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jayson44
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2014 04:53pm
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hi, new here. we're looking at purchasing a house soon that only has 2 bedrooms. while that's plenty for us, we'd love to have a small guest house behind the cabin for when relatives or friends come to visit. it literally needs to be a single room that fits a queen bed. maybe run some electricity from the house over eventually for lights. but nothing fancy at all. just a 3rd bedroom that happens to be out behind the house.
is there any serious cons to buying a garden shed from say, Home Depot, and then insulating & finishing the interior? I believe I could probably build my own, if I had the time. however, I really don't have the time or the proper tools.
this is one that I saw that caught my interest:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Handy-Home-Products-Phoenix-10-ft-x-8-ft-Solar-Shed-with-F loor-Kit-18160-3/100350467
any particular thing that really is a big no-no with this idea? I assume the windows on this one might be cheap and need something more substantial to actually provide any insulation. but in general, is this a bad idea?
why or why not?
J.
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2014 05:45pm - Edited by: bldginsp
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A couple thoughts
First, if you are going to insulate, that implies that you are going to heat it, but its a greenhouse with a lot of glass which will make it very hard to heat and keep heated over night in winter.
Second, sheds like that weren't made to be insulated, so they are not set up to ventilate above the roof insulation, which could cause mold. Shouldn't be too hard to do what's necessary to ventilate above the insulation.
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OwenChristensen
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2014 06:36pm
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He's right on. Maybe another shed would be better, one with ceiling joists. This would allow you to add the ceiling and insulation. A vent to at least let out hot air would be nice. If you don't cook in there or have a shower, moisture shouldn't be a big problem. That building is offered as a greenhouse. I built a couple like them and they get hot.
Owen
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PA_Bound
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2014 06:19pm
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There are several of us on this forum that are building cabins out of sheds/shells, so it certainly can be done. I'm not sure the shed you identified above would be my first choice for finishing, but if the conditions were right it could be made to work.
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jayson44
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2014 06:21pm
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my thoughts are on par with you guys' on this particular garden shed. what are some better options for starting bases?
J.
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bldginsp
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2014 08:13pm
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It's just so easy to frame up something that small, and you can customize it to your needs- I suggest building it yourself unless you find a really ideal premade shed
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 27 Mar 2014 09:06pm
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Many sheds I see that get converted to some sort of habitable space have the same problem; that of properly insulating the roof. Most folks go for a loft which makes it more difficult. Windows used in sheds are bargain basement cheapies as a rule.
IF, there are any inspections the shed may not pass for use as a habitable building.
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jayson44
Member
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# Posted: 28 Mar 2014 12:27pm
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yeah, I've noticed that the insulation seems like the biggest issue. however, this doesn't need to be more than a separate spare bedroom when it's all said and done. a bed, nightstand, maybe 2 outlets and a light will probably be all that's in there.
as for doing it myself, I'd love to, but I don't think I have the time or the tools.
J.
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VTweekender
Member
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# Posted: 28 Mar 2014 05:58pm
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Here is an idea for you....first print out these free cabin plans http://www.smallshelters.com/freedwnload.html .....I would change putting it on piers that is in the plans, to putting it on treated skids. Then lay on craigslist locally under the "materials" category and look for a steal on a few matching windows, and a door. Then look for a contractor that will put the cabin according to the plans provided where you want it "stick built" for a predetermined price, including the materials......My guess would be $2,500 total with materials and labor....thats what I would offer, I know I could get it done around here for that...keeping in mind you are including the windows and door you got off craigs. You can finish the interior later. If you don't know the contractor, then of course no pay until cabin is done.
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nicalisa
Member
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# Posted: 30 Mar 2014 11:28am
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We used a Rona shed it. It was a 10x16 model with cedar siding. The cost of the siding alone and lumber made this the best option. We added 3 foot additions to the top of the walls and framed in windows we bought on sale and a glass door. We used the wood they gave us for the roof to do this and then framed a heavy 2x8 roof with an overhang that was better suited to our environment (big trees). It was the most cost effective option to use the cedar shakes they gave us for the roof, and then we bought a bit of cedar siding to finish the extra three feet of height. To have it to lock up it cost us around 1500.00 which in canada is dirt cheap
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jayson44
Member
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# Posted: 30 Mar 2014 01:36pm
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cool, nicalisa. any pictures?
J.
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