Homes with a real shop attached.

On 10 acres with a view of Great Divide ski area: 2,650 square feet of living space and a 2,180 square foot garage and shop, with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Features include an 18-foot fireplace with a custom live-edge hearth, a large covered porch, alder trim, custom cherry cabinets, a large walk-in pantry, a laundry room that connects to the primary closet, and a 10 by 14 foot door on one shop bay.

• Size the shop for what you’ll actually park and work on, including door height.
• Decide early on heat, floor drains and power in the shop.
• Separate the shop from the house with fire-rated construction where code requires it.
• Place the shop on the lot with snow, drainage and access in mind.

Shop homes are often built on acreage outside town, which usually means planning for a well and septic system. See wells and septic for a Montana homesite and what changes when you build outside city limits. If you plan to heat the shop, this comparison of heating systems is a good place to start.

If you already own land, start with Building on Your Own Land. For a rough number, try the build cost calculator. For a full house without the shop, see custom homes. Curious how a barndominium differs from a home with a shop? Read what a barndominium really is.