If you’re searching for barndominium builders in Idaho, you’ve probably noticed that your options are limited. Most traditional home builders don’t build barndominiums, and most barndominiums are one of the most versatile builds you can do — serious functional space combined with quality living quarters, all under one roof. If you want one built right in Idaho, Western Legacy Homes brings 30 years of custom home building experience and the craftsmanship to make it happen.
We’re a family-owned builder serving Pocatello, Chubbuck, Idaho Falls and surrounding Southeast Idaho communities. Chris Jones brings 30 years of experience and 300+ builds. We build custom homes, semi-custom homes, spec homes, custom garages and shops — and full barndominiums. If you want a barndominium built right, this is what we do.
What is a Barndominium?
A barndominium — often called a barndo — is a building that combines a large garage or shop space with a finished living area under one roof. The name comes from barn and condominium, but modern barndominiums are anything but rustic. They’re fully custom buildings designed for people who want serious functional space — for equipment, vehicles, hobbies or a workshop — alongside quality living quarters.
Barndominiums are popular in Idaho for good reason. The state has a lot of people who work the land, run equipment, build things or simply want more space than a traditional home provides. A well-built barndo gives you all of that in one structure on one lot.
The Ironwood — One of Western Legacy’s Barndominiums
Our Ironwood barndominium plan started as a custom design for a client who wanted something that didn’t exist in our plan library. We designed it from scratch, built it and it became one of our most requested plans. That’s how custom works — your idea becomes a reality.
The Ironwood specs:
- Total: 4,263 sq ft
- Main floor: 3,071 sq ft
- Upper floor: 1,192 sq ft
- Bedrooms: 2+
- Bathrooms: 4
- Garage: XL barndo style
The Ironwood is fully customizable — layout, bedroom count, garage size, finish level. It’s a starting point, not a fixed design. Browse the full plan and elevation on our floor plans page.
Why Build a Barndominium in Idaho?
Barndominiums make particular sense in Idaho for several reasons:
- Space efficiency — you get a large functional building and living quarters on a single footprint and foundation
- Cost effectiveness — combining shop and living space under one roof is often more cost effective than building them separately
- Idaho lifestyle — whether you run equipment, work on vehicles, build things or need serious storage, a barndo is built for the way a lot of Idaho residents actually live
- Land use — on larger rural lots a barndo makes excellent use of space
- Resale value — quality barndominiums hold their value well in markets where functional space is valued
What Does a Barndominium Cost in Idaho?
Barndominium costs in Idaho depend on the same factors as any custom build — size, finish level, site conditions and what you want inside. Generally speaking barndominiums run in a similar cost per square foot range to traditional custom homes:
- Entry level: $150-200 per square foot
- Mid range: $200-250 per square foot
- Fully custom with premium finishes: $250+ per square foot
The garage and shop portion of the building tends to cost less per square foot than the finished living space, which can make a large barndominium surprisingly cost effective compared to building a home and a separate shop.
Can You Build a Barndominium on Any Lot in Idaho?
Zoning is the key question with barndominiums. In most rural and agricultural zones in Southeast Idaho barndominiums are permitted without issue. In residential subdivisions zoning rules may restrict the size or style of garage and shop space. We check zoning as part of every consultation — if you have a lot in mind we can quickly assess whether a barndo is permitted before you go any further.
Permits for barndominiums in Bannock County go through the same process as any residential build — permit costs typically run $10,000-$20,000 depending on size and scope.
Custom Barndominium Design in Idaho
If The Ironwood isn’t exactly what you have in mind — or if you want something completely different — Chris can design a custom barndominium from scratch. He’s designed barndominiums with living quarters above the garage, side-by-side layouts, single story configurations and everything in between. You bring the idea and we put it on paper.
The design process starts with your lot, your lifestyle and your budget. How much shop space do you need? How many vehicles? What kind of living quarters — bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen layout? Do you want the living and shop space connected or separated? These are the questions we work through together before a single line gets drawn.
Ready to Build Your Barndominium in Idaho?
Western Legacy Homes builds barndominiums across Southeast Idaho — Pocatello, Chubbuck, Idaho Falls and surrounding communities. We’ve built one of the largest barndominiums in the region and we know what it takes to do it right.
If you’re thinking about a barndominium — whether you have a lot, a design idea or just a concept — the first step is a conversation. No pressure, no obligation, just an honest talk about what you want to build and what it’s going to take.
Or call us directly: (208) 600-4839
Browse The Ironwood and all our other floor plans on our floor plans page — or learn more about our custom home building process.
