Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas: Costs And Build Plans (2024)

When looking at various architectural styles for your new barndominium home, you see the dog trot barndominium style, but what exactly is this style?

It is a style that has been around since the 1800s. It was a type of home that was created out of necessity.

A dog trot barndominium is now considered a modern amenity.

It is a barndominium with an open breezeway or some other type of space between two living spaces. All of the square footage is under one roof.

Read on to learn more about this unique style of barndominium, how it originated, and what it would cost to build it. We will also include some floor plans to show you how it is laid out.

It is a style that can suit some families, but they can be quite small in square footage.

When you finish reading this article, you will have all the information you need to decide if the dog trot barndominium style is one you might want to have built and live in.

Key Takeaways

  • Traditionally they are a one-story, log structure.
  • Although no longer necessary today, the dog trot style gives you a unique barndominium
  • A dog trot barndominium can give you that indoor-outdoor living space you want.
  • The area between the two cabins, or living space, was ten to fifteen feet.

Contents

  • Why Is It Called A Dog Trot House?
  • How Much Does It Cost To Build a Dog Trot Barndominium?
  • Dog Trot Barndominium Plans And Layouts
    • Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 238
    • Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 239
    • Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 240
    • Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 241
    • Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 242
  • Dog Trot Barndominium ideas
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 1
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 2
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 3
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 4
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 5
    • Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 6
  • Conclusion

What Is A Dog Trot House & How Does it looks like?

Large, open breezeways characterize the dog trot house. These run through the middle of the barndominium.

On each side, there are two living spaces. For some, the bedrooms are on one side, and the living area and kitchen are on the other. All of the areas are under one roof.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (1)

When they were first built, they had logged structures. Generally, they were just one story with a chimney on each end of the house on the far side.

The kitchen and living area were on one side to help keep half of the house cooler. The homes were usually raised several feet off the ground.

This was another way to keep the home cooler as the air circulated under and around the home. Sometimes there were porches on the back and front of the house.

Why Is It Called A Dog Trot House?

It is thought that the original idea originated in the Appalachian Mountains or Carolina’s coastal low country in the 1800s.

At this time, there was no electricity or air conditioning in these warm climates, so this house style was built to take advantage of any cross breeze.

There were also a lot of windows on all sides of the house.

It was called a dog trot home because this area between the two living spaces was the coolest spot in the house, so that is where the family dog would stay most of there most of the time.

This was also the area that the dog trotted through if they wanted to get to the other side instead of going around the house. That is how it got its name.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Dog Trot Barndominium?

Typically, the cost to build a dog trot barndominium ranges from $114 to $122, but the actual price depends on the square footage, selected floor plan, and interior and exterior features.

The price will usually include standard finishes, HVAC, electricity, and plumbing.

It will not include site work such as utility hookups, clearing the land if necessary, pouring the foundation, or delivery.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (2)

On average, it costs about $30-$40 per square foot, but this does not include hiring a contractor or builder.

Even if you decide that you want to build it yourself, work will still need to be contracted out to meet building codes.

Dog Trot Barndominium Plans And Layouts

Below is some dog trot barndominium floor plans to show you the different layouts for your barndominium.

As you can see from most of the floorplans, the kitchen and living areas are on one side, with the bedrooms on the other.

Most of these styles of barndominiums are under 2,000 square feet. Some have a second floor, although the original dog trot homes did not.

Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 238

This dog trot barndominium is 46’x32’ with a large kitchen and living space on one side, but there is no actual dining area.

There is a nice kitchen island where you can eat your meals on.

There is also a half-bath and laundry room off the kitchen.

On the other side, there are two bedrooms with a full bathroom, but it is not a jack-and-jill bathroom.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (3)

Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 239

This dog trot barndominium is 720 square feet, so that is not a very large barndominium. From this floor plan, there appears to be no extra living area.

On one side is two bedrooms but to get to the bathroom, you have to cross the breezeway, which is 11’8:x 19’4”.

This floor plan would be more suitable for a weekend getaway cabin.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (4)

Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 240

This floor plan has even less square footage than the previous one at 648 square footage.

It has the same layout as the previous one, with the bathroom and kitchen on one side and the two bedrooms on the opposite side.

The dog trot is several inches wider than either side.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (5)

Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 241

This floor plan would also suit a weekend getaway as each of the bedrooms is referred to as a bunk room with four beds in each one.

There is no breezeway between the two areas but a kitchen and a small dining area. Also in this area are two full bathrooms side-by-side.

There also appears that there may be a second story as it looks like there are stairs by the one bathroom.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (6)

Dog Trot Barndominium – Floor Plan 242

This dog trot barndominium does not show any bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining, or living areas.

It just shows a shed room and a primary room, which looks something like the original dog trot homes might have looked like.

Across the front is a large porch, plus there is a chimney on each side of the barndominium

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (7)

Dog Trot Barndominium ideas

Below you will be able to see some of the designs of how your dog trot barndominium could look from the outside.

As you can see from the various pictures, it is a unique style for a barndominium.

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 1

Looking at this dog trot barndominium idea, this is what they might have looked like in the 1800s with the log cabin feel.

You can see that there are two separate homes, each with a chimney and a breezeway between them. When you look at this idea, you can see where the name came from.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (8)

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 2

This idea may have been used in earlier dog trot homes. As you can see, it is raised from the ground about a foot, and there are several indoors to let in the cool breezes. There is also a door to each half of the home.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (9)

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 3

This is more of a modern-style dog trot barndominium with large windows on both sides, but only one chimney exists.

A nice porch/entertainment area along the front is large enough for a patio set and lounge chair. This dog trot barndominium still has that rustic look with the wood siding.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (10)

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 4

Here you can see the layout of how they have used some of the breezeways for a nice living area.

Two doors open up to give you more of an open field. It opens onto the covered porch area and then to the pool.

A perfect setup to take advantage of the space.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (11)

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 5

This dog trot barndominium has a large, covered area that leads to what appears to be a swimming pool.

Further into the barndominium are an open area they use for another dining area and living space. All of this space makes it great for entertaining.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (12)

Dog Trot Barndominium Idea 6

Here again, is your very rustic dog trot home that was most likely built in the 1800s.

It had a small breezeway, and from the position of the stone chimney, one side was the kitchen, and the other was for living.

This stone chimney appears to be an indoor fireplace, where a lot of the cooking took place during this time.

Another chimney is on the other side to keep the living area warm.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (13)

Conclusion

A dog trot barndominium is unique but does not offer much square footage.

It can be the style of barndominium that you could build if you wanted a weekend getaway or for your new home.

On average, it costs over $100,000 to build, but it all depends on the square footage, floor plan, and features you want.

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas:Costs And Build Plans (14)

James HallBarndominiums Advisor

I'm James, your barndominiums advisor. Several years ago, I had no idea what barndominiums were. Although I'd spent over 10 years in the construction industry, the first time I heard about barndominiums was when I saw my neighbor building a new-style home. That was the first barndominium I've ever seen, and I found it so fascinating that I wanted to learn more about them.

More Posts

Dog Trot Barndominium Ideas: Costs And Build Plans (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build a 1 or 2 story barndominium? ›

Single-story barndominiums are generally perceived as less expensive due to several factors: – **Foundation Costs**: The foundation of a single-story barndominium typically costs less than that of a two-story structure since it bears less weight. This can lead to savings in both materials and labor.

What is a dog trot in a house plan? ›

A dogtrot house historically consisted of two log cabins connected by a breezeway or "dogtrot", all under a common roof. Typically, one cabin was used for cooking and dining, while the other was used as a private living space, such as a bedroom.

What is the average cost of a barndominium in Texas? ›

On average, it costs around $300,000 for a new build barndominium in Texas with nicer finishings and additional features such as a wrap-around porch. A similar range applies when buying pre-existing barndominiums. Depending on location, size, and finishings, barndos can run from $150,000 to nearly $1 million.

How to build your own barndominium? ›

How to Build a Barndominium in 10 Steps: the Ultimate Guide to a Metal Building
  1. Planning and Budgeting. ...
  2. Land Acquisition. ...
  3. Interior Design Elements & Exterior Too. ...
  4. Obtain Permits. ...
  5. Foundation and Framing. ...
  6. Building Installation. ...
  7. Interior Finishing. ...
  8. Install Utilities.
Aug 3, 2023

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? The most expensive part of building a barndominium is often the interior finishes. Customization, high-end materials, and intricate designs can significantly impact the overall cost.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What are the advantages of a dog trot house? ›

Dogtrot Houses Today

In temperate climates, having a fully open central hallway gives homeowners the perk of indoor-outdoor living that so many desire. Even if each end of the hallway is enclosed with wide doors that open, the ability to create that interior breezeway is there when the weather is right.

Why did people build dog trot houses? ›

The dogtrot is also known as “two pens and a passage”. One room was typically used for sleeping and the other for cooking. The covered open center passage was the main sitting room in warm weather that was cooled naturally by breezes that intensified in the open passage.

Is it possible to build a barndominium for 100K? ›

It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself. You will need to find the right piece of land to erect your barndominium.

How much does a 30x40 barndominium cost? ›

Barndominium kit prices
DimensionsSquare footageUnfinished kit costs*
30x401,200$36,000 – $60,000
40x401,600$48,000 – $80,000
40x602,400$72,000 – $120,000
40x702,800$84,000 – $140,000
6 more rows
Oct 13, 2023

What is the most cost-effective barndominium size? ›

Generally the most cost-effective barndominium size falls between 1,500-2,500 square feet. The Average size Barndominium in the US falls around 2500sqft as well.

How fast can a barndominium be built? ›

Interior + Exterior Design

All the finishing touches – drywall, paint, built-in furniture, moulding, roofing, siding, and fascia – can take 1 or 2 months, depending on the level of extravagance and detail. Minimalists will save time in this stage! All in all, most barndominiums take about 6 months to build.

Do you need a foundation for a barndominium? ›

Absolute Steel barndominiums and kit homes are designed to be anchored to a concrete footing or slab. While technically, our buildings can be installed on bare earth, because someone will be living in the barndominium or kit home local building codes will apply.

What do I need to know before building a barndominium? ›

Here are five key factors you'll want to know before breaking ground and turning your dream barndominium into a reality.
  1. Research your ZIP code. ...
  2. Look into financing. ...
  3. Interview builders. ...
  4. Plan for extra costs later. ...
  5. Consider insurance.
Jan 29, 2024

Is it cheaper to build a 2 story or 1 story house? ›

Our customers often ask us this question, so we decided to do an quick analysis on floor plan cost to build based on the number of floors. We analyzed our library of one-story and two-story plans to compare costs and found that two story plans are 14% more affordable to build per square foot on average).

What is the most cost effective barndominium? ›

Generally the most cost-effective barndominium size falls between 1,500-2,500 square feet. The Average size Barndominium in the US falls around 2500sqft as well.

How tall does a barndominium need to be for 2 stories? ›

In order to maintain eight foot finished ceiling heights, two stories requires a 21 foot eave and single story 10 foot. Engineered plans and delivery were included.

How much does it cost to build a 2000 square foot barndominium? ›

The cost to build a barndominium is $65 to $160 per square foot or $130,000 to $320,000 on average for a 2,000 SF home. Barndominium prices depend on the size, materials, and interior finishes chosen. Barndominium kit prices are $20 to $35 per square foot for materials only.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5861

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.