The labor and lumber costs of construction have grown dramatically in recent years, leaving many prospective homeowners to consider different materials for their homes. One material that many people are unfamiliar with using for a home is steel. They may be aware of steel barns or agricultural buildings, but when it comes to residential structures, they’re unsure of whether steel is a reasonable material choice.
As you consider new building materials, you may wonder, “Can you live in a steel building?” The answer is a clear yes. Steel is a smart if underutilized material for residential buildings, due to its low-maintenance nature, consistent costs, and strength against the elements, especially in the Gulf South. Read on for a practical guide detailing the ins and outs of what living in a steel building actually involves.
Can You Live in a Steel Building? The Short Answer is Yes!
You can absolutely live in a steel building. Steel buildings are increasingly used as full-time residences, and for good reason. With rising populations and builds in rural areas, the Gulf South market in particular has seen strong growth in residential steel building interest. Homeowners drawn to the “barndominium trend” – a style of home built in the style and structure of a barn – find steel a particularly effective building material, and this trend is especially popular in the Gulf South.
And don’t think that you can only use steel on country properties. Steel buildings can easily meet residential building codes when properly designed and constructed, making them a cost-effective way to build in your desired neighborhood.
What Makes a Steel Building Suitable for Residential Use
There are some significant advantages that prospective homeowners can look forward to should they live in steel buildings. Steel buildings boast:
- Structural integrity. Steel frames handle Gulf South weather conditions – including high winds and heavy rain – exceptionally well. Homeowners can let go of some of their anxiety during storm season and trust in their structures.
- Customization options. The interior layouts of steel buildings are highly flexible, since steel frames don’t require load-bearing interior walls the way traditional wood framing does. It’s far easier to renovate and change your mind.
- Longevity. Steel doesn’t rot, warp, or attract termites, all significant concerns for Louisiana and Mississippi homeowners. Avoiding these issues also means less maintenance.
- Energy efficiency potential. When properly insulated, steel buildings can be highly efficient.
Walker Metals finds that our steel buildings are a popular choice for both barndominiums and large community gathering spaces – like recreation centers or doctors’ offices – where the ease of construction and longevity of steel structures is a huge plus.
What You Need to Get Right
Whether you can live in a steel building or not is often a question of the specific design and construction choices that were made while the structure was created. While steel buildings certainly can be used residentially, not all of them are suitable for residential use. Steel-building livability is determined by:
- Insulation: For any building, but especially a steel building to be livable in the Gulf South climate, it must be insulated. Before you start insulating your structure, calculate its R-value needs for insulation strength and add a vapor barrier to seal off moisture.
- HVAC: Steel buildings require thoughtful HVAC planning, given how quickly metal conducts heat and cold.
- Plumbing and electrical: Plumbing and electrical can absolutely be integrated into your steel barn construction, but they require planning at the design stage rather than as an afterthought.
- Windows and doors: In the design stage, be strategic as to where you place windows and doors. Proper placement affects ventilation, natural light, and energy performance
- Permits and zoning: Like any other buildings, steel residential buildings must meet local building codes — requirements vary by parish and county across Louisiana and Mississippi, so talk to a professional if you need assistance verifying that you meet requirements.
Can You Live in a Steel Building: Common Residential Steel Building Styles
While you may now believe that the answer to the question “can you live in a steel building?” is yes, you’re still probably wondering what living in a steel building actually looks like. There are several different styles of residential steel buildings that can perfectly fit your lifestyle and design preferences. One advantage of steel buildings is their versatility, so you can construct them in many different ways to best suit your lifestyle.
- Barndominiums
Barndominiums have become a popular design style in recent years alongside the rising popularity of barnyard and country styling more generally. Barndomiums usually involve open-plan living spaces within a steel shell, reminiscent of a traditional barn. While barndominiums can work within urban and suburban environments, they’re most popular on country and ranch properties.
- Workshop and Living Combos
Popular with outdoor enthusiasts and creatives, some property owners will take advantage of the utilitarian aspects of steel buildings to create structures that house both their workshops and their living quarters. This can look like a lofted living space over a woodworking shop, living quarters in the back of an autoshop, and much more.
- Guest Houses
Having a guest house on your property can be an ideal way to house long-term guests, short-term renters, or extended family members, but few people want to spend the time and money to construct a guest house that matches the original design style of their primary residence. Steel guest houses are a great solution, requiring low maintenance and making construction fast and cost-effective.
What Walker Metals Offers for Residential Steel Buildings
So, can you live in a steel building? You can not only live in one, but thrive in one for decades! When you use steel for residential building purposes, you need the best materials possible. Cutting corners won’t do.
For residential steel building materials they can trust, builders and homeowners alike should turn to Walker Metals. Walker Metals offers American-made steel, custom sizing, rent-to-own options, and the ability to serve customers across Louisiana and Mississippi. Living in a steel building is not only possible, but for many property owners in the Gulf South, it is a smart, durable, and cost-effective choice. Request a free estimate or give us a call today at (225) 791-7791 and speak with the Walker Metals team about their specific residential project needs.
