Steel may be one of the most durable building materials available. But is it livable? Most people love cozy wood and brick homes. So, the thought of residing in a metal building might seem odd at first. But prefabricated metal buildings are often used to provide a comfortable place to stay, whether for a few days or for many years. Here are some examples of turning steel buildings into living quarters.
Hunting Cabin
A pre-fabricated structure is an obvious choice for any kind of remote location. It’s far easier to transport a kit to the construction location vs. doing wood framing or a brick & mortar build on-site. So, that alone makes the steel option a clear winner. In addition, steel is less likely to face problems due to environmental and weather factors. So even if you only visit the cabin a couple of times a year, you’re able to keep up with maintenance very easily. Most importantly, there’s no need to repaint or check for termites, mold, and rot!
Camping Barracks
Campgrounds in state parks or other natural areas are another great place to erect steel buildings for living quarters. The low-cost to build and expand these structures makes it simple for agencies working with a tight budget to improve public lands and attract more tourism. Do you have restrooms already available in a nearby structure? Key areas to review in terms of comfort in the barracks are ventilation to keep the air fresh, insulation to keep temperatures stable, and sound absorbing materials to keep the noise level down. You don’t want campers being kept awake by snoring reverberating from the metal ceiling…
Guest House
Finally, one of the most luxurious uses for a steel building is as a backyard guest house. This extra living area is ideal for overnight guests, aging parents, and kids coming home from college. It can even be a rental space to bring in extra money. And, the best part is that your guest lodging doesn’t need to look—or feel—like a shed. A modern metal building can be designed to look like a small house, complete with a gable style roof and decorative metal siding. If you design it with a bathroom and kitchenette, it will be costlier than a simple workshop or extra garage. However, having a home away from home that’s just a few steps from your back door is definitely worth the investment. Please note: You’ll need to check city ordinances (and your HOA bylaws if applicable) before you commit to this type of project.
Retrofitting Considerations
Do you already have a metal building and want to make it a place you can enjoy as an extra living space? Review the improvements that can be made in the following areas:
- Lighting
- Ventilation
- Insulation
- Plumbing
- Electrical access
- Acoustics
- Flooring and other interior finish options
Do you have an idea for a guest house, cabin, or sleeping quarters? Contact our design team and we can show you how turning steel buildings into living quarters is easy. We’d love to be part of the process of creating your next home, steel home.