A metal garage with living quarters gives you the best of both worlds — room to work and space to live. Whether you’re adding a garage apartment, building a guest house, or setting up a full-time residence, these custom metal buildings make it easy to combine comfort and functionality in one smart structure.
These versatile buildings can serve as a shop house, hobby space, or full barndominium. With flexible layouts and durable materials, a steel building offers the reliability of traditional housing with the added benefit of built-in storage or work areas. From small garage apartment kits to large metal building homes, the design options are wide open.
In this guide, you’ll learn about design ideas, pricing, construction tips, and key considerations — plus answers to common FAQs.
Benefits of a Metal Garage with Living Quarters
A metal garage with living quarters offers a smart alternative to traditional home construction. These steel buildings deliver impressive long-term value, whether you’re creating a full-time residence or adding usable space to your property.
Here are several structural and financial benefits to consider:
- Durable construction. Steel buildings are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and everyday wear.
- Low maintenance. Unlike wood, metal doesn’t rot, warp, or attract pests, saving time and upkeep costs.
- Reliable weather resistance. Properly installed metal garages stand up to snow loads, rain, and strong winds.
- Flexible interior layouts. Clearspan interiors make it easy to customize floor plans with lofts or sectioned rooms.
- Energy efficiency. With the right insulation, steel buildings help reduce heating and cooling costs year-round.
- Cost savings. Steel framing can lower foundation expenses by up to 50% and reduce overall build costs by as much as 5%, thanks to faster schedules and efficient material use.
Potential Use Cases for Your Garage Apartment Kits
A metal garage with living quarters offers more than just extra space. This home addition also offers flexible, high-quality living areas that serve a wide range of needs. These versatile steel structures are ideal for homeworkers who want to add comfort and functionality to their property without the cost of building a new home from scratch.
Here are a few popular ways people use their garage apartment kits:
- Aging in place. Seniors can live comfortably with family while maintaining privacy and independence.
- Privacy for adult children. Great for college students living at home or adult children with disabilities who benefit from nearby support.
- Extra bedrooms for growing families. When space gets tight, a garage apartment can provide an immediate, practical solution.
- Temporary housing. Use the space while building a new home or recovering from a disaster like a hurricane or wildfire.
- Short-term rentals. Generate income by listing the space as a guest rental on your property.
Garage apartment kits combine durable metal structures with comfort, making them a smart way to expand your living space. And because they’re engineered to handle snow loads and other weather conditions, they’re practical in a wide range of climates. Each unit provides a complete living area that can be tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
Design and Floor Plan Ideas for Metal Garages with Living Quarters
When planning a garage apartment or shop house, a clear floor plan helps balance storage, work areas, and comfortable living space. Because steel buildings offer wide, open interiors, homeowners have the freedom to design layouts that fit their lifestyle and property needs.
Popular configurations include a 30×40 garage with a loft apartment or a 40×60 workshop with built-in living quarters. These designs allow space for vehicles, tools, or hobbies on the ground floor, with private living areas above or beside them. Features like mezzanines, lean-tos, and open layouts make it easy to expand vertically or horizontally.
Many customers choose DIY-friendly metal building kits that simplify the process of creating a custom living space. Alan’s Factory Outlet provides building types in a wide range of square foot options, so you can tailor your garage doors, interior rooms, and add-ons to match your vision.
Here’s a quick comparison of common layouts, using base pricing from Alan’s Factory Outlet. Final costs will depend on features like insulation, interior finishes, and local labor rates:
| Sample Layouts and Starting Prices for Popular Metal Garage Kits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Building size | Approx. square feet | Common features | Starting price (structure only) |
| 30×40 | 1,200 | Loft potential, 2-bay garage, open floor plan | From ~$11,005 |
| 40×60 | 2,400 | Workshop space, living quarters, lean-to option | From ~$35,000 |
| 50×60 | 3,000 | Multi-room layout, wide garage doors, mezzanine ready | From ~$21,000–$30,000 (varies by style) |
Design flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of working with custom metal building kits. With the right layout, you can create a metal garage with living quarters that works as a home, rental, or multipurpose structure.
Important Construction Considerations
Before building a metal garage with living quarters, it’s important to plan for both the shell and the interior living space. While Alan’s Factory Outlet provides the high-quality steel shell, homeowners will work with local contractors to finish the inside for residential use.
Here are the key steps in the construction process:
- Confirm zoning and permits. Check with your local building authority to make sure residential use is allowed and to obtain necessary permits.
- Order your steel building shell from AFO. You’ll receive wall panels, trusses, and framing components ready for assembly.
- Pour the foundation. Work with a contractor to design and pour a slab that meets local snow load and weather condition requirements.
- Assemble the shell. Either hire a professional installer or DIY the frame setup using detailed kit instructions.
- Plan the interior build-out. Layout rooms, garage areas, and storage based on your square footage and needs.
- Install HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Licensed professionals will handle these systems to meet residential code standards.
- Add insulation and finishing materials. Proper insulation keeps the space energy-efficient and comfortable year-round.
While AFO’s building kits include the steel frame and exterior components, residential features (like HVAC systems, plumbing, interior walls, and wiring) must be arranged separately.
Interior finishing costs vary widely depending on layout, materials, and region. A typical garage conversion costs between $6,016 and $27,699, with an average of around $16,603. AFO offers building options to suit different layouts, climates, and property sizes.
Comparing Metal Buildings vs. Traditional Homes
Choosing between a metal garage with living quarters and a traditional wood-framed home build often comes down to cost, timeline, and maintenance. Metal buildings offer several advantages that make them a strong option for homeowners who want a flexible, cost-effective living space.
One of the biggest benefits is speed. Steel framing can significantly reduce construction time compared to traditional methods. These structures are also more durable and require far less maintenance over their lifespan. And because metal buildings are highly customizable, you can tailor everything from floor plans to exterior finishes to match your vision.
Here’s how metal structures stack up against conventional homes:
| Cost and Construction Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Metal garage with living quarters | Traditional home |
| Build time | 1–3 months (shell only); 6+ months to finish | 6-12+ months |
| Maintenance needs | Low. Steel resists rot and pests. | Moderate to high. Wooden materials are more susceptible to natural elements |
| Structural lifespan | 50+ years with minimal upkeep | 70–100 years, depending on materials and regular maintenance |
| Customization | High | High |
| Cost per square foot | $10–25 (shell only), $50–145 (finished) | $60–200+, depending on materials and design |
(Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide)
Metal buildings — especially those designed as barndominiums or shop houses — continue to gain popularity for offering modern comfort at a lower cost. For homeowners looking to create a durable, adaptable living space, steel framing delivers long-term value.
Ready to Build Your Custom Metal Garage with Living Quarters?
A metal garage with living quarters combines practical function with everyday comfort. Custom metal buildings offer lasting value, energy, efficiency, and design flexibility at a lower cost than traditional construction. Whether you’re building a guest space, home office, or garage apartment, a custom metal building can fit your needs and style.
Alan’s Factory Outlet has over 20 years of experience serving customers across 20 states, helping homeowners bring their building ideas to life. Every metal garage is tailored to fit your property, style, and intended living space.
Want to learn more before getting started? Visit Alan’s Factory Outlet to explore styles, features, and add-ons.
FAQs About Metal Garages with Living Quarters
Metal garages that double as living quarters are becoming more popular as homeowners look for affordable, flexible space. Whether you’re adding a guest suite, rental, or full-time residence, you may have the same questions.
How much does it cost to build a metal building with living quarters?
Costs vary based on size and the level of interior finishing. On average, a metal building shell starts at $10 to $25 per square foot, while total costs — depending on finish level — typically range from $50 to $145 per square foot. Factors like insulation, HVAC, plumbing, and layout complexity can significantly influence the final price.
Can you build living quarters in a metal building?
Yes, many people convert metal garages into livable spaces. After purchasing the steel shell from Alan’s Factory Outlet, customers work with contractors to add features like HVAC, insulation, plumbing, and drywall.
Do I need a permit to convert my garage into living space?
In most areas, permits are required to convert a garage into a residential living area. Requirements vary by location, so it’s important to check with your local zoning office or building authority. You’ll need to follow local building codes to ensure your project is safe and compliant.
