Most contractors sell post-frame buildings as basic storage. At ProBuilt Metal Buildings, we've discovered that our clients throughout Pierce County are far more creative. Over the past three years, we've completed some remarkable projects that completely reimagined what's possible with post-frame construction.
Here are seven actual projects we've built, with real costs and client results. Each demonstrates how interior lofts can transform a simple building into something extraordinary.
The Challenge: Sarah's online vintage clothing business outgrew her garage. She needed 1,500 square feet of storage plus office space, but commercial leases in Puyallup were $18-22 per square foot.
Our Solution: A 30' × 40' building with full-width loft (1,200 sq ft main floor + 1,200 sq ft loft office)
Project Details:
Client Result: "The loft office feels like a real corporate space, but I'm paying zero rent. The separation between office and warehouse improved my productivity immediately. Best business decision I've made." - Sarah M., Puyallup
The Challenge: Local artist needed workspace for large sculptures plus gallery space for First Thursday art walks, but Tacoma studio rents averaged $15-20 per square foot.
Our Solution: 24' × 36' building with partial loft featuring north-facing clerestory windows
Unique Features:
Investment:
Business Impact: "My teaching income doubled because I can host classes while working on commissions upstairs. The natural light from the clerestory windows is better than any rental studio I've seen." - Maria L., Tacoma artist
The Situation: The Johnson family owns a 5-acre property but their house couldn't accommodate extended family visits. Hotels during holidays cost $200+ per night.
Our Design: 40' × 60' building with main floor entertainment area and loft sleeping quarters
Loft Configuration:
Main Floor Features:
Project Investment: $89,000 including all finishes
Annual Value: Eliminates $3,000-4,000 in hotel costs during family visits
Family Feedback: "Last Thanksgiving we had 16 people stay comfortably. The grandkids love the loft sleeping area - it's like camping but with heat and bathrooms." - Tom Johnson, Gig Harbor
Background: Fitness enthusiast was spending $200/month on gym memberships plus driving time, but wanted commercial-quality equipment space.
Design Solution: 30' × 40' building with specialized fitness zones
Ground Floor (1,200 sq ft):
Loft Level (1,200 sq ft):
Technical Features:
Investment Analysis:
Results: "I work out more consistently because there's no drive time. The sauna alone is worth the investment - it would cost $80 per session at a spa." - Jennifer K., Lakewood
The Vision: Car collector needed space for 12 vehicles plus restoration area, but wanted showroom-quality display for club meetings.
Building Specs: 40' × 80' with partial mezzanine overlook
Ground Level:
Mezzanine Level:
Premium Features:
Investment: $125,000 (equivalent commercial space would cost $180,000)
Added Value: "The monthly car club meetings generate referrals for my restoration business. The mezzanine gives everyone the perfect view of the collection." - Frank D., Spanaway
Purpose: Sustainable farm needed year-round teaching space for school groups and adult workshops.
Building Design: 36' × 60' with agricultural education focus
Ground Floor Classroom:
Loft Features:
Educational Innovation: Clear floor panels in the loft allow students to safely observe beehive activity from below - a unique feature that's become the farm's most popular attraction.
Business Impact:
Goal: Create ultimate entertainment space for family with teenagers and active social life.
Building Design: 36' × 48' dual-purpose entertainment center
Main Floor (1,728 sq ft):
Loft Theater (900 sq ft):
Smart Design Benefits:
Project Investment: $95,000 including all technology
Family Value: "Our teenagers actually want to have friends over instead of going out. The theater rivals any commercial cinema, and we can pause movies for snack runs." - Lisa and Mark T., Bonney Lake
Loft space costs 30-40% less per square foot than expanding the building footprint. No additional foundation, roofing, or exterior walls required.
Creates distinct zones without permanent walls, maintaining flexibility while providing acoustic and visual separation.
Heat stratification allows different temperature zones - perfect for our Pacific Northwest climate where you might want workshop areas cooler and office spaces warmer.
Finished loft spaces add significant property value. Recent appraisals show 85-120% return on loft construction costs.
Lofts require specialized load calculations. We work with structural engineers to ensure safe design for intended use - whether it's storage, living space, or equipment areas.
Stair design impacts both function and space efficiency:
Loft use determines building code requirements. Storage lofts have minimal requirements, while occupied spaces need egress windows, proper stairs, and ceiling heights.
These seven projects demonstrate that post-frame buildings can be transformed into remarkable spaces that serve multiple functions while providing exceptional value. Whether you're envisioning a business headquarters, creative studio, or family entertainment center, the combination of post-frame construction and thoughtful loft design can create something truly unique.
Every project starts with understanding your specific needs, site conditions, and budget. We'll help you explore possibilities you might not have considered while ensuring your building meets all local codes and requirements.
Call (253) 434-0550 to schedule your free consultation. We'll discuss your vision, assess your property, and provide detailed cost estimates for your creative post-frame project.
Browse our completed projects gallery to see more innovative designs, or contact us today to start planning your own creative post-frame building project.