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 ...

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 ...

Schwartz noted that standard houses have five and a half inch walls, packed tight with insulation which can lead to splits and tears. Standard barndominiums have seven inch walls, which gives more ...