Barndominium Floor Plan Scams: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

The Growing Problem of Floor Plan Scams

Floor plans are the most talked-about topic in the barndominium world. But would it surprise you to know that they also top the list of complaints against scammers? While most building-related scams involve poor craftsmanship or bad business practices, floor plan scams have become increasingly common with the sole intent is to sell a product that is not what consumers think it is.

Don’t get me wrong, only a small fraction of builders are actual scammers. However, the same can’t be said for some so-called floor plan "designers." Over the last year I have noticed inside of Facebook that these scam companies are more prevalent than ever before.

Every barndominium image posted online is guaranteed to have a comment asking for the floor plan. And for good reason, without a floor plan and blueprints, you can’t build a barndominium. Many buyers start their journey by purchasing a set of plans, and while I may not agree with that approach, I understand the appeal. Seeing your dream barndominium layout makes the vision feel real.

Buyer beware! What you’re purchasing may be nothing more than a generic layout designed to capture your attention and give you a false sense of progress. But when you take those plans to a builder, you may quickly realize they don’t comply with local ordinances and building codes. Many scam designers have no real understanding of these regulations—or even that they can vary significantly from county to county.

Here’s the real danger: If the plans aren’t properly engineered for your specific environment, you could be putting your entire investment at risk. A barndominium designed for Florida may be built to withstand hurricane-force winds, but will it hold up against the heavy snow loads and freezing temperatures of a northern climate? If your designer isn’t familiar with the structural demands of your local area, the result could be a costly and potentially dangerous mistake.

So, how do you know whether a floor plan provider is legit? Here are a few red flags to watch for:

Red Flags of Floor Plan Scams

1. Fake or Stolen Designs

Word of mouth used to be the best way to verify a company's legitimacy, but in the age of fake social media profiles, even recommendations can be misleading. Many scam designers flood social media with their floor plans, creating the illusion of popularity and credibility.

To verify authenticity, try doing a reverse image search on Google. This often reveals the original source of a design, exposing whether it has been copied or stolen. As we’ll discuss further below, online reviews and social media recommendations aren’t always reliable, some of them come from fake profiles hired by scam companies to create the appearance of trustworthiness

I shared my brother's barndominium online, and a scam profile jumped into the conversation. When someone commented asking about the floor plans, the scammer claimed they had them available for sale, even though my brother and his builder had custom-designed them from scratch.

2. Country of Origin

Several Facebook groups and websites promoting barndominium plans are actually run by foreign entities. You’ve likely come across their ads on social media. Now, I’m not saying you can’t find a skilled architect overseas, but how likely is it that a company based in another country truly understands the building codes and engineering requirements for a barndominium in, say, Grand Traverse County, Michigan?

To appear more legitimate, these companies often list a U.S. business address. However, a quick Google Maps search usually tells a different story. More often than not, the address leads to a vacant office space or a location with no mention of the company at all. This is a major red flag, signaling that they may not be as reputable, or even as real, as they claim.

3. Fake Accounts

This tactic is both sneaky and obvious, once you know what to look for. Many scammers promote barndominium companies using personal profiles instead of official business accounts. A quick click on their profile often reveals AI-generated images, vague personal details, or little to no real engagement.

A common strategy among these fake accounts is to flood Facebook barndominium groups with posts, posing as satisfied customers or enthusiastic supporters of a particular company. Many of these companies outsource the work to foreign click farms, hiring workers to create fake social media accounts that repeatedly share the company’s content, reviews, and promotions to make them seem more legitimate. Their goal? To lure unsuspecting buyers into purchasing low-quality or non-buildable floor plans.

If you notice a profile promoting a company but their personal details don’t add up, or they seem suspiciously active in multiple groups without genuine interaction, it’s worth digging deeper before trusting their recommendations.

4. Fake Reviews

Scammers often flood their websites and social media pages with fake reviews. A key red flag? The same glowing testimonials appearing across multiple Facebook groups. Real customers don’t typically copy and paste identical reviews everywhere.

Another clue is the language used. Most genuine reviewers focus on the quality of service and the final product, not technical jargon. One suspicious review claimed a company was "proficient with CAD."  That’s like leaving a restaurant review saying, "The chef was highly skilled at flipping burgers and utilizing a spatula." Customers don’t usually praise businesses for knowing the basic skills required to do their job. A legitimate review will highlight the overall experience, customer service, and product received, not whether a company knows how to use its own industry-standard software.

5. Shady Websites

This one can be tricky. Some quality builders don’t invest much in their websites because they rely on word-of-mouth referrals. However, there are still subtle signs that a website might be a scam:

• Poor grammar and spelling errors across the site

• Redirects to unrelated websites

• Requests for payment before any real consultation

I once came across a "barndominium builder" website that seemed legitimate, until I clicked their contact form. Instead of taking me to a builder, it redirected me to a completely different company, which then sent me an automated text about financing instead of construction. When I asked to speak to a builder, I was told they weren’t actually a construction company, even though their website clearly stated they were. The original website I found on Google had no real content or value beyond directing me to another company's website. It lacked any meaningful information about the business itself, services offered, or past projects, its sole purpose seemed to be funneling visitors elsewhere. This is a common tactic used by scammers or lead-generation sites that pose as real companies but exist only to collect and sell your information.

If you’re redirected to another website, go back to the original and check for any messaging about the redirect. Legitimate businesses, like ours or Back Forty Building Co., will typically provide a clear explanation. For example, Back Forty has a "Find a Builder" page that links to construction companies, making it clear why you're being redirected. If no explanation is given, it’s a major red flag.

Image source: A 'designer' website's tips page

6. Prices That Are Too Good to Be True

If you're buying a set of floor plans for $200 or a bundle of 100 plans for $65, you're not getting a legitimate, buildable blueprint. These plans are typically for conceptual purposes only, they are not engineered to meet building codes. If you’re simply looking for inspiration, a bundle of conceptual plans can be a great tool to help you narrow down your ideal layout before having a professional draft a custom, build-ready blueprint.

We understand that visualizing your dream home from scratch can be challenging, which is why we’re working on offering our own package of floor plans. The key difference? We partner with affiliate architects who can transform these concepts into fully engineered, code-compliant blueprints, ensuring your barndominium is structurally sound and ready for construction.

Most of these low-cost plans flooding the market are produced overseas, where companies take advantage of lower labor costs and currency differences to maximize profit. While they may look appealing, they lack the precision and engineering needed for real-world construction. A professional architect typically charges $1,000 or more for a set of engineered, build-ready plans. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How To Avoid the Scam

• Do your research. By following the points mentioned above, you'll start to see which companies are consistently referenced and recommended. This can help you identify reputable businesses with a strong track record in the barndominium industry

• Ask for company references. While the barndominium industry is rapidly expanding, most legitimate companies collaborate with other businesses at some point. No single company handles every aspect of the process, from floor plans and financing to kits, framing, foundations, drywall, painting, and electrical work. A trustworthy company should be able to provide references for the professionals they work with, giving you insight into their network and credibility.

• Ask for client references. While it's important to be cautious, especially in an era where fake AI-generated reviews and accounts are becoming more common. Speaking with past clients can still be a valuable way to assess the builder’s reliability, communication, and overall quality of work. When reviewing references, look for consistency in feedback, ask specific questions about timelines and problem-solving, and, if possible, request to see completed projects in person. If a contractor is hesitant to provide references or the feedback seems overly generic, it may be a red flag

• Ask to see examples of their past work. A true professional who takes pride in their craft will have no hesitation in showcasing previous projects. Reviewing their portfolio can give you insight into their style, quality of work, and experience. If they seem reluctant to share, consider it a red flag.

Final Thoughts

Barndominiums are an exciting and customizable housing option, but don’t let scammers take advantage of your dream. If you’re buying floor plans, do your research, verify the legitimacy of the company, and consult with a trusted builder or architect before making any purchases.