3. Canva - She Shed 2

Have a shed that’s currently housing old junk or sitting empty in your backyard? Converting the shed into a room could be a great way to add more living space to your property. Depending on your needs, it can serve many different uses, from a work-from-home space to a “she shed” that rivals your husband’s basement “man cave.”

What Goes Into a Shed Conversion Project?

Depending on what transformation you want your shed to undergo, there are a few major components that will need to be tackled, such as plumbing, insulation, windows and electricity.

Plumbing and Insulation

Insulation is a given for converting your shed into a livable space, but before you tackle that, you’ll need to decide if you want plumbing. If you plan to spend a lot of time out there, you may want to have access to running water or even a working toilet. If this is the case, you need to create a blueprint of your ideal layout and have the plumbing installed before starting on any insulation.

Since most sheds have open framing, blown-in insulation is the simplest way to go. Blown-in insulation will run you about $1 to $1.50 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor, and if done by a professional, only takes about 4-5 hours to complete. Once that is installed and dry, you can put up drywall or reclaimed wood siding to finish.

Windows

For any space to be comfortable, having a window that lets natural light and fresh air into the room is a must. A window or two will also allow for a window air conditioning unit in the hotter months. The most energy-efficient option for installation is double-paned windows, which will help you save on future electricity bills when you are heating or cooling your shed.

Electricity

In order to use your air conditioner, space heater, lamps or a computer, you will need to set up electricity. When creating the blueprint for your shed conversion and mapping out the plumbing, make sure to include how many outlets you’ll need to install to accommodate the space. Hiring an electrician is recommend to make sure your shed is up to code and all of your needs are met.