Shopdominium: The Ultimate Guide to Combining Workspaces and Living Quarters

Open-floor steel buildings, like barndominiums and shopdominiums, are now considered a viable housing option, especially with the rising cost of conventional homes. As of the first quarter of 2022, US home prices rose to an average of $428,700. Additionally, the supply of conventional homes has not been able to meet the demands, which has resulted in longer waiting lists and higher prices.

With that said, many people are now looking into alternatives, including open-floor steel buildings. One popular type is the barndominium, which is basically an open-floor living space enclosed in a steel building. 

It’s becoming a popular housing option because it’s more affordable than a conventional home and can be built relatively quickly. Additionally, you can customize a barndominium to your liking and use it for a variety of purposes, such as a home office or workshop. If you do decide to go for the latter setup, then, technically, you’ll have a shopdominium.

What is a Shopdominum?

A shopdominium, also known as a shouse, is a residential property that includes both living quarters and commercial space. The concept is simple: it combines the best of both worlds, giving you a place to live and work all in one. For small business owners or even those who have a hobby that requires a large area, a shouse can be the perfect solution.

You can use the commercial space in a shopdominium for various purposes. You can lease it out to generate income or use it as your own personal office or workshop. The possibilities are endless!

Why Build a Shopdominium?

Soaring real estate prices can be an excellent motivator to opt for shopdominiums. They’re cheaper and quicker to construct, so you can get a great return on investment. Shouses are also easier to keep up and maintain, so you don’t have to worry about sky-high property taxes or expensive repairs.

Another reason to build a shopdominium is that you can use the property for business and living purposes. For instance, if you’re a carpenter, you can have your workshop on the ground floor and your residence on the upper floors. The large area can also help you financially by allowing you to rent out the other units in the building, which can help offset your mortgage payments.

Lastly, shopdominiums offer the potential for income growth. If you eventually sell the property, you stand to make a tidy profit given the current trends in the real estate market.

What is the Difference Between a Barndominium and a Shopdominium?

The primary difference between a barndominium and a shopdominium is in their function. A barndominium serves as a purely residential property, albeit offering a bigger space than conventional homes. Meanwhile, you can use a shouse as a commercial space for different purposes, such as a workshop, storage, office, or retail store.

In essence, a shopdomininium is a type of barndominium since the latter has become synonymous with open-floor steel buildings. That said, shouses are usually designed with a purpose in mind from the get-go.

The bottom line is that if you plan on using your property for business purposes, it’s best to build a shopdominium from the ground up. Otherwise, a barndominium would suffice as your residential space.

Pros of a Shopdominum

These are the advantages of opting for a shopdominium:

Convenience and Flexibility

This type of property offers convenience and flexibility for homeowners. This is because you get to live near or, more accurately, in the exact place where you work. The set-up is ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners, or anyone who wants to be close to their place of work.

There are also no commute costs associated with a shopdominium. You don’t have to worry about wasting time and money getting to and from an office daily. Emergencies, like snowstorms and damaged cars, can’t stop you from reporting to work.

If you’re not planning to use your property as a commercial space, shopdominiums still allow you to be close to your workshop, whether you’re into arts or woodworking. This way, you can spend time with your hobbies in the comfort of your home.

Cheaper and Quicker Construction

When considering a property to buy, the size and floor plan are two factors you should consider carefully when house hunting if you want to get the most value for your money. A shopdominium offers a larger area than traditional homes. As such, you get more than enough space for your needs while saving on the cost per square foot.

Another factor is the construction timeline. A shopdominium can be built much faster than a traditional home since the shell of the structure is already complete. This means that you can move in sooner and start enjoying your new space without having to wait for months or even years.

Revenue-Generating Possibilities

Of course, one of the top advantages of a shopdominium is that you can open up opportunities to earn an income from your home. For most people, a residential property is more of an expense rather than a source of profit.

A shopdominium provides an excellent way to have a storefront for your business without worrying about the high overhead and expenses that come with renting or owning a commercial space. You can also use your shopdominium as storage for inventory if you sell products online, which can save you even more money. 

Cons of a Shopdominium 

As with any other property, there are also drawbacks to choosing shopdominiums, such as:

Energy Inefficiency

Since shopdominiums typically have a store or workshop in front, your home will consume more energy to power equipment. You can also expect higher cooling and heating bills in the winter and summer since you need to maintain a comfortable temperature for your home.

Moreover, inadequate insulation can cause your utility bills to soar. If you have a shopdominium, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is properly insulated to avoid energy waste.

Work-Life Imbalance

The close proximity of your shop or workshop can make it easier for you to overwork, which can lead to burnout. You may find it difficult to take breaks or disconnect from work when your business is right there at home.

Limited Financing Options

Lastly, banks and other lenders may be more hesitant to offer financing for shopdominiums. While the living quarters may make shopdominiums look more like a house than a business, most banks still consider them to be commercial properties. This means you may have a harder time securing traditional financing, such as a mortgage, than a standard house.

Shopdominium Prices

Steel building homes, including barndominiums and shopdominiums, are priced between $20 to $70 per square foot. This already comes with materials and basic assembly. The cost would increase based on other furnishings that you want to add. Shopdominiums may require more capital upfront since you have to beautify your shop and comply with safety regulations for your workshop.

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.