October 17, 2022 Shouse Comments
A shouse, shome, or barndominium, (barndo)—call it what you wish—the combination of a shop and house as one building unit is one of the hottest trends in new home construction. Many owners are finding great value in this dual-purpose building. The structure combines a traditional house with a workshop that can accommodate work, hobby or recreational activities. Having a shouse means you never have to leave home when its time to go to work or play.
One of the biggest benefits of combining a shop and house in one unit is the opportunity to reduce the cost of design, engineering and construction. Rather than designing and engineering two separate buildings, the combination is done at the same time. Construction costs related to site excavation, foundations, labor and landscaping may also be reduced.
Because the shouse can be custom designed, there is no limit to getting your dream space that will accommodate your lifestyle and work functions. From single level, to multi-level, a shouse design offers the same amenities you would find in a typical single-family home and workshop. Owners can enjoy open floor plans with large, clear span ceilings or lofts. There is no limit to the customization and management of your personal space.
Considerations for designing your new shouse include:
- What is the purpose of this new shouse? Think about how much time you will spend here. Is it for full-time living or will it serve as a secondary home or getaway? How much space is needed in the living area? Consider number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the overall living space for your family and lifestyle. Consider additional amenities such as a fireplace, patio or porch. Do you have a preference for one or two-level living quarters? Do you need to accommodate friends or family as guests in your new home?
- How much space is needed in the shop area? Is there a need for special equipment or machinery? Do you need workbenches or specialty cabinetry or shelving?
- Is there a need for recreational space? Many owners include space for the family to enjoy indoor recreation such as basketball, pool tables or media areas.
- Is there a need for extra storage? Whether you collect vintage cars; have a large RV; or are a woodworker or other craftsman, many folks find they need some extra storage space. This can easily be accommodated into the shouse.
- What are your preferences for the interior finishes? Some owners choose low-maintenance concrete as flooring for their living and workspace while others choose traditional floor coverings for their living area. Trim, cupboards, cabinetry and fixture choices are as flexible as with any traditional home.
- What is important to you for the exterior appearance? Although many people use steel on the exterior, other materials or a combination of materials can be used. Location, size, and style of windows, walk doors and overhead doors should be reviewed.
There are many reasons to consider building your new shouse with structural insulated panels such as EPS Solid Core Panels.
- The panels allow for better control over air quality because the airtight building envelope limits incoming air through controlled ventilation. Controlled ventilation filters out contaminants and allergens and also allows for incoming air to be dehumidified, reducing the possibility of mold growth.
- The panels are proven to be 50% or more energy-efficient compared to traditional stick construction.
- The sealed panels mean that pests are less likely to be a problem in either your shop or house.
- EPS panels manufactured with 3/4” OSB will provide a 15-minute thermal barrier, sound control and strength for superior performance.
- Structural insulated panels have more durability as their structure is much like that of a steel I-beam providing strength and safety. Most shouses have a steel exterior which also adds to reduced maintenance and a longer lifespan.
With a long list of benefits, the shouse can be a hard-working structure that offers much to enjoy for anyone seeking an alternative to traditional housing. Learn more about your new shouse at myshouse.com.If you have any other questions for us, feel free to reach out anytime!
FAQs
A shouse—also referred to as a “shop house” or “shome”—is an abode constructed with metal or wood pole frames that connects to a large workspace.
What is a Shouse building? ›
A shouse (shop house) is an innovative architectural concept that blends the utility of a workspace, such as a workshop, garage, or studio, with the comfort and functionality of a traditional home. With their increasing popularity, more and more people are opting for shouses as their preferred living arrangement.
Is a Shouse and barndominium the same thing? ›
This is why so many people mistake a shouse for a barndominium. The main difference between a barndo and a shouse is that barndominiums offer more features resembling a barn, and a shouse offers more workshop elements. All in all, it comes down to semantics, and in this case, it doesn't matter.
Can you live in a shouse? ›
While a traditional house usually features a small garage, a shouse includes a large garage or workshop that's tailored to your unique needs. You can live in a shouse full-time or use it as a weekend or vacation property.
What is the difference between a barndominium and a shop house? ›
Barndominiums are primarily residential homes with a barn-like exterior, while shouses are versatile buildings that combine living space with a workshop or storage area. Ultimately, choosing a barndominium or a shouse will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Is a shouse cheaper than a house? ›
Similar to a barndo, one of the biggest pros of building a shouse is the low building cost compared to that of a traditional home. However, there are plenty of other reasons a shouse can save you money. For one, since the lack of a basem*nt means you'll have fewer square feet, you may have lower property taxes.
Why are barndominiums so expensive? ›
The biggest cost of building a barndominium comes from purchasing and building the metal shell, including the roof, doors, and windows.
How much to build a small shouse? ›
How much will a shouse cost? Costs may vary but an average shouse costs between $50 and $120 per square foot. There are building kits that will make your life much easier. These kits include materials for the frame, roof, siding, windows, and doors.
Is a barndominium stronger than a house? ›
Barndominiums have the strength and durability that comes with being made from metal, making them just as safe or even more secure than a traditional home.
Are barndominiums built on a slab? ›
One common question potential builders and homeowners ask is whether barndominiums have to be built on a slab foundation. The short answer is no, barndominiums do not have to be built on a slab foundation, but this option often proves to be advantageous.
The most common sizes for metal shops with living quarters include: A single-story 40x60 with 1,200 square feet of workspace and 1,200 square feet of living accommodation, and. a two-story three-bedroom 50x80 with 2,750 sq ft of workshop space.
Is a shouse energy efficient? ›
The panels are proven to be 50% or more energy-efficient compared to traditional stick construction. The sealed panels mean that pests are less likely to be a problem in either your shop or house.
What is another name for a barndominium? ›
A barndominium, also known as a barndo, is a metal pole barn, post-frame or barn-like structure with sheet metal siding that has been partially or fully converted into a furnished home or living area.
Why are barndominiums hard to finance? ›
Lenders may perceive them as riskier investments due to their unfamiliarity with the structure and potential resale value. – Appraising barndominiums can be tricky because there are fewer comparable properties (comps) available. This can lead to lower appraisal values, making it harder to secure a loan.
Is it cheaper to build a house or barndominium? ›
The most common estimate asserts that a new barndominium with basic amenities will cost about $30 to $40 per square foot to build, compared to the cost of building a traditional home is around $100 to $200 per square foot.
What are the cons of a barndominium? ›
If you're considering building or buying a barndominium, consider this list of downsides before you sign your name on a dotted line:
- Location Limitations. ...
- Financing. ...
- Corrosion. ...
- Noise. ...
- UV Exposure. ...
- Wiring Challenges. ...
- Reselling.
The most common sizes for metal shops with living quarters include: A single-story 40x60 with 1,200 square feet of workspace and 1,200 square feet of living accommodation, and. a two-story three-bedroom 50x80 with 2,750 sq ft of workshop space.
How much does it cost to build a Shouse in South Dakota? ›
However, by building your own home you get a brand-new residence, customized to your needs. It costs $204,420 on average to build a home in South Dakota. This figure can add up to $354,420 if you include land costs, excavations, permits, and other expenses. A new home construction can take up to 9 to 12 months.
Are barndominiums cheaper than brick homes? ›
In general, a barndominium costs less to build than a traditional home. In the world of home construction, it's typically accepted that barndominiums tend to come with a lower price tag than traditional houses.
