When families in Illinois start planning a new home, one of the first questions they ask is: Should we build a traditional house, or should we consider a barndominium? Both options have their advantages, and the right choice often depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
At Next-Gen Buildings LLC, we’ve built both traditional custom homes and barndominiums across Central Illinois—including Sullivan, Effingham, Pana, Taylorville, Paris, Shelbyville, and Assumption. This experience gives us a unique perspective on how each type of home performs in the real world. If you’re weighing the options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Barndominium?
A barndominium—or “barndo” for short—is a structure that combines the strength and simplicity of barn-style framing with the comfort of a custom-designed home. Originally popular on rural properties, barndominiums have become a mainstream housing choice because of their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Key characteristics of barndominiums include:
- Post frame or steel-frame construction.
- Wide, open interiors with few load-bearing walls.
- The ability to combine living space with shops, garages, or storage.
- Durable exterior materials like metal siding and roofing.
While some barndominiums are rustic and functional, others are finished to luxury standards with high-end kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, and designer details.
What Is a Traditional Home?
Traditional homes are what most people picture when they think of residential construction. They use stick-built framing, often with load-bearing walls, wood siding or brick exteriors, and more compartmentalized layouts.
Custom-built traditional homes in Illinois can take many forms: ranch-style, two-story colonials, modern farmhouses, or contemporary designs. They offer timeless curb appeal and are widely accepted in neighborhoods and subdivisions where barndominiums might not fit.
Comparing Barndominiums and Traditional Homes
1. Cost
- Barndominiums often cost less per square foot, especially for larger footprints. Post frame or steel structures reduce framing and labor costs.
- Traditional Homes can cost more due to complex framing, higher material needs, and longer construction times.
That said, finishes, upgrades, and energy systems can quickly raise costs for either option.
2. Construction Timeline
- Barndominiums typically build faster thanks to simplified framing and wide-open interiors.
- Traditional Homes may take longer because of their complexity and load-bearing walls.
Families on a tighter timeline often lean toward barndominiums.
3. Flexibility
- Barndominiums shine in layout flexibility. Open interiors mean you can design great rooms, large kitchens, lofts, or attached shops with ease.
- Traditional Homes are somewhat limited by structural walls but offer more “classic” room-by-room layouts.
4. Durability & Maintenance
- Barndominiums with steel siding and roofing are low-maintenance and resist pests, rot, and fire better than wood-based systems.
- Traditional Homes may require more upkeep—painting, roofing, or siding repairs—but offer timeless character.
5. Energy Efficiency
- Both can be highly efficient with the right insulation and HVAC. Spray foam insulation in a barndominium can create a tight, cost-effective envelope.
- Traditional homes may have more thermal mass with brick or layered siding but require careful air-sealing.
6. Financing & Insurance
- Barndominiums sometimes face challenges with banks unfamiliar with the concept, though this is improving as demand grows.
- Traditional Homes are universally recognized and easy to finance and insure.
7. Resale Value
- Traditional Homes generally have stronger resale markets due to broader acceptance.
- Barndominiums appeal to niche buyers—great for rural properties but sometimes harder in urban/suburban areas.
Why Barndominiums Work Well in Central Illinois
Barndominiums are especially popular in rural parts of Illinois because they suit local needs:
- Space for farming equipment or hobby shops.
- Durability against weather extremes.
- Open layouts that fit modern lifestyles.
- Cost-effective building for larger properties.
For families near Sullivan, Effingham, or Shelbyville, where land is plentiful, barndominiums provide unmatched value and flexibility.
Why Traditional Homes Still Make Sense
Traditional homes remain the go-to choice in neighborhoods, subdivisions, and areas with stricter zoning. They offer:
- Timeless curb appeal and resale strength.
- Compatibility with subdivision covenants.
- Familiar financing and insurance options.
- Designs that fit seamlessly into established communities.
For families in towns like Taylorville or Paris, a traditional home may make more sense if the goal is long-term resale flexibility or neighborhood integration.
The Design/Build Advantage for Either Choice
Whether you choose a barndominium or a traditional home, the process matters just as much as the product. That’s why our design/build services are so valuable. With Next-Gen, one team handles everything from initial concepts to construction.
This means:
- No miscommunication between designer and builder.
- Transparent budgets from the start.
- Faster timelines with fewer delays.
- Accountability every step of the way.
Families who use design/build enjoy a smoother, less stressful process regardless of the type of home they choose.
How to Decide: Barndominium or Traditional Home?
If you’re stuck between the two, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I value open layouts and combined spaces? → Consider a barndominium.
- Am I building on rural property with plenty of land? → A barndominium may be ideal.
- Do I want maximum resale value and market familiarity? → A traditional home could be better.
- Do I need HOA or subdivision approval? → A traditional home may be required.
- Do I want minimal exterior maintenance? → Barndominium.
- Do I want a home that blends into a historic or established neighborhood? → Traditional home.
There’s no wrong choice—it all comes down to your goals, property, and lifestyle.
Building With Next-Gen in Central Illinois
At Next-Gen Buildings LLC, we don’t just build structures—we build confidence. Whether you want a classic custom home or a modern barndominium, our process ensures your vision comes to life with clarity and quality.
We proudly serve Sullivan, Effingham, Pana, Taylorville, Paris, Shelbyville, and Assumption, delivering homes that fit local needs and weather conditions. With our transparent bidding process, hands-on management, and customer-first approach, you’ll know your investment is in good hands.
Start Your Project With Next-Gen
Still deciding between a barndominium or traditional home in Central Illinois? Let’s talk it through. At Next-Gen, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons, align your goals with your budget, and help you choose the right path for your family.
Call 217-205-6233, email sales@nextgenbuildingsil.com, or stop by our office at 1176 County Road 1500n, Sullivan, IL 61951. Our hours are 7:30–5:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 10–6 Wednesday.
With the right partner, the decision between a barndominium and a traditional home becomes clear—because either way, you’ll end up with a home designed and built for your life.