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Livable Sheds: Notes, Info, Guides and Tips

Can you live in a shed? (info and guides and tips)

Table of contents

  1. ARTICLE: Can You Live in a Shed on Your Property
  2. ARTICLE: Guide To Turning A Shed Into A Tiny Home
  3. ARTICLE: Everything You Need To Know About Liveable Sheds
  4. ARTICLE: Turning Your Shed Into a Tiny House
  5. ARTICLE: How to Turn a Shed into Tiny House
  6. ARTICLE: Shed Homes: The Complete Guide
  7. ARTICLE: Tips & Notes
  8. ARTICLE: FAQs
  9. ARTICLE: Checklist
  10. ARTICLE: Shed conversions
  11. ARTICLE: Air Barriers—Airtight Drywall Approach
  12. ARTICLE: Solar Panels For Tiny Houses

1. Can You Live in a Shed on Your Property

  • PREFAB SHED: If you're wondering what structure to go for, consider a prefab shed, as it's perfect for folks working on a budget – you can add windows and porches
  • Another great benefit of a prefab shed is you'll get help from the manufacturers with designing, permitting, and installing it.
  • But if you want a quick and easy installation that will comply with almost any building permit, it's best to try a prefab shed. Prefab shed kits cost around $2000 to $5000
  • The most serious problem you will probably face isn't the heating or cooling but compost from urine and feces. Although most owners usually hook their toilet up to a septic tank.

Class 1a Livable Shed

The general codes that apply to a Class 1a livable shed include:

  • Connection to city water is a must
  • Standard bathroom for a quick shower
  • A kitchen
  • Installation of a window for even ventilation and fresh air in your shed (wall vents, ridge vents)
  • Smoke and alarms for extra security
  • Foundation design as stipulated by your city

Your shed must pass all of these requirements or you can't make it an accessory dwelling unit.

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2. An In Depth Guide To Turning A Shed Into A Tiny Home

  • Of the three main utilities, water is the simplest because it's not terribly complicated or pose much risks - cash for the permits and the install, run it to a frost proof hydrant and get your inspections if needed
  • Because water is so easy to get, you can get it and the bill will provide "proof of residence" for things like the DMV, post office box, etc
  • Get your shed pad graded???
  • Connecting Sewer To Your Shed: the biggest hurtle - you could use a composting toilet, you could use a porta potty service, or you could consider getting a septic system installed
  • Once you buy a shed, you're first going to want to get all your utilities to the site and setup before you do anything. Get your water, power and sewer squared away, get your copies of all the approvals
  • Converting a shed will cost around $75 per square foot including the cost of the shed.
  • It could be done more cheaply if you build the shed yourself (shed companies typically mark up 60% above material cost).
  • Solar is a great option if you can't get power run to your shed: Solar Panels For Tiny Houses

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3. Everything You Need To Know About Liveable Sheds

My shed: 12x20 = 240 sqft or 12x24 = 288 sqft

  • A liveable shed can cost between $60 and $100 per square foot. A finished, insulated, and completed liveable shed can cost $150 and $200 per square foot.
  • This means that a 12' x 16' liveable shed should cost anywhere from $11,520 to $19,200. A liveable finished 12' x 16' shed would cost from $28,800 to $38,400
  • Things that will increase the cost of your shed include electricity, plumbing, extra windows, extra levels, type of flooring & siding...
  • You can purchase specific doors that are more weather resistant. Besides the windows, the door is the most likely culprit of escaping heat or air conditioning.

Add-Ons & Extras

  • Siding: options to choose from. Vinyl, Wood, T1-11, Metal, & LP Smart side
  • Venting: The two main venting options - soffit vents and gable vents - Soffit vents are found at the bottom of the roof and are a type of intake vent. A gable vent is located on the upper side of the shed below the two sides of the roof. This vent allows more for wind work than anything else
  • Windows: If you are going to be spending a considerable amount of time in your insulated shed, extra windows are a must.

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4. Turning Your Shed Into a Tiny House

EXCELLENT PINTS IN THIS ARTICLE

  • What is DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) permissibility?
  • North Carolina on the east coast is especially welcoming to ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) development
  • Water and Sewer: Installing a composting toilet eliminates the steep cost of water and sewer installations. But not all areas permit the use of composting toilets,
  • Heating and Cooling: Heat and cool your converted tiny home with passive methods: solar gain through windows for heating and airflow, open gables, and reflective paint for cooling - For active heating and cooling, install a ductless mini-split system. Mini splits provide both heating and cooling. Pellet stoves, baseboard heaters, and radiant floor heating are other tiny home heating options - Solar power has more uses than ever—heating water, powering fans, or heating the tiny home
  • Using a composting toilet allows your off-grid tiny house to handle waste without water and sewer installations. Composting toilets turn human waste into a compost-like material, without the need for a water supply
  • You can put a bathroom in a shed by adding a partition wall or creating a separate walled space for the toilet - The shed will need a fresh water supply and it should be connected to the property's sewer or septic system. An alternative to these costly hookups is to install a waterless composting toilet

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5. How to Turn a Shed into Tiny House

  • Take stock of your financial resources and set a realistic budget for the project. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses may arise, so it's wise to have a contingency fund
  • With limited space, every inch counts. Plan the layout thoughtfully, prioritizing functionality. Consider multifunctional furniture and creative storage solutions to maximize the use of your compact space
  • Ensure your tiny house is comfortable year-round by investing in proper insulation
  • If you plan to have plumbing and electrical amenities, consult with professionals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This may involve connecting to existing utilities or installing independent systems
  • Prefab or Kit Sheds: designed for easy assembly, making them a popular choice for DIYers. They often come with pre-cut materials and instructions, saving time and effort - Limited customization options compared to building from scratch

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6. Shed Homes: The Complete Guide

  • To have a legal shed home, the shed base must be built to the IRC (2018)
  • It is legal to convert a shed built to IRC (2018) into a home in Kentucky
  • In order to be in compliance with building codes, ensure you receive a residential building permit prior to constructing your shed and converting it into a home.
  • Assuming you want to add gas, electric, and/or water hook-ups, further permits will be required. Permit applications can be found on your local governments website
  • Ensure the shed you buy is up to building code.
  • Have a good foundation for your shed.
  • Electrical and Plumbing inspection before interior work.

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7. Tips & Notes

You need to carefully plan the space before you even order your shed. Window placement, door placement, and internal wall placement is critical to get right.

Below are some general items to consider when planning your shed conversion

  1. Plan the layout: Determine the layout and design of your tiny home. Consider the placement of walls, windows, doors, and any necessary utilities such as plumbing and electrical connections. Also consider utilizing a loft as either an extra sleeping area or for storage
  2. Set the foundation: Once you know the size and placement of the shed, the foundation will need to be set properly: poured concrete footings, poured piers, etc. You may even be required to hire a crane to place the building in place. Be sure to include this in your budgeting
  3. Install utilities: Determine your requirements for electricity, plumbing, and heating/cooling. Hire professionals to handle electrical and plumbing work. Ensure that your electrical setup complies with local codes and that you get those items inspected and approved before adding items like insulation as inspectors will need access to see the connections
  4. Insulate and weatherproof: Since sheds are typically not insulated for living purposes, you'll need to insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor to make the space comfortable and energy-efficient. Install weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
  5. Flooring and interior finishes: Choose suitable flooring materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Install walls, if necessary, using drywall or other appropriate materials...consider materials like shiplap or even galvanized metal panels on the ceiling or as a wainscoting feature. Finish the interior with paint or other desired finishes
  6. Kitchen and bathroom setup: By code, you are required to have a kitchen with a sink and a bathroom that has a shower or tub and a toilet. You'll need to determine the layout and install necessary fixtures such as sinks, cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Plumbing work for water supply and drainage will be required, which may involve professional assistance
  7. Lighting and ventilation: Install appropriate lighting fixtures and ensure proper ventilation to maintain air quality: windows, fans for airflow, lights on the outside by the front door
  8. Gutters and awnings: water is the enemy to any home foundation, especially for tiny homes. In addition to adding gutters, adding awnings over doors will help keep water away.
  9. Skirting: You will definitely want to install skirting around the unit. There are a variety of options to choose from, including, vinyl skirting, concrete or stucco skirting, brick and cinder block skirting, fiber cement skirting and lattice skirting. Be sure to leave room for access points.
  10. Porches and steps/ramps: With some shed companies, you can order a porch that is built into the shed. That is a nice economic option, but the porches can be on the small side. If you want something larger, make plans early so that can be included in your budget and planning. Almost all sheds will need to be raised to allow for crawl space. That means you will need steps or a ramp for proper access.
  11. Furnishings and storage: Choose multi-functional furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes and make the most of the available space – futon (couch/bed), folding table tops, …
  12. Landscaping: plan and budget for this part as well

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8. FAQs

9 Q's – important one:

  1. How to determine total interior square footage?
  • The width of the wall studs should be deducted from all sides of the building
  • Add your interior wall finish thickness, i.e., 1/2 or 3/4" drywall, to determine your exact interior square footage of the building
  • You have to subtract spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens

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9. Checklist

  1. Determine a Budget,
  2. Find a property,
  3. Contact the local Planning and/or Zoning department,
  4. Learn about specific building codes & department timelines and processes for various inspections,
  5. Find a top-notch shed company. Work with them on design and building upgrades and nail down the pricing. Hold off on the purchase until you have an interior design plan
  6. Design the interior & be super specific (windows, doors, interior walls),
  7. Then order your shed (get in the production queue),
  8. Prepare your foundation ensuring proper room for the shed to be maneuvered into place
  9. Scheduled inspections start at this point
  10. Hook up utilities & plumbing
  11. Once you get a pass for the inspections, start to add the paneling, flooring, kitchen, etc
  12. Landscaping

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10. Shed conversions

  • Sheds are sold finished on the outside but unfinished on the interior where you can see the interior studs
  • What to look for:
    • 2×4 construction,
    • a strong floor, good venting,
    • and quality, insulated doors and windows
  • The 2×4 construction is critical because it provides excellent strength, but it also allows you to use standard insulation.
  • Unfortunately, so many sheds on the market are created with 1×2's or 1×3's. They also use weaker materials such as pressboard. These cheaper sheds simply won't hold up over time

VERIFY THAT THE CONSTRUCTION USES 2x4's

  • Check out the big items like flooring, walls, roof, siding, and spacing and size of floor joists and wall studs. And make sure the shed company has been in business for at least a decade
  • you will want to work with a shed company that offers upgrades to your shed such as insulated egress windows and drywall corners to help you meet home requirements.
  • Also make sure your shed company offers certified, engineered drawings for their sheds
  • Shed delivery is also an important part of the overall shed experience
  • Consider the following upgrades: Insulated Egress Windows, Pre-Hung Insulated Doors, Transom Dormers, Hurricane Ties on Rafters, Collar Ties in Rafters, Drywall 3-Member Corners, 12" OC Floor Joists, House wrap under Siding, Interior Wall Height Studs, Tar Paper under Shingles, Ridge Vent

Delivery

  • The foundation is literally, the foundation of the project so it's vital to plan this part properly
  • Most shed companies will deliver a pre-built shed, up to 14' wide, to your location for free (based on mileage). A few shed companies will even build the shed on-site, typically with surcharges for that option
  • Your local municipality may require poured concrete footings, poured piers, and/or a foundation wall to create a crawl space, seal plates, a center beam, tie downs, underpinning, etc. None of these are included as a part of the shed company's delivery service
  • When you get the foundation requirements, it is good to work with the shed company to ensure they are aware of that plan. You can expect the shed company to block the building and raise it 2ft - 3 ft off the ground. They may have a slight charge for blocks if you don't have them on hand.
  • Depending on the size of the building and the foundation, you may be required to hire a crane to put the building in place. While this is an additional cost to consider, this process is quite normal and to be expected for larger units

................ SPECIFIC INFORMATION BELOW HERE .......................

1. Air Barriers—Airtight Drywall Approach

  • Shows images of where you want/need to seal - check this article out!
  • I will do this myself

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2. Solar Panels For Tiny Houses

  • Long article!
  • Sections:
    • Solar Panels For A Tiny House
    • Tiny House Power Usage
    • How Many Panels Do You Need
    • Fitting Solar Panels On A Tiny House
    • Mounting Solar Panels
    • My Tiny House Solar Setup
    • Building A Tiny House Solar Setup
    • Calculating Power Production
    • Installing Solar On A Tiny House
    • Choosing Batteries For Solar
    • Wiring A Tiny House For Solar
    • Connection A Tiny House To Solar