How to Convert Steel Buildings to Homes

Obtain the blueprints of your steel building from the property owner, the original builder, the original architect or the county property board, which has blueprints on hand in many jurisdictions. For the massive kind of remodeling that is being contemplated in this project, you will need detailed measurements that only the original blueprints can provide.

Contact your local zoning board to check if it will allow for the land the steel building is on to be used for residential purposes. If the board says no, then you must lodge an appeal and argue it before the zoning board; a lawyer is heavily recommended. If the answer is yes, you need copies of all the local regulations for residential housing.

Seek out contractors who specialize in residential remodeling or building repurposing. There will be a number of such contractors in metropolitan areas, but in smaller towns you may have to make do with a general contractor. Provide the contractors with the blueprints and a list of the regulations governing residential remodeling. The contractors will provide you with estimates, which you can compare. You will get what you pay for with contractors, so choose carefully.

Ask the contractor you select for design advice. The earlier you make a decision on things like windows, additional duct work and interior walls, the cheaper the project will be. Late changes in any project are expensive and time-consuming, especially in remodeling.