When a Shed is Not Just a Shed: Upgrading to a Shed House and What You Need to Know
Traditionally, a shed has been viewed as a simple, single-story structure in a back garden or on an allotment that is used for storage, hobbies, or as a workshop. But what if we told you that a shed could be so much more than that? What if a shed could actually serve as a fully functional living space, complete with all the amenities you would expect in a traditional home? In fact, transforming sheds into livable spaces, commonly known as “shed houses,” is becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners and property developers.
Shed vs Shed House: What’s the Difference?
Structural Integrity
The first difference lies in the structural integrity of the building. While a traditional shed may have been constructed for minimal usage, shed houses need to meet building codes and standards that residential buildings are held to. This typically involves having a strong foundation, high-quality insulation, and sturdy roofing among other considerations.
Amenities
Your traditional shed likely doesn’t have plumbing, electricity, or a HVAC system. However, these are essential for any liveable space. A shed house will need to have a fully operational kitchen, a bathroom, and possibly even multiple rooms partitioned for different functions.
Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetic considerations for a shed house are entirely different from those of a simple shed. From window placements to internal fixtures and finishes, everything needs to be thought through with the same consideration as a traditional home design.
Essential Upgrades for a Shed House
Engineering the Structure
It’s crucial to consult with a structural engineer to ensure that your shed can withstand the load of additional walls, plumbing, electrical systems, wall linings, solar panels and more.
Foundation and Slab
A robust foundation is critical for the longevity of your shed house; traditional sheds often come with elementary foundations that are unsuitable for residential living. Unlike standard sheds, shed houses also need to account for factors like moisture control and plumbing infrastructure in their foundation design.
Architectural Design
Shed houses require well-thought-out design to maximize space and energy efficiency. An architectural firm can help provide conceptual designs that balance aesthetic and functional aspects, that can save you money in the long run.
Energy Efficiency: A Council Requirement
Unlike traditional sheds, energy efficiency in shed houses isn’t just an optional upgrade—it’s a mandatory requirement by local councils, and these requirements can vary significantly from state to state. The drive towards sustainable living has led to stringent energy codes that greatly influence the design of shed houses. These codes may dictate the thickness of walls for better insulation, as well as the necessity for energy-efficient, double-glazed windows and doors. In many jurisdictions, you’ll also need to provide detailed lighting and ventilation calculations to ensure the space complies with liveable space standards. Failing to meet these energy efficiency guidelines could result in your building plans being rejected, making this a critical element to consider in the early stages of your shed house project.
Permits and Council Submission
You’ll also need to obtain permits and submit drawings and plans to your local council for approval. The complexity and detail needed in these documents are far beyond what’s typically required for a garden shed.
The One-Stop-Shop Solution: Our Shed Engineering and building plans offer.
Upgrading a shed into a shed house can be a complex process, but we’re here to simplify it for you. Our service offers:
– Structural Engineering: We’ll ensure your shed house will be as durable and safe as a traditional home.
– Foundation and Slab Engineering: Our team will create a solid base for your new living space.
– Concept Design with Architectural Firm: We partner with top architectural firms to provide the best design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.
– Full Drawings for Council Submission: Skip the hassle of dealing with multiple parties for different needs; we’ve got it all covered for you.
All of these services are available as a package deal for **$9,917.60, including GST**.
Conclusion
Transforming a shed into a shed house is not a simple project, but with the right team and services, it is entirely possible. Contact us today to take the first step in turning your humble shed into a dreamy, functional living space.