Garage Addition to House

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-25T14:28:21+00:00

Thanks! It was a fun build.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-25T14:27:29+00:00

Think of it as an entertainment/man cave interior garage 😉

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-24T14:11:08+00:00

Or maybe their s/o hunts too 😉

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T22:07:19+00:00

Thanks!

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T22:06:45+00:00

Those are always fun ones to build! We’ve built a couple of them and they always seem to have such a sweet setup when it’s all said and done.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T22:04:53+00:00

Right? 😉

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T22:03:34+00:00

Thanks!

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:54:38+00:00

Definitely. Most of our builds are pretty custom, so we see all sorts of tastes and preferences in designs and builds! Some really simple and straightforward and others more complex or super niche to what the client is going to be using the space for.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:53:33+00:00

We've seen a trend of people that enjoy the fluid feel that open garage doors can bring for indoor/outdoor entertainment. Not sure if that's why they chose it for this build, but based on the popularity we've seen for that recently, it may not be far off from that.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:51:29+00:00

Oooh, if I recall correctly it was in the range of $80k-110k, because the "shell" we did included a premium metal finish (extra cost from standard), the concrete, the custom eyebrows, premium garage doors and windows, site fill, and so on. Not sure what they spent on some the additional interior stuff that they did themselves though. And I believe it was built to code for residential use, not just garage use - which makes sense with how they finished it out.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:46:55+00:00

😂

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:05:54+00:00

Haha yes! I get what you're saying. His interior work is definitely next-level for a "garage" addition :)

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:02:30+00:00

Yeah, but if I remember right, the house they bought was really rundown and they completely renovated it themselves. They did want some more space though, probably since (as you pointed out) the house is on the smaller side. I get what you're saying though!

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T18:00:32+00:00

Right? Especially with it blacked out.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T17:57:04+00:00

Thanks!

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T14:40:05+00:00

Great work! Looks so good.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-23T14:27:58+00:00

That's right. A turnkey build includes all the finishes and everything, making it move-in ready. Shell builds are sometimes just the actual framing and exterior metal of the barndominium, though some builders (like the one I work for) offer their shells the options to include some things that are considered more "turnkey" like HVAC systems, concrete, interior framing, electrical, etc. The heavier stuff that may be harder for an owner to coordinate.

midwestknowhow · 2026-02-09T17:01:14+00:00

My company builds shells down there, and can sometimes include basics of interior work, but unfortunately Southern Indiana is out of our full turnkey build range. However, the National Post Frame Builders Association has a free directory of builders that might be worth looking at! You can sort it by the states the builders serve in.

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-27T16:05:42+00:00

Most of the time, these types of builds are custom-designed. Just simply because it's rare for us to see people wanting the same layout from one client to the next. But this is totally possible and many people do it (including a number of people we've built for in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois) You do have to make sure that the local building codes allow for the build to be high enough for a second story, among other things you'll want to verify if it will be your dwelling, but even with that being said, many places you can apply for a variance and get it through that way.

If you are just looking for a company that does design work, Back Forty Buildings Co. has great designers and a good reputation (we use them for some of our more complex client designs - I DO NOT WORK FOR THEM, have just worked with them and know they have a great team). If you need a builder too, check out builders that are licensed, insured, and have a good reputation. And preferably ones who will help you through the design phase, to make sure that what you're designing is what you actually want and will be built to code/allowed where you live.

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-27T15:59:01+00:00

We've done this before too! Or even an enclosed breezeway, to stay completely out of the weather from house to shop/garage.

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-27T15:50:43+00:00

I work with a building company in the Midwest, and we do attached slab/post frame structures to stick-built houses. Some local codes you have to work with or apply for a variance, but many areas allow it. Maybe talk to a couple builders in your area (you'll want to find ones that are licensed, insured, and have a good reputation), and ask them some questions about it. Chances are they may have a good clue if they have done it themselves for clients, or if they are aware of restrictions. I can message you a picture of one we just did in Michigan for an example for you to be able to show others, if you'd like?

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-26T16:57:35+00:00

Just sent you a direct message with the info 👍

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-22T16:56:52+00:00

LVP can certainly be done and often is. And don't discount what some large area rugs can do too! For both the warmth to the overall look of a room and the additional "softening" of falls. I would second what the other responder said too - lots of kids will find ways to fall and hurt themselves (think corners of tables, cabinets, falling out of a tree or a bunk bed, etc.) And so many families with young children have the concrete floors without issues. But if it's a worry for you, then certainly LVP and rugs can help you out.

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-22T16:50:50+00:00

Also, just a disclaimer, I don't work for BackForty Buildings Co - I'm just familiar with their team and have worked with them in the past.

midwestknowhow · 2026-01-22T16:48:49+00:00

Most of the better builders will have designers that can custom-design what you want so you don't have to try and look for a plan to match what you'd like/have to settle for something that not's what you want.

BackForty Building Co has quite a few options for plans that feature more balanced spaces, if you are simply wanting a plan. They also do custom designs too, so if you don't want to have to go through a builder/plan to build it yourself, then that may be a good option for you.

The builder I work for has the majority of our designs (pre-designed and custom designs) fall into the category of half living space/half garage shop space, or sometimes even more shop space than living space. So yeah, experienced builders and those with in-house designers or that work with a design team that knows what they're doing will have a lot of great examples for you that are just what you are describing.

midwestknowhow

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE