What Is A Shouse? Your Guide To Shop House Living

Let’s Browse Shouse!

Are you looking for a full time workshop or a workspace with some living space to rest your head? Have you considered Shouse? Wondering what kind of metal structures are they? They are the new trend in construction for people looking for work-life balance. Let’s dive into the topic without wasting any time.

What Is A Shouse?

Shop + House = Shouse.

Shouses or shomes are modern-day innovative architectural concepts that combine the functionality of workspace and personal space. Simply put, these are personal workspaces connected to a house. You can design them into single or multi-level units.

Some Features Of Shouses Are:

• Open concept
• High ceiling
• Large windows
• Oversized garage door
• Vaulted ceiling
• Balconies
• Kitchen with pantry

Is Shouse Similar To Barndominium?

The shouse is more like a livable work-shed designed to keep the workshop area a priority. In contrast, a barndominium is a metal barn & an affordable home that can be used as a primary family home as it emphasizes residential amenities.

Even though both are metal structures, the barndominium is generally large and relatively high in cost.

How Can You Use It?

What sets shop homes apart from other structures is the convenience of having a work area and living area in the same place. You can personalize the entire building to create space that fits your needs and priorities. Some ideas are:

• Workshop + home
• Art studio + home
• Personal office space + home
• Writing work + home
• Content creator + home

Considerations Prior To Constructing A Shouse

1. Local Regulatory Bodies

Your local zoning laws and building codes have set some rules regarding the design, material, setbacks, and height of the structure you want to install. These rules are necessary to follow. In case you don’t, you may not get the permit to start construction. If you live in an area with an HOA, they might set rules on the exterior and color of your building.

2. Design

Layout is essential to ensure that the final design meets your needs correctly. You can maximize square footage by carefully placing furniture, planning rooms, etc. To get natural light, you can opt for skylights or large windows, connecting you with nature.

A clear span and open plan will increase the carpet area for flexible living. You can also incorporate a patio, deck, or some form of outdoor sitting area to extend your living space.

3. Customizable

One thing that sets metal buildings apart from all structures is their highly customizable feature. Whether you want modern & minimal or rustic & sleek, it is possible with worldwide steel buildings. You can include the following features in your Shouse design:

• Color
• Roofline
• Modular
• Insulation
• Channel incoming natural lighting
• Paneling of different textures & shapes
• Windows styles
• Solar shingles or panels on the roof

4. Cost To Build

Following are the costs associated with constructing the Shouse, assuming that you already own the land.

All of these are one-time costs & the exact number will vary with location and neighborhood.

Benefits Of Shouse

1. Flexible Design For Custom Workshop

Want a dream workshop with living space? You can decide your floor plan, storage options, amenities, and other features to personalize your metal Shouse. Not to mention, you can assemble prefab metal buildings in less time.

2. No Commute Time

Since both the workplace and home are in the same metal building, you don’t have to spend hours waiting in traffic to commute from one place to another.

3. Affordable & Low Aftercare

Metal structures are cost-effective when compared to wooden buildings. They also need less maintenance. You don’t need to spend money on pest control, termite inspection, repairing & replacing rotting or decaying panels.

Additionally, worldwide metal buildings can be designed to be energy efficient, which will save on your energy bills.

4. Storage: Various Use Of Space

Whether in a workshop or art studio, you need storage space for keeping tools, equipment, and other useful items. A Shouse with an open floor plan has plenty of options where you can keep small to bulky tools such as cars or boats.

5. Energy Saving

Metal structures can bear a lot of structural load without failing. Therefore, you can install solar shingles, panels, etc., that will help reduce energy bills. Further, you can install an insulator and vapor barrier to minimize condensation and moisture buildup. This will let your HAVC system work effectively.

Disadvantages Of Shouse

Hard To Get Loan

Shouses or Shomes are relatively new housing concepts, so you may have difficulty securing a home loan. To get a permit, you have to share the detailed blueprint of the Shouse along with the fee. The best suggestion here is to apply for a Farm Credit Bureau rather than a traditional lender to borrow money.

Noisy

Since your home will be attached to a workshop, noise levels may sometimes increase, disturbing your neighbors. So, you have to be careful about it. Not to mention, the outside noise or raindrops falling on your metal roofs or wind may be more prominent.

Balance Home & Shop Space

Ensure that you decide beforehand whether you want a large or small workplace. The size of your workplace will affect the size of your living space.

How To Build A Shouse?

Assuming that you already have land for constructing the Shouse, we will begin with the following step in mind to begin.

Step 1. Right Metal Builder

Always purchase metal structures from a certified builder. In that way, you will get high-quality raw materials that will last long. Have clear communication about your budget and needs.

Step 2. Floor Plan

Some builders offer shipping and installation included in the final packaging. So, do not forget to ask about it. It is best that you hire a professional contractor to pour a concrete slab and do the installation work.

Step 3. Interior

As you are going to live in a Shouse, you must plan your interior and home decoration style according to your taste. You can pick the style of your new shop that feels like home to you.

Note: Remember to apply for a permit and get your design approved before buying a steel building. This will largely save you from future troubles.

Ultimately

Every Shouse project is unique on its own. They are most durable, flexible, innovative, and suitable for individual requirements. Make sure that your plans are aligned with your vision. Metal buildings are generally eco-friendly, and with little care, you can increase their longevity.