Steel carports are solid structures designed to protect your assets from storms and hail. In this blog, we will investigate the importance of carports. Moreover, we will discover important factors you should consider when selecting the best shed designs for your carport construction.
What should I look for in a carport? If you don’t have the space or cannot afford a garage, then a carport could be a cost-effective solution. Nowadays designing and pricing a carport can take just a few minutes utilizing online shed designers, such as HiTen Buildings online shed designer.
Steel carports are fast to deliver and easy to install. Some important factors to consider are things like, will my carport look good next to my house? Should I design a skillion carport or a gable carport? If it’s going to be a gable carport, should I design it so that the slope matches my house? Do I want the carport to have cee purlin posts (which is cheap) or square SHS posts (which is more expensive)? Should I custom flash the carport posts and other exposed steel? Should I install gutters and downpipes? These are all important questions to consider when designing a carport with an online shed designer.
If you don’t know the answers, simply design the carport as best you can with HiTen’s online shed designer and a HiTen agent will help design and price the carport that is perfect for you.
There will still be design aspects that are outside of your control, such as the size of the columns and rafters for your carport. HiTen’s shed engineering program will determine the size of these profiles based on your local wind speed, seismic loads, and snow loads.
Using the above information will help you design the perfect HiTen carport that will last you and your family a lifetime.
Shouses in Australia: In the world of modern architecture, sheds are no longer considered just storage spaces. These are structures that merge functionality with charm and personal preference. Due to the high cost of building or purchasing a conventional house, class 1a sheds, also called Barndominiums or Shouses, are now commonly used for residential purposes.
Are you considering building a class 1a Shouse? You’re definitely not alone. Shouses (as they’re sometimes called) are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why: they offer an incredible combination of functionality, comfort, affordability, and design potential.
Whether you’re just starting to research the possibility of designing your very own Shouse or have been seriously contemplating one for some time – this information is for you! We’ll cover the top pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not a Shouse is the best option for your family.
Barndominium Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Cheaper and quicker to build than conventional houses
- Flexibility in space management
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Lower insurance costs and associated taxes
Cons
- Financing a Shouse can be very hard if not impossible
- A smaller pool of buyers due to high customisation if you decide to sell
Defining a Shouse– What Are They and How Do They Differ from Traditional Homes
Shouses are class 1a designs and a relatively new trend in the world of housing. Essentially, they are steel buildings that have been purposed into living spaces. What makes them different from traditional homes is that they often contain large open spaces with high ceilings, giving them a loft-like feel.
Many Shouses feature elements like exposed beams and industrial-style finishes, which add to their unique aesthetic. While they may not be for everyone, there’s no denying that Shouses offer a fresh take on the idea of home. If you’re looking for a space that’s both rustic and modern, a Shouse might just be the perfect fit for you.
Benefits of Building a Shouse
Flexible Layout
A benefit of building a Shouse is its flexible layout, including open-floor concept spaces that allow for seamless entertaining and quality family time. Not to mention the freedom to customise the interiors to your liking and create a space that truly reflects your personality.
Cheaper Home Build Option
Shouses are a cheaper home build option because Shouses are typically built using a steel frame which is cheaper and easier to construct compared to traditional wood framing. Additionally, because the structure can be designed to serve both as a living space and a workspace or storage area, the construction cost per square foot can be significantly lower. Also, Shouses are often designed with open floor plans that allow for greater flexibility in the use of space, eliminating the need for interior walls and reducing construction costs.
Lower maintenance requirements
Shouses, which are typically constructed with a metal frame, do not suffer from insect damage to the same extent as traditional homes built with wood frames. Insects like termites and white ants can cause significant damage to wooden structures, but they are less likely to be attracted to metal. Besides, using beams to secure the home prevents the movement of the foundation and limits the need for foundation maintenance. As a result, Shouses may require fewer maintenance calls, saving homeowners money.
Lower insurance costs and associated taxes
Since a Shouse is safer and has less wood framing, less inwall plumbing and is more resistant to Australia’s harsh elements, insurance may be cheaper than a traditional home.
Energy efficiency
With today’s cost of living literally shooting through the roof, any reasonable homeowner will no doubt welcome an energy-efficient home. Shouses are energy efficient! All over the world, many people who live in a Shouse report much lower utilities, especially when it comes to power and heating.
Shouses are safe
When deciding on a style of home, safety is almost always the number one priority. One of the first questions people ask is, “Are Shouses safe? “
We know that Shouses are constructed with a shed frame, made of steel, which offers several benefits when it comes to safety. One of the primary advantages is the added durability and protection from harsh weather conditions, such as hailstorms and high winds. Steel is a robust material that can withstand extreme weather events, and many Shouses have been used as storm shelters in areas prone to severe weather.
Cons for Building a Shouse
While Shouses have gained popularity in recent years, it’s important to note that their unique exterior style may not be for everyone. Shouses are often designed to resemble a barn or industrial building, with steel siding and a simple, functional appearance. Some people may prefer a more traditional or ornate exterior style, which may not be achievable with a Shouse.
However, for those who appreciate the rustic charm and practicality of a Shouse, the exterior design can be a perfect fit. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide what type of home exterior best suits their personal taste and lifestyle.
Conventional mortgages may not be be an option.
According to some new Shouse owners around the country, a major drawback is just how limited your financial options may be. A class 1a Shouse is still technically a house. However, to save money, most Shouse owners want to do most or part of the build themselves. In order to get a mortgage, you may need to hire a licensed builder, or you might go for a owner-builder license, but in some cases banks may require you to fully own the land you are building on.
Harder To Resell
Typically, Shouses sell at the value they are currently worth – just like regular houses. However, there are a few differences that can make them harder to sell. In many cases, a Shouse will be highly customised to fit the needs of the current owner.
This customisation could be reflected in the overall interior design or even the kind of amenities within. One person could be using their Shouse as a fully furnished home while another wants to incorporate commercial functions as well.
Conclusion
The biggest mistake people make is not planning their Shouse design carefully. Converting a shed into a Shouse is difficult. The Shouse needs many of the same design elements as a normal house, such as waterproofing the slab, stiffening the frame from movement so that your plasterboard doesn’t crack, insulating the house according to the building code, utilising approved class 1a doors and windows, others. While these are just a few pros and cons that come with owning and living in a Shouse – all of these issues can be overcome with careful planning and research.
