Barn meets colonial: this 2-story shed redefines backyard space

Forget the potting shed. This isn’t about storing trowels and seed packets. The Barndominium, courtesy of Best Barns Inc., is a two-story wood structure that’s fundamentally shifting the conversation around secondary living.

A surprisingly refined industrial statement

Let’s be blunt: the shed market is saturated. Pop-up garages, glass extensions – we’ve seen it all. But the Barndominium, a 32 ft. x 16 ft. kit currently retailing at $19,847 from Home Depot, transcends the usual tropes. It’s a surprisingly elegant blend of industrial strength and New England charm, thanks to a dormer that elevates the design beyond a simple storage unit.

Inside, you’re not bracing yourself for a drafty barn. Two insulated windows on each floor, paired with transom windows on the double doors, create a surprisingly airy and inviting space. The gambrel roof isn’t just aesthetic; it’s the key to the structure’s generous 512 square feet of usable space – with a seven-foot ceiling that feels considerably more expansive than many apartments.

Diy potential – and a serious roi

The kit arrives with all the necessary hardware, requiring a hands-on build – roughly two weeks, according to Best Barns. The wood siding is insect-resistant and primed for custom painting, allowing for a level of personalization rarely seen in prefabricated structures. But here’s the kicker: ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are now reportedly adding 34 percent to a home’s value. This isn't simply a larger shed; it’s an investment that strategically expands your property’s worth.

Imagine this: a private in-law suite, a bespoke pool house, or even a discreet Airbnb. The possibilities are as vast as the space itself. Frankly, relegating this to mere storage would be a colossal waste. Consider the impact: a self-contained living area, a flexible space ready to adapt to your evolving needs.

—Nisha Nambiar, Senior Design Analyst