Barn Kit or Carriage House? How to Choose the Right Multi-Purpose Space for Your Property (& life)

As the weather cools and we all shift into winter planning mode, many of us start looking ahead to spring projects, especially those that can add both function and value to their property. Two of the most versatile (and surprisingly customizable) options Shelter-Kit offers are barn kits and garage/carriage house kits. While they share some similarities, each shines in its own way depending on how you plan to use the space.

If you’re trying to figure out which one makes the most sense for your lifestyle, here’s a breakdown to help you get clarity.

Barn Kits: The Classic Workhorse with Endless Potential

Barns have a way of instantly grounding a property, they’re traditional, timeless, practical, and full of possibility. Traditionally used for tools, tractors, or farm equipment, today’s barn kits are just as likely to become woodworking shops, artist studios, small business headquarters, or even backyard event spaces.

The biggest advantage of a barn kit is its open floor plan. With fewer interior walls and a wide-span structure, barns are ideal for:

• Storing larger equipment

• Creating a workshop with room to move

• Housing animals or hobby farms

• Setting up a flexible multi-purpose space

A barn kit is perfect for someone who wants simplicity, square footage, and a space that can evolve over time.

Garage + Carriage House Kits: Function Below, Opportunity Above

Think of a carriage house as a garage with a dream built in. You get secure, weather-protected parking or storage on the main level, and then a completely customizable second floor above it. Some people finish the upper space right away, others leave it open until the timing is right. Either way, the potential is huge.

That upstairs area can become:

• A home office or remote work studio

• A guest suite

• A rental unit for extra income

• An art or yoga loft

• A quiet retreat separate from the main home (ie. A Space of Ones Own)

  
  

Where barns offer space and openness, carriage houses offer stacked efficiency and the opportunity for true dual-purpose use. They’re especially appealing for homeowners wanting to add value to their property or create space for visitors, or privacy for themselves.

So Which One Is Right for You?

If you want wide-open, adaptable space with a traditional feel, a barn kit is your best friend. If you want parking with potential, especially living or workspace upstairs, a carriage house kit delivers the most versatility per square foot.

Whichever direction you choose, winter is the perfect time to explore your design options, plan your build, and get ahead of spring construction season.

After all, great projects start long before the ground thaws.

Email us with your needs and lets chat!