and strength, a metal home—using real materials, not internet kits—might be the smarter move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barndominiums
Are barndominiums really cheaper to build than traditional homes?
They can be—if you keep the structure simple. The moment you add elaborate rooflines, dormers, or complex layouts, costs can rival or exceed stick-built homes. True savings come from streamlined exteriors and smart material choices.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when planning a barndominium?
Using Pinterest house plans that aren’t designed for your region. These plans often fail local building codes, lack structural engineering, and dramatically underestimate total costs.
Do barndominium kits include everything I need to build?
No. Most kits exclude foundations, insulation, framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. You’ll still need contractors and materials to complete the build.
Can you customize the inside of a simple barndominium?
Absolutely. That’s the beauty of starting with a basic shell—you can finish the inside however you want without overpaying for unnecessary exterior complexity.
Is a barndominium a good fit for the Gulf South?
Yes—if it’s built with code-compliant materials made for humidity, hurricanes, and local soil conditions. That’s why ADCO Metals supplies regionally engineered products built to last in Louisiana and Mississippi.
What should I ask before buying a barndominium kit online?
Ask if it includes stamped engineering for your state, what’s included (and what’s not), and whether materials meet local code. If they can’t answer, that’s a red flag.
Let’s Build Something Real—No Filters Required
At ADCO Metals, we’re not here to sell you a fantasy, we’re here to help you build something that lasts. While Pinterest may show the dream, we help you stay grounded in what’s achievable on your land, with your budget, and under your roof.
We’re proud to serve our communities from four convenient locations:
Our Locations:
Lacombe, LA (Main Location)
Address: 64101 Highway 434, Exit 74, Lacombe, LA 70445
Phone: 985-882-3222 or 1-888-858-3222
Walker, LA
Address: 10155 Al’s Way, Suite B, Walker, LA 70785
Phone: 225-791-7789
Hattiesburg, MS
Address: 35 King Rd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone: 601-202-1801 or 1-833-629-1049
Picayune, MS
Address: 6981 Highway 11, Carriere, MS 39426
Phone: 601-798-4600 or 1-866-798-4600
Prefer to start your project online? Visit adcometals.com to request a quote or explore our full range of metal building and roofing solutions.
