“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 ...

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 ...