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7 Unexpected Ways to Use Your Best Barns Garage Kit (Beyond Parking)
Most people buy a garage kit to park their car or store a lawnmower, but you might be surprised by what else these structures can do. Since Best Barns DIY garage kits use residential-grade construction with 2x4 framing, they are essentially blank canvases. You can finish the interior just like any room in your house.
If you need more living space but want to avoid the high cost of a home addition, garage conversion ideas are the answer. We have compiled seven creative ways to use your Best Barns kit that have nothing to do with parking a sedan.
Key Takeaways
- More than parking: Garage conversion ideas turn standard kits into offices, gyms, or guest suites.
- Easy finishing: Standard stud spacing allows you to insulate and drywall the interior just like a room in your house.
- Vertical potential: The Maker’s Loft XL offers a second story that is perfect for a private studio or apartment.
- Cost-effective space: Building a kit is significantly cheaper than adding a room extension to your main home.
- Custom layouts: You choose where to place windows and doors to suit your specific project needs.
1. The Distraction-Free Home Office
Working from the kitchen table gets old fast. You can turn the Tailored Titan Standard Model into a dedicated home office. The 12x16 size is perfect for a large desk, bookshelves, and a seating area.
Because the walls have standard stud spacing, you can easily install fiberglass insulation and drywall. This keeps the space quiet and comfortable year-round. We recommend adding the optional 9-lite steel door to let in natural light while keeping the space secure.
2. A Backyard Guest House (ADU)
You may have in-laws visiting or a college student moving back home. The Maker’s Loft XL is ideal for a guest suite or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This model features a full second-story loft with a staircase.
You can put a small living area and kitchenette on the ground floor and a bedroom upstairs. Since you build it yourself, you save a fortune compared to hiring a contractor for a guest house. Just remember to check your local zoning laws regarding plumbing and habitation before you start.
3. The Ultimate Home Gym
Gym memberships are expensive and crowded. You can build your own fitness center right in the backyard. The Tailored Titan Tall Model works best for this because of its higher roof pitch.
The extra overhead clearance allows you to use equipment like ellipticals or power racks without hitting the ceiling. You should choose the concrete slab foundation option for a gym. Heavy weights can damage a wood floor, but concrete handles the impact perfectly.
4. An Artist’s Studio
Painters and sculptors need natural light and a mess-friendly floor. You can customize your Best Barns kit with extra windows to flood the space with sun. The wood siding is easy to drill into, so you can mount shelves or racks for your supplies anywhere.
If you spill paint on the floor, it doesn't matter because it is your dedicated workspace. You can even install a utility sink if you run water to the building.
5. A Teen Game Room
Teenagers need their own space to hang out with friends. You can insulate a standard single-car garage kit and turn it into a game room.
It is big enough for a pool table, a couch, and a large TV. You can run electricity to the shed to power gaming consoles and a mini-fridge. This keeps the noise out of your main house and gives your kids a safe place to gather.
6. A Workshop for Heavy Hobbies
If you restore motorcycles or do serious woodworking, a basement shop often isn't enough. You need ventilation and space.
The Transom Door Model is great here because the double doors open wide. This lets you roll large tools or machines in and out easily. The open floor plan means you can set up a table saw in the center and still have room to move around.
7. A Private Yoga or Meditation Studio
Sometimes you just need to escape. A smaller 12x16 garage kit can become a peaceful sanctuary. You can install the optional FortressFloor wood flooring system, which is softer and warmer underfoot than concrete.
Paint the interior walls calming colors and add a small heater. Since the structure is detached from the house, you get true silence for your practice.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to run electricity to a garage kit?
No, the open stud walls make wiring easy. You should hire a licensed electrician to connect the main line to your house’s panel for safety.
Can I put plumbing in a Best Barns kit?
Yes, you can install plumbing. You must pour a concrete slab with rough-in pipes or use a raised floor foundation to run pipes underneath.
Do I need a permit to use a garage as an office?
Most likely. Converting a garage to "habitable space" often requires a permit to ensure it meets insulation, electrical, and egress safety codes.
Which foundation is best for a gym conversion
A concrete slab is the best choice for a gym. It supports heavy equipment without flexing and is easy to clean after a sweaty workout.
Can I insulate the roof of these kits?
Yes. You can install insulation between the roof trusses and cover it with drywall or plywood to keep the heat in during winter.
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