Building a Barndominium Dream
Andrew and Christy Ravn sit side by side on their rocking chairs, overlooking an idyllic pond where their three dogs retrieve sticks before shaking their fur dry. From this vantage point, the New Holstein residents watch hummingbirds and pheasants while waiting for deer and turkeys to make their daily appearance.
It took the duo more than a year to find the perfect property where they could build their unique forever home. With help from Compeer Financial Loan Officer Jessica Held, they purchased a 40-acre lot in 2021 and began planning their build. When it was time to break ground, the Ravns were living on their new property in an RV, eagerly waiting to start the construction process.
Building a Barndominium
Rather than a standard stick-built home, the Ravns opted to build a barndominium — a slab-on-grade metal structure with a large shop attached to it.
“Years ago, before homes like this had a name, I wanted to build a large shop with living quarters,” said Andrew. “I shared that dream with Christy and, once our kids moved out, we said, ‘let’s do this.’”
In early 2022, as their foundation was being poured, the Ravns faced a major setback. Their construction loan was pulled at the last minute by another financial institution.
“Andrew and Christy were told the barndominium was over-improved for the area and they weren’t able to get the loan,” explained Held. “I had worked with the Ravns’ previously on their land purchase, and when they reached out for help on this project, we were able to take action immediately and by the end of May, we were ready to close on their construction loan.”
With Held’s expertise and Compeer’s quick help, the Ravns moved forward with their home construction, breaking ground in April 2022 and moving in seven months later.
“When we initially bought our acreage, Jessica and Compeer made financing extremely easy,” noted Andrew. “She understood our plan and communicated well throughout the process. We found other financial institutions don’t want to deal with acreage or vacant land, but Compeer excels at it.”
A Dream Home
The Ravns’ barndominium floor plan consists of 2,500 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and 3½ baths. Their open-concept barndo home has vaulted ceilings, a fireplace and Amish-built custom cabinetry. A 3,750-square-foot garage and a 1,000-squarefoot loft are attached to their home.
“We started out living on this property in our RV and now we’re home,” said Christy with a smile. “We’re finally warm, but we also feel safe and secure in this home. We love it here.”
From paint and trim to the doors and the direction their home faces, the Ravns had a hand in every design decision. Their three dogs have settled comfortably into their outdoor/indoor temperature-controlled kennels, and the Ravns have an ideal location to store their ATV, boat and animal feed. They also have plenty of space to host friends and family for get-togethers.
“My favorite part of working with the Ravns is their enthusiasm for rural life,” explained Held. “They had a passion for what they were building, and it was great to help them reach their goals.”
In the future, the Ravns plan to convert some of their acreage to be a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program, but for now, they’re relishing the peace and quiet of their home and land.
“I love every part of our barndominium,” concluded Andrew. “It took a lot of patience, but if you have a solid plan and good people to work with, you can execute your idea.”
Dreaming of living in a unique country home? Build it with Compeer Financial. Learn more about our home construction financing options today.