Turning a Shed into a House in Australia

Making your shed a liveable space without breaking the bank

Many homes have big backyards, but not everyone makes the most of them. If you have unutilised space in your yard, you could be bleeding potential rental income, or at the very least, not making the most of your space. Or perhaps, you have just bought a block of land and need somewhere cheap to live while you save for, or build, your dream home.

Did you know that sheds turned into homes is a very common practice, and doesn’t need to break the budget?

Granny flat. Man cave. Artist studio. Library. Teenage den. The options are endless.

First things first

Before you rush out and start doing your own shed conversion, it is important to remember that sheds in Australia are subject to legal standards and requirements. Check in with your local council before you start your project to ensure you don’t experience any headaches down the track. And make sure to speak to a shed expert who knows everything there is to know about building high-quality and compliant constructions.

Size matters

Next, you should think about what size your shed should be. If you have an existing shed, will you need to expand it? If you are erecting a new shed, what are the dimensions? All this depends on what you will be doing inside. Draft an inventory of items and furniture that will be included in the space, and draw a design.

Floor plans are really handy and will serve as your guide throughout the project (especially if you plan on dividing your shed into multiple rooms).

Space saving

Whatever kind of dwelling your shed is going to be, it is crucial to think about space saving solutions. A shed will never have the same kind of space as a home; however, tiny houses are becoming popular for a reason. Minimalism can be very visually appealing and can be a great way to declutter not only physical space, but also space in your lifestyle. Convertible furniture such as sofa beds and foldaway beds can be great, as can custom designed shelving solutions, and extendable tables. As a general rule, try and make every object have more than one use!

Materials

Sheds can be made of a variety of materials such as timber, metal or plastic. All have their pros and cons and depend on your specific usage. Of course, if you are going to be using your shed for anything in your daily life, you’ll need some utilities like electricity, wiring, and plumbing. Installing all of this can be dangerous and costly on your own, and is a job best left to the professionals. When it comes time to start your project, your shed expert can point you in the right direction.

Conclusion

When converting your shed into a living space remember to keep these things in mind:

– Legal requirements

– How big your shed will be

– What it will be made of

– What will be inside

– What kind of utilities you will need

If all this sounds tricky, don’t fear! Action Sheds have heaps of high-quality kit sheds and materials available that won’t break the bank.