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The Barndominium Build: Beyond the Instagram Glamour

Let's be real, building a barndominium is often portrayed as a dreamy, seamless process on social media. But like any home-building journey, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Challenges that my husband and I have been taking on head first. So this post is going to be a little different, I'm going to dive into the less-talked-about aspects of building a barndominium and how to navigate them (without a divorce or total meltdown).




1. The Rollercoaster Ride of DIY Home Building

Hey there, DIY enthusiast! 🛠️ So, you've decided to dive into the world of home building and take the reins as your own project manager. Kudos to you! It's a thrilling journey, filled with the joy of seeing your vision come to life. But, let's be real, it can also be a tad overwhelming at times. Don't fret, though; we're here to chat about those bumps in the road and how to navigate them with grace and a smile.


Mistakes Happen, and That's Okay! 🙈 First off, let's get one thing straight: mistakes are bound to happen. Maybe you've measured a space and it's just a smidge off, or perhaps you've realized that the paint color you chose looks more "bubblegum pink" than "soft blush" in the daylight. Oops! But guess what? These hiccups are all part of the DIY dance. Instead of beating yourself up, give yourself a pat on the back for trying and see these errors as golden learning moments. Every misstep is a step closer to mastering the art of home building.


Stress-Be-Gone: Managing Those DIY Jitters 🧘‍♂️ Now, onto the big 'S' - Stress. It's natural to feel a bit frazzled when things don't go as planned or when decisions pile up. But here's the secret sauce to keeping your cool:

  • Take Five (or Fifteen!): When things get too much, step away. Grab a cup of tea, take a walk, or just do some stretches. A little break can do wonders for your perspective.

  • Mindfulness Magic: Ever tried meditation or deep breathing exercises? They're like a mini-vacation for your mind. Even a few minutes can help you refocus and find your center.

  • Eyes on the Prize: Whenever you're feeling swamped, take a moment to visualize your finished home. That dreamy kitchen, the cozy living room... Remembering the bigger picture can reignite your passion and drive.

  • Phone a Friend: And by friend, we mean a professional. If you're ever in doubt or feel out of your depth, there's no harm in seeking expert advice. Sometimes, a little guidance can make all the difference.

In the grand scheme of things, building your own home is an incredible achievement. So, embrace the journey, bumps and all. And always remember, every brick laid, every nail hammered, and every decision made is a testament to your dedication and love for your dream home. You've got this!


camp in empty field

2. Living On-Site: The Camper Life

There's a certain allure to living on the land as your dream home takes shape. But it's not all campfires and stargazing.


The Bright Side: Pros of Camper Life 🌞

  • Immediate Oversight: Picture this: you're right there as your home takes shape. If a question pops up or a quick decision needs to be made, you're on the spot, ready to jump in. No more driving back and forth or relying on phone calls. You're in the heart of the action!

  • Connection to the Land: There's something magical about living on the land you're building on. You'll get to know every nook and cranny, every tree, and every sunset spot. It's a unique way to bond with your space, making the final result even more special.

The Not-So-Bright Side: Cons to Consider 🌧️

  • Limited Comfort: Let's be real, as cozy as campers can be, they're no match for the comfort of a full home. Think smaller spaces, limited amenities, and the occasional challenge of extreme weather. Rainy days might mean muddy shoes, and winter could bring its own set of chilly challenges.

  • Privacy Concerns: Ah, the hustle and bustle of construction! With workers coming and going, finding a quiet, private moment might be trickier than you'd think. Morning routines might need a little tweaking, especially if you're used to long, leisurely showers or singing at the top of your lungs.

3. Patience is Key: The Dance of Building Timelines ⏳🔨

Hey there, future barndominium owner! 🏡✨ Dreaming of the day you can kick back in your brand-new space? We totally get it. But, as with all great things in life, building your dream barndominium is a journey, not a sprint. And sometimes, that journey might take a few unexpected detours. Let's chat about the importance of patience and how to navigate those timeline twists and turns.


The Dream vs. Reality: We've all been there, daydreaming about our finished barndominium, imagining it magically springing up overnight. But, as you've probably guessed, the real world has its own pace. Whether it's a surprise rainstorm, a sudden shortage of that perfect wood you picked out, or a last-minute design tweak, delays can and do happen.


Key Takeaways to Keep Your Cool 🧘‍♂️

  • Set Realistic Expectations: Think of building like baking a cake. Sure, we'd all love to have it ready in a jiffy, but rushing can mean a half-baked result. Always factor in some buffer time. It's better to be pleasantly surprised by an early finish than frustrated by unexpected delays.

  • Stay Flexible: Remember that old saying, "Go with the flow"? It's golden advice for barndominium building. Some things, like weather or global material shortages, are simply out of our hands. Embrace flexibility, and you'll find the process a whole lot smoother.

4. Navigating the Subcontractor Maze

Working with subcontractors can be one of the most challenging aspects of building a barndominium.

Key Takeaways:

  • Getting Bids: It's essential to get multiple bids to ensure you're getting a fair price.

  • Communication Woes: Not all subcontractors are great communicators. Set clear expectations from the start and consider using communication tools or apps.

  • Trust Your Gut: If a subcontractor doesn't feel right, it's okay to look elsewhere.

In the end, the journey of building a barndominium is as rewarding as the destination itself. So, lace up those boots, put on that hard hat, and dive into the adventure with enthusiasm and gusto. Your dream home awaits, and with a sprinkle of patience, a touch of flexibility, and a hearty dose of resilience, you'll be crossing the finish line with a smile on your face.


Happy barndo building!


I absolutely love chatting about everything DIY and home improvement, so come say hi to me on Instagram and Facebook or leave a comment below.

Remember... Don't Be Afraid of a Little DIY: I believe that you can turn your house into a beautiful home, all you need to do is get your hands dirty one project at a time.

THE BORING BUT NEEDED INFO: Unless stated otherwise, all posts and photos featured on www.jaclyncrosbyhome.com are express copyrighted property of Jaclyn Crosby of Jaclyn Crosby Home. If you find something you’d love to feature on your own website, social media, or blog, please credit and link back to www.jaclyncrosbyhome.com. If you would like to use multiple photos, blog posts, links, or copy, please contact me to obtain permission. The views and opinions expressed on this website are my own. This site uses cookies and may collect data on your visit to create a better experience for you. Your privacy is very important to us. Please see our privacy and cookie policy for more information. The projects, methods and tools featured on this blog have worked for me. However, you are responsible for wearing proper safety equipment and using correct techniques when using or operating any products. Not everyone will have the same results. Please attempt EVERYTHING AT YOUR OWN RISK. Jaclyn Crosby Home is not responsible for any hazards, injuries, or other mishaps that may occur while you attempt any project or idea you learn about on Jaclyn Crosby Home website and social media pages.

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