Are you considering building a barndominium in Oklahoma? Many Oklahoma barn builders will help you with your build, offering stunning floor plans, transparent pricing and help with permitting, too.
Understanding the laws and regulations in Oklahoma for barndos is the first step before contacting a builder.
Laws and Regulations for Barndo Building in Oklahoma
Oklahoma state laws do not mention barndominiums as restrictions, and laws will fall to the city and county levels. Working with a reputable barndo builders in Oklahoma (we listed some below), will help you avoid issues with the meeting:
- Zoning regulations
- Wind/snow load requirements
- Foundation requirements
- Etc.
However, many potential owners are choosing Oklahoma because it is a “homesteading state.” Many parcels of land fall under the “agricultural” classification, which means that you’ll need:
- 2+ acres of land
- Meet certain city requirements
The nice part of A-1 zoning land is that you can raise your own food without much legal issues. However, since the land is not zoned for commercial use, you will not be able to sell the food you grow or the animals that you raise.
You do want to be cautious of any land that you buy that falls under the following:
- Conservation
- Preservation
Oklahoma has a lot of land under these categories, which will make it impossible to build on.
The good news is that if you plan on building a barndominium in Oklahoma, there are very relaxed electricity laws. You can live off-grid, and there are $0 taxes on solar systems.
Due to the state being prone to drought, you do not own any water except for groundwater, which is perfect if you want a well. You don’t even need a permit for a well if you plan on using the water for domestic use, and the state’s Water for 2060 Act even allows for rainwater harvesting.
With this said, it’s important to research and adhere to local building laws pertaining to:
- Residential requirements for a barndo you plan on residing in
- Setbacks requirements
- Building height requirements
- Septic requirement, which will require a soil test before a permit is issued
You will need to meet all local codes, which is something your builder will discuss with you. Working with a builder who focuses on constructing barndominiums in Oklahoma will make the process less stressful.
Note: If your land is in what is known as a Rural Water District, you will need approval for a septic before you can have water run to the property.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barndo in Oklahoma?
Building a barndominium, like most forms of construction, has seen costs trend upward in recent years thanks to rising material costs. In most cases, Oklahoma is a great state to build a barndo because you’ll pay $190 – $220+ a square foot for your build.
Traditional stick-built homes often start at $240 and go much higher, often up to $300 per square foot.
Of course, there are a lot of other building costs that you need to consider, including:
Other Building Costs to Consider
- Clearing land
- Grading land
- Access to the build site
- Septic
- Well
- Plumbing
- Running electric
- Porches/decks
- Flooring type
- Landscaping
- Foundation costs
- Permits
- Inspection
If you have land that is close to utility lines already, this will make it much easier for you to be able to run electricity and even Internet to the property. However, if you plan to build in a location where you’ll be off-grid, you will have to consider additional costs for solar, land clearing and even building access roads to reach the build site,
Finishes will also add to the total cost of your barndo in Oklahoma.
For example, if you have the option for marble countertops, they may add a lot of value to the barndo and look stunning, but they will also add significantly to the total build of the home.
When budgeting for your build, it’s best to pad all estimates by 10%- 20% for any of the additional costs that pop up. For example, if you budget for a well that is 150 feet deep and the well is 700 feet deep, you will pay significantly more for the drilling.
You’ll also need a deep well pump, which will cost you more money than a pump designed for shallow wells.
Working with a building that has experience working with your county or city will alleviate many of the cost and building concerns that you have.
Our Top Rated Oklahoma Pole Barn Builders
There are several builders that can help you build your barndominium in Oklahoma. Some of the best-rated and most respected barndominium builders in the state include:
Greg James Designs
Greg James Designs is based in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the company creates designs for barndos as well as ICF homes. Greg James is the founder of the company, and he began his career building boats along the Gulf Coast of Texas. In 1997, he started designing residential and commercial properties. Today, he has decades of experience and extensive knowledge of home building.
Greg James Designs has stock plans for barndominiums at the cost of $1,800 per plan. This includes the full set of buildable plans as well as 3-hours of revision time to ensure your plan meets all of your needs.
You can view a list of plans on their website and request more information with the click of a button. Home sizes range from 485 square feet to 3,700 square feet or more.
Buyers can also book a consultation quickly and easily to discuss their needs.
It’s important to note that Greg James Designs only provides plans for your barndominium. You will be responsible for finding your own general contractor and securing all permits for your build.
Okie Barns
Okie Barns is based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Founder Adam is an experienced builder who started Okie Barns after designing his own barndo for his growing family.
Okie Barns is a full-service option for anyone looking to build a barndo. They do all of the construction work in-house, which gives them more control over the quality and the process of building the barndo.
Along with barndominium homes, Okie Barns also builds:
- Barns with living quarters
- Pole barns
- Pool houses
- Garages and workshops
They complete virtually all of the construction using their team, and that includes the finishing work, like:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Insulation
- Framing
- Kitchen cabinet installation
- Painting
Okie Barns offers standard floor plans as well as custom options. For a small additional fee, you can create a custom barndominium floor plan.
Past buyers give the company high praise for making the entire process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Building a barndominium in Oklahoma is easier than you think. Reach out to your local building department to learn more about the rules and regulations for building your barndo. Then, choose a builder to help bring your dream home to life.