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Living in a shed may not be everyone’s idea of a dream home, but for some, it’s the perfect way to embrace a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle. With rising housing costs and a growing interest in alternative living arrangements, more and more people are exploring the possibilities of living in a small space. Here’s a guide to what you need to know about living in a shed.
Here are the key takeaways when it comes to living in a shed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability: Sheds are generally less expensive than traditional homes, and they offer a more affordable housing option for people who want to downsize or live on a limited budget. | Limited space: Sheds are small and limited in space, which can be a challenge for people who need more room for activities, storage, or guests. |
| Sustainability: Living in a shed can be more sustainable than living in a traditional home, as sheds require less energy to heat and cool and generally have a smaller environmental footprint. | Building codes: Sheds may not meet the building codes required for a permanent residence in some areas, which can make them difficult or impossible to live in legally. |
| Minimalism: Sheds are typically small and simple, which can be an advantage for people who want to live a minimalist lifestyle and reduce clutter. | Zoning laws: Some areas may have zoning laws that prohibit or limit the use of sheds as primary residences, which can limit where you can live. |
| Creative expression: Sheds offer an opportunity for creative expression in designing and building a unique living space that reflects one’s personal taste and lifestyle. | Lack of amenities: Sheds may lack amenities such as running water, electricity, and sewage systems, which can make daily life more challenging. |
Shed Conversion as a Unique Alternative
Shed conversion is a unique alternative to the traditional tiny homes that have become popular in recent years. While tiny homes are often built from scratch, converting an existing shed can be a more budget-friendly option. By repurposing an existing structure, you can save money on building costs and use the money you save to invest in sustainable features such as solar panels or a rainwater harvesting system.
Initial Cost of Living in a Shed
The initial cost of building a shed to live in can vary depending on several factors such as size, location, materials, and labor costs. However, on average, a basic 10×12-foot shed that is converted into a livable space can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
It’s essential to research and plans your shed build to ensure that you stay within your budget and that you comply with all relevant building codes and zoning laws in your area.
DIY: Building and Customizing Your Shed
If you’re considering living in a shed, you’ll need to think about how to customize it to suit your needs. Whether you’re building a shed from scratch or converting an existing structure, there are plenty of DIY options to consider.
For example, you could build a loft bed to save space, install a skylight for natural light, or use sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood or recycled metal.
Small Living Spaces: Downsizing to a More Sustainable Lifestyle
Living in a shed requires downsizing, which can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. By reducing the amount of stuff you own, you’ll have less of an impact on the environment and save money on energy bills.
When downsizing, it’s important to think creatively about storage solutions, such as using multi-functional furniture or building in custom storage solutions.
Sustainability: Embracing an Off-Grid Lifestyle
Living in a shed can be an opportunity to embrace an off-grid lifestyle, where you generate your own power, harvest rainwater, and compost your waste. Off-grid living can be a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money on bills.
By investing in sustainable features such as solar panels, a composting toilet, and a rainwater harvesting system, you can create a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Creative Storage Solutions: Making the Most of Your Space
When you’re living in a shed, storage space can be at a premium, so it’s important to get creative with your storage solutions. One option is to build in custom storage solutions such as shelving, drawers, or cabinets.
Another option is to use multi-functional furniture such as a bed with built-in storage drawers or a coffee table with hidden storage compartments. Additionally, you can use wall space for storage by installing hooks, shelves, or a pegboard.
Energy Efficiency: Saving Money and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Living in a shed can be energy-efficient, which means you can save money on bills and reduce your carbon footprint. One way to make your shed more energy-efficient is to insulate it properly.
Insulation helps to regulate the temperature inside the shed, making it more comfortable to live in year-round. Another way to save energy is to install LED light bulbs, which use less energy than traditional bulbs. You can also install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature inside your shed automatically.
Getting Electricity
Firstly, it is important to check with the local building department to see if any permits or inspections are required. This ensures that the work is done legally up to code and safely to get ongrid electricity.
Next, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to run wiring from the main electrical panel to the shed. This ensures that the wiring is installed safely and meets local building codes. A subpanel may also need to be installed to distribute power to different parts of the shed.
In terms of powering the shed, there are different options available, including grid-tied electricity, off-grid solar power, portable generators, and battery systems. The choice will depend on personal needs and budget.
It is important to calculate the electrical load of the shed before installing electrical components. This ensures that the wiring and panel can handle the electricity needs of appliances and devices which includes heating, HVAC and any other appliances you plan to use.
Off Grid Power
One option is solar power, which uses photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity. These panels can be mounted on the roof of the shed or on the ground nearby.
Another option is wind power, which uses a wind turbine to generate electricity. This option is best suited for areas with consistent winds.
For both solar and wind power, battery systems are used to store the electricity generated for use during times when the sun or wind are not available. These batteries can be either lead-acid or lithium-ion, depending on personal needs and budget.
Heating and Cooling Options For A Shed
One common option is electric heating and cooling units with automatic thermostat controls, such as air conditioners and electrical heaters. These are often easy to install and use, but they can be expensive to operate and require a significant amount of electricity which is optimum for on-grid power however is must less efficient with solar.
Another option is a wood-burning stove, which can provide heat and even cooking capabilities. These stoves require a supply of firewood, and the installation must be done carefully to ensure proper ventilation and safety.
For those who want to live off the grid, options such as propane heaters and coolers can be a good choice. These systems run on propane gas, which can be stored in tanks and refilled as needed. However, they do require careful ventilation and monitoring to ensure safety.
Note: its paramount to design and plan for optimal insulation for where you are going to live so that your heating and cooling are effective and energy-efficient.
Is it Legal to live in a shed?
The laws related to living in a shed vary by country, state/province, and even local jurisdictions, so it’s important to do thorough research before considering living in a shed in any of the following countries: America, New Zealand, UK, and Canada.
United States of America: In the USA, there are no federal laws that specifically prohibit living in a shed. However, local zoning laws and building codes may restrict the use of sheds as a primary residences. It’s important to check with your local jurisdiction to determine whether it’s legal to live in a shed, and if so, what requirements must be met.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, sheds are considered non-residential buildings, and the Building Act 2004 requires that all habitable buildings meet certain building and health standards. If a shed is converted to a dwelling, it must meet these standards and obtain the necessary consents from the local council. It’s important to check with your local council before living in a shed in New Zealand.
United Kingdom: In the UK, living in a shed is generally not allowed, as most sheds do not meet the minimum building and health standards required for a dwelling. However, there are some exceptions, such as if the shed is part of an existing dwelling or if it meets certain criteria for a temporary dwelling. It’s important to check with your local planning authority to determine whether living in a shed is allowed in your area.
Canada: In Canada, the laws related to living in a shed vary by province and local jurisdiction. In some cases, living in a shed may be allowed if it meets certain building and health standards, while in other cases, it may be prohibited. It’s important to check with your local building department and zoning office to determine whether living in a shed is allowed in your area.
Final Thoughts
Living in a shed may not be for everyone, but it can be a great way to embrace a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you can customize your shed to suit your needs and create a comfortable and eco-friendly home. Whether you’re looking to downsize, reduce your environmental impact, or save money on bills, living in a shed can be a unique and fulfilling way of life. So, if you’re considering shedding the excess and embracing a simpler way of living, a shed conversion may be the perfect solution for you.
