The Top 5 Myths About Barndominiums —Busted

Barndominiums are still new to the Australian housing scene, which means there’s a lot of

misunderstanding about what they are, how they’re built, and whether they’re even possible here.

At Barndo & Co, we’ve been watching these myths pop up in Facebook groups, building

forums, and even at BBQ conversations. The problem? Many of them come from comparing true barndominiums to shed conversions or overseas designs that don’t meet Australian standards.

So let’s break down the five most common myths — and set the record straight.

Myth #1: “They’re Just Sheds with a Kitchen”

This is the biggest and most damaging misconception — and it couldn’t be further from the

truth.

A shed is designed for storage, machinery, or agricultural use. The engineering focuses on

keeping the weather out, not on keeping a family comfortable inside year-round. Retrofitting a shed into a home often means dealing with insulation issues, window placement problems, and layouts that just don’t work for daily living.

A barndominium, on the other hand, is designed as a home from day one:

- The structure is engineered for residential loads and comfort.

- The layout is planned for natural light, airflow, and efficient use of space.

- The finishes meet or exceed what you’d expect in a high-quality home.

When we design a barndo, every wall, roofline, and opening is intentional — not an afterthought.

Myth #2: “They’re Not Built for Australian Conditions”

It’s true that many barndominium designs online come from the US and Canada — but that

doesn’t mean they’re unsuitable for Australia. It just means they need to be re-engineered.

At Barndo & Co, we take proven North American concepts and adapt every detail to meet:

- Australian Building Codes

- Local wind ratings (essential for cyclone-prone or coastal areas)

- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements for high-risk zones

- Soil classifications for accurate slab and footing design

We also source all materials and engineering within Australia, ensuring quality and compliance from the ground up.

Myth #3: “Steel Homes Are Too Hot in Summer and Too

Cold in Winter”

This myth comes from poorly insulated steel structures — usually older industrial sheds, not

purpose-built homes.

The truth? A well-designed steel-framed home can be incredibly comfortable year-round:

- Insulation – Modern products and techniques mean steel homes can outperform timber

in thermal efficiency.

- Sarking and thermal breaks – Stop heat transfer in summer and keep warmth in during

winter.

- Ventilation – High ceilings and strategic window placement improve airflow naturally.

Steel doesn’t make a home uncomfortable — poor planning does. That’s why we factor thermal performance into our designs from the very first draft.

Myth #4: “You Can’t Get Council Approval for a

Barndominium”

Some people believe councils automatically reject barndominiums — but that’s simply not the case. Councils care about compliance, not whether your home is a “barndo” or a brick veneer.

The challenges usually arise when someone tries to submit an overseas plan without adapting it for Australian regulations. That’s where we come in.

Our designs are prepared with site-specific engineering, Australian codes, and council

guidelines in mind. We handle the approvals process, speak directly with councils, and make

sure every detail is correct before lodgment.

Myth #5: “They’re Just a Passing Trend”

Barndominiums might seem like the latest thing in Australia, but in North America they’ve been around for decades — and they’re only growing in popularity.

Why? Because they make sense.

- They’re durable.

- They’re flexible.

- They’re cost-effective compared to many traditional builds.

- They adapt to different climates and lifestyles.

Trends fade when they’re based on style alone. Barndominiums last because they’re based on smart, practical building principles.

The Truth About Barndominiums

A real barndominium isn’t a converted shed, a cookie-cutter design, or a fad. It’s a purpose-built home that delivers space, style, and strength — and with Barndo & Co leading the way,

Australians can now enjoy them without compromising on standards or quality.

If you’ve been put off by the myths, it’s time to take a fresh look. Because once you understand what a barndo really is, the question isn’t “Should I build one?” — it’s “Why wouldn’t I?”