From Combine, Texas, we’re back on a two-story, multi-generational barndominium that’s really starting to show its personality—and today I’m taking you through everything from the all-white exterior to the nuts-and-bolts site work that makes this place function day-to-day.

Out front, you’ll notice the clean, solid-color scheme that keeps the look cohesive and timeless; at a glance the roof reads white from the reflection, but it’s a durable galvalume—an option worth considering if you like a bright, crisp aesthetic without constant upkeep.

Step into the breezeway pull-through shop and you’ll see why I’m a fan of this layout: tons of room to stage trucks and trailers, simple in/out flow, and easy separation between work and living. We still have spray foam and electrical to finish in the shop, but the bones are right where they need to be.

Inside the living quarters, the crew is mid-paint with cabinet prep underway, stairs protected, and stained concrete floors covered with asphalt paper while everything cures out.

On the first floor you can really feel the open volume, and there’s a duct location I’m keeping an eye on—could be fresh air for a future wood-burning stove.

Upstairs is the multi-gen suite with a flexible living/bedroom setup, a kitchenette, great closet space, and a two-sink vanity ready for tile. We added egress windows to keep everything to code and carved out an extra bedroom, making it a true two-bed/two-bath option on the second level.

Mechanical highlights:

• Dedicated dehumidifier system
• Two HVAC units for balanced comfort

Out back, the ranch vision comes together: the house sits forward with the horse barn set back for noise and odor separation (about a couple hundred feet), giving the family breathing room.

In the barn, you’ll catch Zip System sheathing in the stall area where the clients want a different interior finish. Some walls will be skinned in plywood, and we’ll likely use closed-cell foam to seal the open areas and create a strong thermal and air barrier.

There’s a decked-over tack and restroom zone that will be air conditioned, plus a wash bay sloped to trench drains—details that matter when you live with horses every day.

Today’s focus: road and driveway work

• Filling low spots
• Rolling out geotextile fabric for base stabilization
• Building a wide, trailer-friendly circle drive
• Adjusting turn radiuses for truck + trailer access
• Reinforcing high-load corners with additional rock

We widened the approach after test-driving a truck and trailer through the layout so the client can pull in, loop, and exit without cutting corners or rutting the edges.

This is a private drive that ties into the client’s road system and then runs back to the barn, so clear lanes and sightlines really matter.

As always, I’m juggling camera batteries and headphones between shovel loads, but I wanted to bring you along for a real-world look at how we think through function while the finishes come together.

If you’re sketching your dream barndo on graph paper (been there!), check out BestBarnoPlans.com — 75+ starter layouts you can customize.

Stick around for the final reveal; we’ve got spray foam, cabinets, screens for the big front porch, and a whole lot of trim and site polish ahead.

Subscribe, follow on Facebook and Instagram, and let us know in the comments what you think of the all-white look and the pull-through shop.

Texas Best is rolling, and there’s more on deck every week.