Designing your own home may come with challenges but will ultimately prove rewarding. You can incorporate your unique flair and preferences by designing your own home.
The result is a piece of art that will complement your unique lifestyle. Even if you already have a home and don’t want to spend a lot of money changing it, a storage shed can be retrofitted and turned into a mini dream home in your backyard.
Your mini dream home may serve as the ideal getaway when the hustle and bustle of your daily grind become too much. It will be your own private place to relax and get away from life’s stresses. Here, our focus will be on turning your backyard shed into a home away from home.
Why Should You Turn Your Backyard Shed into a Small Home?
Backyard sheds have traditionally been used to house garden tools, home tools, lawnmowers, etc. However, transforming backyard sheds into tiny homes has become all the rage in recent years.
If you require additional living space, upgrading your shed may fit the bill nicely. Adding a large suite to your existing home is another option but will likely cost far more and take longer to complete.
If you are on a tight budget and time is of the essence, then upgrading your current shed into a hospitable dwelling may be the wiser option.
How to Turn a Shed Into a Small Home
A shed can be converted into a home via several different methods. For instance, you can use a do-it-yourself approach to renovate your shed. You can also contact a professional builder to obtain a prefabricated shed shell.
Another option is to buy a ready-to-assemble kit. All options are viable, so you must determine your budget, expertise level, and the amount of time you have to work with before selecting.
A new coat of paint is usually a good place to start. Both interior and exterior paint will be needed to get started. It should take no longer than the weekend to complete the paint job.
Cracks will need to be sealed. You must caulk and seal every nook and cranny to ensure the shed is airtight. Check if the walls of the shed are rickety. If they are, you should consider replacing them.
Proper insulation is needed to prevent many problems, including extreme temperature fluctuations, drafts, stopping insects and pests from moving in, and dust from accumulating. Insulation must be a top priority if you want to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment, such as a nice guest bedroom or game room.
Remember to dry the entire shed area after it has been properly insulated. Heating and air conditioning should be the next area of interest. A portable air conditioner or heater may suffice, depending on the area and climate you have to work with.
You can also save some money by making use of existing appendages. Existing shelves, hooks, and bins should be used instead of discarded. They can store your book collection, display artwork, TV, or organize your bric-a-brac.
Next, focus on plantation and decoration. The porch or wall can plant a vine to add a touch of nature to your shed. Moreover, greenery can be added to the interior of your shed by adding a few house plants.
Not only will house plants help imbue your shed’s interior with an organic chic, but they will also greatly augment the air quality of your shed as well. You may also want to add some steps to the entrance to help provide a more welcoming feel.
Windows will also need to be installed. Optimal sunlight will be facilitated when you install windows at strategic vantage points. The lack of windows may create a claustrophobic atmosphere that should be avoided.
You can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save money by installing a few solar panels. In mere minutes, a solar panel kit may help power your stereo system, lamps, electric saws, and other devices or appliances.
A good lighting system is a must if you spend several hours working, studying, or resting in your shed. Outdoor lights should also be affixed if you intend to spend time in the shed during the evening.
Furthermore, the floor surface will also need to be converted. The flooring will not only need to be durable but comfortable as well. Cork, tile, and carpeting are just some of the flooring options.
Focus on problem areas, such as moisture and mould, to prevent issues down the road. If the existing wooden floor is in decent condition, you may restore it with some hard work.
How to Start Designing Your Mini Dream Home
The style of your mini dream home will largely be determined by how decorative you want it to be and how you intend to use the shed. Several additions and amenities can create the ideal working or living space.
Materials, decorating, layouts, design, and paint are key areas. While working on the interior design, you will also need to look into window and floor installations, bathrooms, kitchens, electronics, lighting, fans, and appliances.
Landscaping should also be prioritized while working on the exterior shed space. Given the amount of work involved, working with a proven track record of success is highly recommended.
Taking the First Step
Converting a rudimentary shed into a viable living space will take grit and dedication.
However, if you are willing to put in the effort, you can turn your shed into a mini dream home that can increase the curb appeal of your property. Just remember to work within your budget.
Source:
How To Turn A Shed Into A Tiny House - Follow these 11 Steps (materialsix.com)
