5 Creative Ways Homeowners Are Using Custom Buildings in 2025
When most people think of a garage or outbuilding, they imagine simple storage space. But in 2025, homeowners are getting more creative than ever — turning custom buildings into spaces that fit their lifestyle, hobbies, and daily needs.
At Windrow Buildings, we build structures that are tough enough for farmers, functional for families, and flexible for any homeowner who wants something unique.
Here are five of the most popular — and unexpected — ways people are using custom garages and outbuildings today.
1. The Workshop You Actually Have Room To Work In
The #1 thing people say after building a workshop?
“I should’ve done this years ago.”
A dedicated workshop gives you space for:
Tools & equipment
Workbenches
Woodworking
Mechanics
Side hustles
Restoration projects
No more trying to work in a cramped corner of the garage or cleaning up your project every night so your car can fit back inside.
A custom building lets you spread out, stay organized, and work without stress.
2. Toy Storage: From ATVs to Boats
Wisconsin families have toys — LOTS of toys:
ATVs / UTVs
Dirt bikes
Boats
Snowmobiles
Campers
Trailers
Storing them outside means rust, weather damage, and constant repairs.
A custom garage gives you secure, dry, year-round protection.
Plus? You free up your attached garage so you can actually park in it again.
3. The Ultimate Hobby Space
People are turning custom buildings into spaces designed purely for FUN:
Home gyms
Craft studios
Hunting gear storage
Home breweries
Photography studios
Car detailing bays
Gardening sheds
Music rehearsal rooms
A separate building gives you quiet, privacy, and room to focus on what you love — without taking over part of your home.
4. Home-Based Business Headquarters
More people are running home businesses than ever before, and having a dedicated building is a game changer.
We’ve seen customers create:
Construction/storage shops
Small engine repair spaces
Online retail inventory rooms
Dog grooming studios
Baker’s prep space
Furniture/flipping workshops
A separate building keeps your business organized, professional, and completely separate from your living space.
5. Extra Living Space Without the Price of an Addition
Some customers design buildings with the intention of adding finishing touches later — whether it’s:
A guest suite
A hangout space
A man cave
A she-shed
A bunk room for hunting weekends
A chill space for teens
A warm place to escape Wisconsin winters
It's a smart, affordable way to add usable square footage without paying the cost of a full home addition.
Why Homeowners Choose Windrow Buildings
Whether you need a garage, hobby shop, toy shed, or business workspace, Windrow Buildings gives you:
Country-tough construction
Clean, modern designs
Honest pricing
Fast build times
Custom options that fit your lifestyle
We build spaces that are strong enough for farmers and flexible enough for families, all with the quality and durability you expect from a Wisconsin builder.