Kit or builder?
| Kit | Builder (turnkey) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price you see | Lower: materials only | Higher: everything to move-in |
| Who manages the build | You, or a contractor you hire | The builder |
| Foundation, erection, interior | Extra, arranged separately | Included (check the contract) |
| Financing | Harder; lenders want a builder contract | Easier with an experienced builder |
Typical turnkey prices from Texas builders are $130–$250 per square foot.
Published kit prices
| Seller and kit | Size | Price as published | Per sq ft* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mueller Homestead 1200 | 30×40 (1,200 sq ft) | $27,695 | $23 |
| Mueller Homestead 1800 | 30×60 | $37,395 | $21 |
| Mueller Homestead 2400 | 40×60 | $46,495 | $19 |
| My Barndo Plans "Simple Life" | 1,000 sq ft | $32,912 | $33 |
| My Barndo Plans "Nook" | 1,200 sq ft | $39,963 | $33 |
| My Barndo Plans "Stonecreek Ranch" | 2,200 sq ft | $82,500 | $38 |
| Hansen Pole Buildings "Carrington" (post-frame) | 40×60 | $72,194 (sale) | $30 |
| Hansen "Braxton" (post-frame, with loft) | 48×48 | $81,790 (sale) | $36 |
| Carport Central (installed steel shell) | 40×72 | from $78,492 | $27 |
| Eversafe (installed steel shell) | 40×60×16 | from $58,426 | $24 |
*Price divided by the stated size (footprint where only dimensions are given), calculated by us. Prices as shown on each seller's website on 7 November 2026; none carried a price date, and sellers may change prices at any time.
What each kit includes
- Mueller: bolt-together cold-formed steel frame, 26-gauge roof and walls, engineer-stamped drawings, framed openings. Windows, doors, tax, freight, foundation and erection are extra.
- My Barndo Plans (Frisco, TX): red-iron steel structure, 26-gauge panels, trim, fasteners and plans. Doors, windows, wood porch parts and interior are extra; erection by a partner is priced separately.
- Hansen Pole Buildings: wood post-frame with steel roof and siding, trusses, listed windows and engineering; delivery included. Some kits exclude doors; materials only, no labor.
- Carport Central: steel roof and walls, delivered and installed; price varies by state. Foundation, site prep, permits and interior extra.
- Eversafe: delivered and installed on your prepared foundation; its Texas page says freight and installation are included anywhere in Texas.
Sellers that don't publish kit prices: General Steel (online pricing tool), SteelMaster (custom pricing), Worldwide Steel Buildings (a $10–$30 per sq ft range only).
Before you buy a kit
- Get the engineering stamped for your county's wind and snow loads.
- Line up a slab contractor and an erection crew, and get their prices, before ordering.
- Ask your lender whether it will finance an owner-managed kit build.
- Check permits and septic for your land first. In Texas, use the county and city picker.
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