South Dakota’s got a natural vibe that just fits barndominium life—think rural charm, affordability, and sturdy builds that handle the state’s weather. From Sturgis and Rapid City up to Aberdeen and back down to Platte, barndominium’s in the state are growing, thanks to friendly zoning laws and a general openness to non-traditional homes.
South Dakota’s got a lot going for it if you’re thinking about building your own barndominium home. All that open land and relatively low construction costs? It’s a combo that’s hard to ignore if you’re looking for something a little different. The state’s relaxed regulations (at least compared to some places) and a growing handful of experienced builders make it an interesting place to try your hand at a custom barndo.
Building a barndominium in South Dakota usually runs between $60 and $240 per square foot, with $120 being a pretty common average for kits and $210 for complete turnkey construction.
That’s roughly 35% less than what you’d pay for a traditional house. When you add in the shorter build times and the freedom to customize, it’s no wonder barndominiums are popping up all over the state.
There are quite a few reputable custom builders in South Dakota , from big names like Morton Buildings to regional folks like Reaves Buildings out of Sioux Falls. They know the ins and outs of South Dakota’s climate and codes, so you’re not rolling the dice on whether your place will stand up to a Dakota winter—or actually pass inspection.
Lower Construction Costs are a big reason folks go this route. Building a turnkey barndominium in South Dakota costs about $210 per square foot, which, again, is around 35% less than a typical house.
Since traditional homes average $330 per square foot here, you can put the money you save toward upgrades or custom touches.
Faster Build Times are another major perk. Most barndominiums are finished in about six months, while traditional homes sometimes drag on for a year or more.
Thanks to steel framing, the whole process just moves quicker. Less waiting, less stress, less second-guessing.
Easier Construction Process is appealing if you’re a DIY type or just don’t want to deal with the headaches of traditional homebuilding. Metal pole barn foundations are way more straightforward.
Customization Flexibility—that’s a big one. The open floor plan means you can get creative with your layout. Want a giant kitchen? Go for it. Need a workshop? Easy.
Durability and Low Maintenance come standard with steel construction. Metal buildings shrug off a lot of the weather that tends to beat up wood-framed homes, which is especially handy in South Dakota.
Plus, with affordable land and pretty relaxed rural zoning, building a barndominium is within reach for a lot of people who might not otherwise build a custom home.
As we mentioned above, the average turnkey construction price for South Dakota barndominiums is $210 per sq ft. The price savings mostly comes down to simpler construction. Metal pole barns are just faster and easier to put up than a standard stick-frame house, so you’re not paying as much for labor or waiting as long to move in.
A 2,000-square-foot barndo? You’re looking at roughly $420,000. The same size “normal” house could set you back $660,000.
Keep in mind, these numbers usually cover the shell—the frame, roof, and siding. You’ll still need cash for electrical, plumbing, and finishing the inside. Appliances and fancy extras? That’s on top.
Several things affect your final cost, like where you’re building. Rural spots are usually cheaper than anything near a city.
Your choice of materials makes a difference too. Go basic and you’ll save, but if you want all the bells and whistles, expect the price to climb.
Most barndominiums are done in about 3 to 6 months. That’s pretty fast in the construction world, and it helps keep your overall costs in check—not to mention less hassle with construction loans or temporary places to stay.
What drives the total cost?
A handful of things, honestly:
The price in Wyoming varies based on several key factors:
Metal construction materials require minimal maintenance and offer excellent durability. Most barndominiums maintain their value well due to their steel frame construction and energy efficiency.
Insurance costs often run lower than traditional homes due to fire-resistant metal construction. Many barndominium owners report significant savings on utility bills thanks to modern insulation methods.
The metal structure typically lasts 50+ years with proper maintenance, reducing long-term repair costs compared to traditional wood-frame homes.
Barndominium construction in South Dakota is growing rapidly. The state has multiple builders specializing in these custom homes, and the exact rules depend on your county.
Yes, barndominiums are legal to build in the state of South Dakota. Read below for more information on codes and regulations…
There are over 20 custom builders working in South Dakota. Some of the bigger names include Morton Buildings, DC Builders, and Reaves Buildings.
Morton has offices in Rapid City and offers three kit options, plus a 40-year panel warranty.
DC Builders ships nationwide and has more than 70 kits to choose from. They focus on pole barn construction with either wood or metal frames.
Reaves Buildings is based in Sioux Falls and does custom wood post frame builds, including design and construction statewide.
If you want a more personal touch, local outfits like 605 Building Company Inc. can help with custom designs and site work.
Regulations vary by county and city. Most places require standard residential permits for barndominiums.
Your build has to meet International Residential Code standards for things like insulation, electrical, and plumbing.
Zoning rules decide where you can build. Rural areas are usually easier to work with than suburbs.
If you’re off the grid, you’ll need permits for septic and wells.
Some counties have minimum size requirements for houses, so double-check before you start.
South Dakota winters can be brutal, so good insulation and reliable heating are must-haves. Steel buildings need to handle snow loads and big temperature swings.
Wind is also a concern—metal siding and roofing stand up well, but you still need to plan for gusts.
Moisture can be a problem with metal buildings, so vapor barriers and ventilation are important.
Foundations need to go below the frost line, which is 4-6 feet deep in some areas. Concrete piers or basements usually work better than slabs up north.
Big overhangs help keep snow away from doors, which makes life easier in the winter.
There’s definitely a growing buzz around barndominiums in both states, but South Dakota seems to have a bit of a head start—with more established builders and suppliers on the scene.
Costs for construction? Pretty similar overall, though North Dakota’s oil boom regions can push land and labor prices up quite a bit.
If you’re after variety, South Dakota’s got a wider mix of building options—think both wood frame and metal specialists. It’s almost like you can find a builder for just about any style you want.
Resale values? Still holding up well. These rural barndominiums draw in buyers looking for something affordable, maybe even a little off the beaten path.
North Dakota tends to lean into that industrial vibe, while South Dakota’s builders seem more open to residential touches and personal finishes. Kind of depends on what you’re into, honestly.
South Dakota uses the International Building Code (IBC) 2015 as its main standard, but local governments can (and do) tweak those rules.
Barndominium building codes vary depending on where you are and what you plan to use the building for. Metal barndos have to meet the same codes as any other house—no shortcuts.
Here’s what usually applies:
Counties and cities can adopt or amend these codes as they see fit.
Metal building regulations sometimes make getting permits a little tricky. Some places have rules about how much metal you can use, or what it has to look like.
If you’re building way out in the country, you’ll probably face fewer restrictions. Aesthetic rules aren’t much of a thing in rural areas, so you can get away with more.
Fire safety codes are non-negotiable. Metal or wood, your barndo has to hit the same fire protection standards as any other home.
You’ll need permits for building and zoning. Zoning makes sure your land use fits local laws.
Every county is a little different, so check with local officials before you get too far along.
https://sdlegislature.gov/
