February 7, 2025
Why Upscale Homeowners Are Choosing Custom Outbuildings
Gone are the days when luxury homes were just grand interiors and sprawling spaces. Today, upscale homeowners want to use their properties to their fullest potential, so we’re seeing more and more outbuildings being built. Of course, since we’re talking luxury here, all these outbuildings are custom and they add more functionality and flair to the estates.
If you’re wondering what’s behind this trend, the answer would be a mix of practicality and personalization. Homeowners don’t want random structures but spaces that reflect their way of life and boost the value of their properties. These outbuildings aren’t your regular add-ons, but extensions of the home that’s supposed to elevate everyday life.
What Custom Outbuildings Are Used for
There are all kinds of ways people use their outbuildings, but here’s a list of some of the most popular choices.
1. Home Office and Creative Studio
More and more people are starting to work from home, so there’s a growing need for private home offices. A custom outbuilding is a perfect choice for a home office because it’s quiet, private, and away from the main house so you still feel like you’re at work. It’s easier to focus that way and you’ll be more productive, especially if there’s soundproofing and plenty of natural light.
An outbuilding can also be used for painting, writing, or crafting, sort of like a little creative studio.
2. Equestrian Facility and Luxury Stable
A custom outbuilding can easily be transformed into a luxurious equestrian facility. Stables of this kind go beyond just being functional because they have premium flooring, excellent ventilation, and integrated tack rooms where you can store your gear. A design like this is very comfortable for the horses and, in addition to that, it’s very convenient for the owners. There’s an option to add wash stalls, automatic watering systems, and even lounge areas where you can relax.
For example, Columbus, Ohio, will (on average) have the largest barn construction projects by size, but they’ll also take the longest to complete (about 10 weeks), Also, in Columbus, the cost per square foot will be the highest in the state – 32 USD/sp ft. Dayton, Toledo, and Laureville, on the other hand, will usually have the smallest project sizes, but the price points will differ. On the lower end, you’ll find Pataskala, where a square foot will set you back 28 USD on average.
If you’re in Pataskala (Ohio) and this sounds like something you’d like, type “pole barn construction near me” into Google to find a local pro who can make this happen for you. You can, of course, use this same approach regardless of where you live to find some contractors that operate in your area.
3. Wellness Retreat and Gym
A custom outbuilding can be a yoga studio, a completely equipped gym, or a private spa. Today, we’re more focused on mental health than we were in the past, so you’ll see many homeowners building wellness retreats on their properties.
A sauna and/or a hot tub will bring the opulence to the next level.
4. Entertainment Space and Guesthouse
If you love hosting and entertaining, then a custom outbuilding can be your ideal entertainment space. It can be a party venue with a high-tech sound system, a wet bar, and a stylish interior.
If you have friends or family staying with you often, you can also turn it into a guesthouse so your visitors have a comfortable place to stay.
Benefits of Custom Outbuildings
With a custom outbuilding, you’re adding style, value, and functionality to your property, not to mention the extra space. The benefits go beyond practicality, so let’s see what they are.
1. Increased Property Value
A custom outbuilding is an investment and it’s a great way to boost the value of your property. Whatever you decide to build, the structure will still be versatile and practical enough that it will make your property more appealing, plus an outbuilding can be tweaked later on and repurposed.
2. Custom Looks
The great thing about a structure of this kind is that you can make it look in a way that will complement the main house and the property in general. You can choose materials, finishes, and architectural elements you want that will blend in with the aesthetics you’re after.
3. Functionality and Personalization
Everyone has different needs, and custom outbuildings are flexible enough to meet all of them. They can serve pretty much any purpose, but the customization doesn’t stop there. You can also customize the layout, the interior, and technology so that it truly reflects your vision.
4. Privacy and Exclusivity
Privacy is extremely important for people who own luxury homes, and custom outbuildings are the perfect solution. They’re separate, they can be used for personal or professional purposes, and they allow you to enjoy what you’re doing without being interrupted. Convenience and exclusivity – it doesn’t get much better than that.
5. Sustainability
Aesthetics is a huge part of modern luxury, but so is sustainability. You can design your custom outbuilding with eco-friendly materials, insulation that is energy efficient, and renewable energy systems like solar panels. Not only will you reduce your impact on the environment, but all of this will also be a major selling point if you decide to sell your property one day.
Conclusion
A custom outbuilding doesn’t need to be a random, unsightly add-on that you use to throw your stuff in. It can be an aesthetic extension of your home that comes with many, many perks.
It can take luxury to the next level and, if you want to make your home more unique and functional, this is one of the best ways to do it.