I enjoy having two sheds in our garden. I have my weights out there, and my wife has her art supplies in one – and the kids play games in them when it rains. Could I live in one — especially when things get too hectic and noisy inside? I believe that going to extremes may be something to avoid.
If your city, state, and county zoning regulations and HOA rules allow it, you may be able to live in your shed. To make a shed livable so you can live in it full-time, you’ll need planning permission to convert it into a tiny home, so you won’t be technically living in a shed after all.
This is a little more complicated than it appears, so let’s go through all of the elements in depth…
Is Living in a Shed Illegal?
Sorry, but the answer is a little more complicated. Zoning regulations in cities, states, and counties come into play.
Zoning regulations vary, and zoning laws are essential. They even determine whether or not you can have a shed in the first place – just for storage. Commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural zones are all examples of zoning.
Zoning regulations will determine what kind, how many, and how big of ancillary structures you can construct.
Zoning rules will determine whether you may construct an ADU (sometimes called a detached living unit) on your property, according to the ordinance.
Despite the fact that “dwelling” is a major word, in many cases the formal distinction between a home office shed and an ADU shed is – either an oven or a toilet.
Prefab sheds are experiencing a surge in popularity, and municipalities and counties are still formulating rules.
When most zoning rules were written, the tiny house movement wasn’t even a gleam in anybody’s eye, so there are some gaps and grey areas. Here is a link to more information.
Can You Live in a Shed Without Planning Permission?
The answer is no. Not on a regular basis. Of course, have a sleepover with the children from time to time. However, you can’t live there on a daily basis. When someone lives in an area on a daily basis, it becomes home and the rules change.
The plain truth is that garden sheds from a big box store, Costco, or shed maker aren’t built for permanent living in. But – they can be.
If you don’t plan on living in your shed, you can purchase permitted development rights (check with your HOA or Historic Preservation District first). That implies no one will be there.
If you need to move, it’s a good idea to get permission before doing so, and your shed will have to follow your city or county’s building rules.
The regulations in most cities and towns will be more stringent than those in rural areas.
The first consideration when issuing a local construction permit is the need to satisfy health, safety, and wellbeing codes. They are determined by everyone, including you and your neighbors.
Building regulations are not intended to cause difficulties for everyone, but rather to keep people safe. The electrical and structural safety of the structure are maintained. In some regions, hurricane wind loads (for example) must be considered during construction. In a flood zone, building a storage shed is not prohibited; however, constructing a house is highly discouraged.
They’ll want to know how energy-efficient the shed will be. They’ll want to know about your foundation, insulation, windows (for fire escape), electrical system, and drainage.
Inspectors will want to know what you intend to do, and then they’ll personally check it after it’s completed. They won’t need a warrant, FYI.
Check your city or county’s building regulations to learn what you can and cannot do. Is there a planning officer who can assist you with your questions? Also, investigate tax laws. You could be charged for the additional living square footage if this is so.
How Can You Make a Shed Livable?
If you start with a prefabricated shed and hire professional tradespeople to install the utilities, the interior is entirely doable for a DIYer. The concept of DIYing a shed or tiny home is growing in popularity.
Manufacturers of sheds have reached a high degree of expertise. If you’re not a professional builder, building your own shed from the ground up can be a smart idea. Starting with a prefabricated shed might save time and money.
Sewage, water, and electricity are the three most essential services that guarantee a decent quality of life. Hire an expert to assist you. We at Take A Yard are mad DIYers when it comes to utilities, but not with this task. A professional who is skilled, licensed, and insured will keep you and your family safe.
Professionals might also assist you with obtaining and inspecting permits.
A prefabricated shed is a fantastic place to start. You’ll get the benefits of all of the shed line’s learning from the manufacturer. Then, work with an expert to create, allow, and install utilities.
The inside is entirely yours to design, and it’s a scale that most do-it-yourselfers can work with. Request your shed manufacturer use standard 2 inch x 4 inch framing boards rather than smaller ones, according to one professional recommendation. This will come in handy when you want to install normal size wall boxes or lighting fixtures.
The first step is to lay a solid foundation. For the most part, at least scrape, level, and put down 4 to 6 inches of gravel for the foundation. At the absolute maximum, pour a slab. This is also when you should install an effective drainage system to keep water away from the bottom of the shed.
Another idea is to dig a crawl space beneath the shed to give you better access. They also recommend using a heavy-duty sealant to seal the underside of the shed.
Consider how a French drain system might connect to your shed gutters.
Once the shed is erected, hire a professional. Hire an electrician and a plumber to assist you with rough-in work for electrical wiring, water lines, internet, HVAC systems, etc. Make sure there are adequate outlets available for your computer, mini-fridge, power tools, and other necessities.
It’s very easy to add outlets at this stage. Adding outlets later is considered almost impossible. It’s suggested that you record the insides of your walls for future reference.
Before you continue, get some heavy-duty exterior silicone caulk and apply it to every one of the prefabricated sheds seams. It’s remarkable how quickly a little space can become either too hot or too cold. Take the time now to insulate and seal as much as possible. Both heat and cold can be prevented with insulation.
A sealer and insulator, the spray can foam is versatile. Then, finish your walls and ceiling with bat or spray foam insulation. Determine the R value required for your region based on other people’s knowledge.
When the ground temperature gets below freezing, you may have to insulate the floor (or investigate radiant heat if you live in a cold environment). Foam board can be laid down and then covered with another layer of subfloor plywood.
Allow us to complete the job of transforming your basement into a mud room (or whatever you want to call it) by describing the joyful, creative aspect. Drywall your walls and then install baseboards. Paint it. Then – cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and lights all around!
How Much Does it Cost To Build a Livable Shed?
A budget for a shed conversion might range from $1,500 to $30,000. Another expert claims it will cost around $75 per square foot, including the shed.
Can I Convert My Shed into a Granny Flat?
Yes, a shed may be used as a granny flat. A granny flat is a self-contained living space.
If you want to rent out your granny flat, be sure to check with your local authorities. Small rentals have recently become a popular location, in part due to Airbnb, Vrbo, and others.
Because it is a distinct place (as opposed to a garage-turned-granny-flat), you may not be permitted.
Can I Put a Bathroom in My Shed?
Of course! Plumbing in a bathroom shouldn’t be an issue if you hire a plumber to assist you. Remember that a bathroom takes up space.
When it comes to the stench of a toilet in a confined area, be realistic. Install ventilation and make sure you have enough room. Consider looking at RV restrooms for space-saving ideas.
There are also a variety of alternatives accessible to you if you’d like to set up an outdoor camping area. Perhaps you don’t have enough room or the necessary plumbing. Consider renting a composting toilet instead.
Conclusion Shed
While I’m not planning on living in one of our sheds anytime soon – it’s good to know that if I followed all necessary city and state building codes, I *could* do it without breaking the law.
But at $75 per square foot to convert a shed into something worth living in – it just wouldn’t be worthwhile, in my opinion.