How to Use a Storage Shed for Living

A storage shed can be converted into comfortable living space.

When converting a storage shed into living space, there are a few things you should consider. Fitting a house into 120 square feet or less isn’t as hard as you may initially think, as long as you pay attention to detail. You can easily fit a bathroom and kitchen into your living space if you plan accordingly. The main goal when planning to live in small spaces is comfort. You will want to maximize your comfort and eliminate as many big house problems as you can. Installing quality flooring, premium insulation, and capitalizing on space that is overlooked in big home construction will have you well on your way to a comfortable living space.

Things You'll Need

• R-15 or higher insulation
• Moisture-resistant cement board
• Apartment-sized appliances
• Waterproof flooring
• Premium high gloss paint

Instructions

1. Install R-15 or higher insulation in your storage shed. A small space can seem even smaller if it is uncomfortable. Installing premium insulation will help to control the atmosphere inside the shed and ultimately make you more comfortable.

2. Install wiring for the appliances you will use inside the shed. Remember, the living space, while small, will house many appliances that any normal home would have. These appliances need to be placed on a few separate breakers to prevent electric problems.

3. Cover the walls in waterproof cement board such as PermaBase instead of the less expensive plasterboard. Condensation can build up in a small space and cause a huge problem down the road. PermaBase is a type of sheeting that is moisture resistant and will eliminate the dangers of condensation.

4. Paint the interior with a light-colored high gloss paint. Light colors make a room feel larger, and high gloss paints reflect light to eliminate a dark and dreary interior. Operable skylights will help with lighting and ventilation issues.

5. Install a quality waterproof floor, and use area rugs where you have a need for carpet. A leak is a disaster in any home, and in a storage shed conversion, a leak can ruin the flooring in a short amount of time. Its easier to use a wet/dry vacuum and launder a few area rugs than to move everything out and replace the flooring.

6. Plan for small space living. A small space won’t seem as small if every detail is planned. Consider building bathroom and kitchen walls that have shelving built in that faces the outside living space. A wall built on the back of the shed for the kitchen and bathroom space can easily double as shelving for other items.

7. Build a sleeping loft above lower walls when possible. Sleeping lofts are ideal in small spaces because they free up the walking space below. A sleeping loft can free as much as 56 square feet. While this may not seem like a lot of space, in an area that is 120 square feet, a sleeping loft can be the difference between comfortable and cramped.

Tips & Warnings

• Use apartment- or RV-sized appliances instead of larger appliances.

• Buy a Japanese corner tub or a spa-inspired shower stall to maximize space in the bathroom.

• Buy a toilet that has a sink in the top to eliminate the need for a vanity.

• Create outdoor living spaces that make you feel comfortable.

References

• Backwoods Home Magazine: The Art of Living in Small Spaces
• Dornob: Green Prefab Shed Homes: Small Space Living by Design