TURN YOUR METAL BUILDING INTO A LIVING SPACE

Metal buildings aren't designed solely for commercial, industrial and agricultural use. Quite the contrary; the residential sector is quickly adopting steel frames and pre-fabricated metal buildings to produce affordable, weather-resistant, seismic-sturdy and sustainable homes. However, we've also noticed an increase in queries regarding retrofitting existing metal buildings so they can be made into a livable space. The reasons for doing so are vast.

Homeowners can increase their immediate income potential - as well as their property's resale value - by adding a rental unit. Baby Boomers look towards granny unit-styled remodels so aging parents can relocate for long-term care. On the flip-side, Boomers are also interested in metal building conversions as an easy way to transition from larger homes, into smaller, more livable units while they rent their original home for retirement income.

TURN THAT OLD METAL BUILDING INTO A LIVABLE SPACE
From full-time houses to rentals and guest spaces, converting an unused portion of a metal barn or outbuilding makes good sense. The following ideas can help you turn your metal building into a living space that is attractive, comfortable and energy efficient.

Make Sure It's Zoned Properly. If the metal building in question does not already have a home on the property and/or is built in a more commercial or industrial area, make sure the area is zoned for residential living. Schedule an appointment with the local building department to verify the property's zoning status. You can also use this opportunity to check in and learn which permits will be required for your remodel. If your building isn't permitted, you can run into serious penalties down the road, not the least of which can be difficulty selling the property in the future.
Know What You're Working With. If you are the one who built your metal building, you can skip on to Number 2. Otherwise, you need to know what you're working with ahead of time so you'll have a better idea of what needs to be done to make your building a habitable space. Try to get a set of the original building plans. If you don't have access to them, there's a chance plans are on record with the local building department. If none of these options are viable, hire a licensed contractor or building inspector to inspect the premises to let you know what modifications and additions are required to turn your building into a home.
Think About Energy Efficiency. Keep energy efficiency at the forefront of your building plans and you will benefit for the lifetime of the building. By using a cool metal roof, adequate insulation and energy efficient lighting, appliances and heating/cooling systems - your lifetime maintenance and utility spending will be greatly diminished.
Start with the Roof. The first place to begin is the roof. Is your roof worthy of human occupants? This is the time to replace or repair an outdated metal roofing system. The good news is that a high-quality metal roof replacement comes with a warranty of up to 40-years, and will last much longer than that if properly maintained. If you live in an area where it snows, you may need to replace your roof with one that has higher snow load capabilities. Your roof's snow load was calculated without occupants; now that people will be living there - the calculations may yield different results.
Use Adequate Insulation. Insulation is integral to the interior comfort of your new home, not to mention energy efficiency. Click Here to get a general idea of R-Value requirements for your geographic location. Keep in mind that metal transfers heat more quickly than wood. Therefore, insulative sheeting should be used between metal framing pieces and exterior siding, over the outside of framed walls and in the spaces between the studs. Most importantly, don't forget the attic! Poorly insulated attics are a major source of energy-consumptive heat gain and loss.
Lighting and Ventilation. Keep your new residence light, bright and airy using adequate lighting and ventilation. Add skylights and windows wherever possible and ensure adequate ventilation is installed to regulate air flow and humidity.
Rethink the Plumbing and Electrical Plans. If your metal building was built for commercial use, odds are the plumbing and electrical work isn't done to residential code. Have this work done by licensed professionals and have it all installed before the wall spaces are covered by sheetrock and drywall.
Finish the Interior with Sheet Rock. In addition to extra insulation, providing a barrier between you and interior wall spaces and creating a more attractive aesthetic, sheetrock is also a sound-proofing material that will keep the rain on your metal roof from driving you crazy. It will also provide more soundproofing between rooms.


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