How to Add a Workshop to Your Barndominium

One of the biggest advantages of building a barndominium is flexibility—it’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. And if you’re like many of our Spokane-area clients, that lifestyle includes having a dedicated space to work on vehicles, tackle DIY projects, or run a business. That’s where a workshop addition comes in.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve designed and built countless barndominiums with fully integrated workshops, and every one is tailored to the owner’s unique needs. Whether you want a cozy woodshop, a high-clearance auto bay, or a multi-purpose creative zone, I’ll walk you through how to plan, design, and build the perfect workshop inside or alongside your barndominium.

Table of Contents

1. Why Add a Workshop to Your Barndominium?

2. Attached vs. Detached: Choosing the Right Layout

3. How Much Space Do You Really Need?

4. Planning for Power, Ventilation, and Utilities

5. Insulation, Lighting, and Flooring Considerations

6. Noise and Dust Control Tips

7. Designing for Safety and Accessibility

8. Custom Storage and Workbench Solutions

9. Blending Style Between Home and Workshop

10. Conclusion: One Building, Endless Possibilities

1. Why Add a Workshop to Your Barndominium?

Adding a workshop gives your barndo a whole new layer of utility. Whether it’s for your business, your hobbies, or just maintaining your property, a well-designed shop:

• Adds square footage and resale value

• Keeps your work separate from your living space

• Saves on long-term storage or rental fees

• Makes everyday projects more convenient and enjoyable

2. Attached vs. Detached: Choosing the Right Layout

We help clients decide whether to attach the shop directly to the home or keep it as a stand-alone space. Each has pros and cons:

• Attached: More convenient access, especially in winter; better for heated workshops.

• Detached: Better for noise separation; more flexibility in layout and driveway options.

We’ll consider your land, budget, and building permit limits to help choose the right design.

3. How Much Space Do You Really Need?

We always start by asking:

“What are you actually going to use this space for?”

If it’s for woodworking, mechanics, or running a home business, we might recommend:

• A 30x40 or 40x60 footprint for heavy-duty work

• High ceilings and oversized doors for equipment

• Separate zones for storage, workbenches, and clean tasks

It’s better to plan bigger than to regret being too tight later.

4. Planning for Power, Ventilation, and Utilities

Every workshop needs the right infrastructure. We’ll help you plan for:

• 200-amp panels or 220V circuits for tools

• Air compressors, heaters, or even floor drains

• Exhaust fans and cross-ventilation for fume control

• Plumbing for sinks, wash stations, or half baths

Pre-planning utilities saves money and future headaches.

5. Insulation, Lighting, and Flooring Considerations

You want your workshop to be usable year-round in Spokane’s climate. That means:

• Spray foam or batt insulation

• Durable LED shop lighting

• Epoxy-coated or sealed concrete floors

• Radiant heating or mini-split systems for climate control

We make sure your shop is just as comfortable as your home—maybe even more.

6. Noise and Dust Control Tips

To keep your shop from disrupting your home life, we use:

• Sound-dampening insulation between walls

• Separate HVAC systems or vents

• Dust collection systems in woodshops

• Automatic door seals and fire-rated partitions

These little upgrades go a long way toward peace and cleanliness.

7. Designing for Safety and Accessibility

We design with safety in mind. That includes:

• Non-slip flooring options

• Clear walking zones

• Ample lighting over tools and storage

• ADA-compliant doorways and entry ramps, if needed

We can also integrate security features like cameras, keypads, and alarms.

8. Custom Storage and Workbench Solutions

Workshops need to work hard. We often build:

• Custom cabinetry or built-in shelving

• Rolling tool chests and carts

• Wall-mounted storage and pegboards

• Ceiling or loft storage for seasonal gear

We can build out these details during the initial phase or retrofit later.

9. Blending Style Between Home and Workshop

Just because it’s a workspace doesn’t mean it can’t look good. We help you:

• Match exterior siding and roofing for visual unity

• Use rustic or industrial interior finishes

• Add glass garage doors, wood beams, or metal accents

• Coordinate colors and trim for a seamless barndo aesthetic

It’s all about creating a structure that feels intentional and complete.

10. Conclusion: One Building, Endless Possibilities

A barndominium with an integrated workshop isn’t just a dream—it’s a practical, valuable, and fully customizable way to live and work in the same space. Whether you're a craftsman, gearhead, business owner, or weekend tinkerer, we’ll design a layout that makes your lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped clients across Spokane design and build barndominiums with everything from welding bays to home studios. If you’re ready to bring your dream shop + home combo to life, we’re ready to build it.