I am retired and am looking to build a metal building for both a home and shop(old car nut). Watched Offbeat America (Episode HOBA-212 on March 26 and there was a family in Washington State who had done this. Where do I find plans for these type of home/shop combos?

ecosteel/northernsteel is doing just that. homes w/ metal beams.

I've came across a post asking when one could get more information on Metal building homes but the post was old. I've also been in search for the same information but I have found out that there are different definations as to what one considers a Metal building home. I've decovered that many consider it as the metal framing of the home. I'm actually looking for information on a COMPLETE Metal building all the way through from top to bottom. The actual commercial grade metal buildings. And then turning it into a home with a garage. I've seen it done on certain programs and they are the most beautiful homes. And once you get done with it nobody even knows its a metal building. I just can't find out where to get the blue prints ect. So if anybody could help me I'd appriciate it. Thankx.

Metal buildings are the best way to keep 95% of the rain off any given amount of floor area. I have extensive experience with metal buildings, and I can't imagine ever making a comfortable home out of them.

Then you need to expand your imagination!

I am one of several architects working with Northern Steel to build steel homes, mentioned in a post above. Here are some links:
http://www.ecosteel.com/
http://www.ecocontempo.com/

same company - different sites

The first project I did with them is shown under construction here:
http://www.lamidesign.com/plans/planscat/0514/0514pg_1.html

and subsequent projects are being covered in my blog here:
http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/EcoSteel%20PreFab

I guess everyone has their own taste.

Everybody does have their own taste. I think that's a good thing.

peace

New steel house project based on metal building system now under way. Covering it on my blog:

http://blog.lamidesign.com/2008/09/3030-house-waiting-for-steel-erector.html

and all our metal building houses on this category search here:
http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/EcoSteel%20PreFab

This steel house has come a long way since my last post in September. I made a site visit in December and took more photos, so its likely even further along right now.

Current photos on my blog, this link will filter all the posts about this project:

http://blog.lamidesign.com/search/label/3030%20House