“Being able to act as your own general contractor and handling ... conform to local building codes and requirements when building a barndominium, just like any other build.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lacey Harwood, a 39-year-old "barndominium" owner based one hour outside of Houston. It has been edited for length and clarity. In 2010, my ...

Lauren Kinsey, along with contracted help, is building her own barndominium on County Road 150 in Markle and plans to use that as ... “It’s all combined into one building versus having several ...