Barndominium Studio Apartment Update

Barndominium Progress Report!!

I'm back with another exciting update on our barndominium journey! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get to this blog post, but I have several good excuses... Evan and I made a trip to Paris, KY, to visit Willow Brook Equestrian, owned by our friend Radhika Clark, and visit Honey! Then we had Christmas, of course, and then a snow storm... The only one we've had this winter. Oh, and my son rolled his car on 12/30/25. So there's that. Lastly, we took the two youngest to Santiago, Chile, where it's summer, and we rode through the foothills below the Andes... because... horses.

Now our Barndominium Studio Apartment Update: Construction on our studio apartment is making great strides, and I’m here to give you the latest developments:

Plumbing and Electrical Milestones

The plumbing rough-in is now complete, setting the stage for the all-important next steps. Our contractor by and did a fantastic job preparing the bathroom space in the far corner. It's a relief to see everything taking shape, and I can't wait for it all to be functional! The water heater has been set above the washer/dryer connections, and I was happy to see we were able to fit a 38 gallon tank in that tiny space. It's more than enough for an adult or two. In the closet to the left of the front door, we will add a water softener. This Kansas well water does bad things to pipes.

On the electrical side, Tom did most of the wiring. However, he didn't want to tackle the 240 for the hot water heater, Mr. Cool mini-split HVAC, or the washer dryer unit. I don't blame him. It's one thing to install 120 outlets and add lighting to the ceiling, but those appliances are more intimidating. Like the Tooth Fairy, the electrician has come, and magically, things have moved forward. We’re that much closer to having a cozy living space for Evan!

Barndominium Studio Apartment Update

Concrete Pads and Future Steps

In addition to the plumbing and electrical work, Tom and Evan poured concrete pads for the side door, replacing the piece of OSB I laid down two years ago, and a pad for under the new HVAC system. It feels great to see these foundational elements laid out—another significant step in the construction progress! The pad below will also be the home of the heated water trough I purchased TWO YEARS AGO but was never installed. It will sit outside the barn door, and the HVAC will be protected from the livestock by a small fence. I guess we'll set the Mr. Cool next to the Chicken Ghetto on the right. Tom REALLY Wants to move the chickens. I would imagine he'll get his way on that, since Evan will NOT want the roosters crowing right next to his sleeping space! Barndominium Studio Apartment Update

Now, we're waiting for our contractor to spray foam the insulation on the exterior walls and ceiling. Insulation is key for energy efficiency and maintaining comfort in our studio, especially during those harsh Kansas winters! A concrete pad for a floor is not ideal, but it's what we're working with. Thankfully, we can always add space heaters to the mix if Evan needs it.

What’s Next?

So, what’s on the immediate horizon? Here are our next steps:

1. Insulation Application: Once the spray foam is in place, we can start feeling the cozy vibes begin.

2. Drywall Installation: After insulation, our focus shifts to finishing the drywall, which will give shape to the space.

3. Interior Design: This is where the fun kicks in! Selecting colors, fixtures, and furnishings that resonate with our family’s style will make this place feel like home. I will select things that coordinate with The Big House, but will change a few things... like the fact that there will not be a single black faucet. The former owner of our house installed black fixtures in all bathrooms and the kitchen. Hard water and black fixtures do NOT like one another.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate through each phase of this project, one thing remains clear: this journey is not just about constructing a building; it’s about creating a love-filled home where memories will flourish. With every advancement, we’re filled with excitement for what’s to come.

Thank you all for your continued support—stay tuned for more updates as we bring our barndominium studio apartment to life! Have any of you taken on similar projects? What challenges have you faced, and how did you celebrate your wins? Share your stories in the comments; we love hearing from you!