She and her husband, MR Post Frame, built their own barndominium in rural Iowa and now help others plan, design, and build them ... “Being able to act as your own general contractor and handling ...

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 ...