If you are in the market for a new home, you may have considered a shed house. These structures, also known as shed homes, are made from repurposed or custom-built sheds and are used as a low-cost alternative to traditional homes. While there are many potential benefits to living in a shed house, such as affordability and customization, it is essential to also consider the potential drawbacks. In this article, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of shed houses and answer some of the most common questions about them.

Pros of shed houses:

• Cost-effective: One of the primary advantages of shed houses is their affordability. Because they are typically smaller and simpler in design, they require fewer materials and labor to construct, making them a more budget-friendly option than traditional homes.

• Customization: Another benefit of shed houses is that they can often be customized to meet the owner’s specific needs and preferences. Because they are often built or converted from existing structures, you can design and decorate your shed house in a way that reflects your personal style.

• Sustainability: In addition to being more affordable, shed houses can be a sustainable housing option. They often utilize recycled materials and have a smaller ecological footprint than traditional homes, which can benefit the environment.

Cons of shed houses:

• Legal and zoning issues: Before building or converting a shed into a dwelling, it is essential to research the local building codes and zoning laws. Depending on where you live, certain rules and regulations may prohibit the use of sheds as dwellings or limit the size and style of shed houses.

• Limited amenities and features: Shed houses may not have the same amenities and features as traditional homes, such as plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems. These features usually require additional costs and will increase the investment price.

• Maintenance and durability: Sheds are not typically designed for long-term habitation and may not have the same level of durability as a traditional home. This can lead to more frequent repairs and maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Origins of the tiny house movement

Over the past 200 years, the average size of a home in the United States has steadily increased. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average size of a new single-family home built in the United States was just under 1,000 square feet in the 1920s. By the 1950s, the average size had increased to around 1,000-1,200 square feet. In the 1970s, the average size of a new home was about 1,500-1,600 square feet. In the past 20 years, the average size of a new home in the United States has continued to increase, reaching an all-time high of 2,600 square feet in 2020. This increase in size, along with inflation and other economic factors, has skyrocketed prices across the nation and made it increasingly difficult for many to purchase a home.

Tiny homes and shed houses have gained popularity recently as a way to downsize and simplify one’s lifestyle. The tiny home movement, which emphasizes living in smaller, more efficient spaces, can be traced back to the early 20th century and the popularity of the tiny house movement in Europe. In the United States, the tiny home movement gained traction in the 1970s with the publication of Jay Shafer’s book “The Small House Book,” which promoted the idea of living simply in small spaces. The trend has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, with many people choosing to live in tiny homes or shed houses to reduce their environmental impact, save money, and live more intentionally.

What is a shed house?

A shed house is a dwelling made from a repurposed shed or portable building. These structures are typically smaller and more simple than traditional homes and are often used as a low-cost alternative for housing. In many states, these structures are illegal due to safety issues, and not being built according to housing codes. Speak with an expert and ensure the structure you are considering purchasing is built according to housing codes. 

Can I use a shed as a house?

It is possible to use a shed as a house, but it is essential to keep in mind that there may be certain legal and practical considerations to take into account. For example, you may need to obtain a building permit and meet certain building codes to use a shed as a dwelling. Additionally, sheds are not typically designed for long-term habitation and may lack certain amenities and features found in traditional homes, such as plumbing and electrical systems.

Is a shed house a good idea?

Whether or not a shed house is a good idea depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, the local building codes and zoning laws, and whether or not it is built according to code to be used as a dwelling. Some people may find that a shed home is a cost-effective and convenient solution for their housing needs, while others may prefer the amenities and features of a traditional home. It is essential to carefully consider all of these factors before deciding whether a shed house is the right choice for you.

Is it cheaper to build a shed house?

In general, it is usually cheaper to build a shed home than it is to build a traditional home. This is because shed houses tend to be smaller and simpler in design, requiring fewer materials and labor to construct. Additionally, because shed houses are often made from repurposed shed designs, the cost of the structure itself may be lower than the cost of building materials for a traditional home. However, it is important to note that the actual cost of building a shed house will depend on various factors, including the size of the structure, the materials used, and the location.

How much does it cost to make a shed into a house?

The cost of converting a shed into a house will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the shed, the extent of the renovations needed, and the materials and labor required. In general, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars to turn a shed into a properly built legal dwelling, depending on the scope of the project.

How long does a shed home last?

The lifespan of a shed home will depend on various factors, including the materials used, the construction quality, and the structure’s maintenance and upkeep. In general, sheds are not designed for long-term habitation and may not have the same level of durability as a traditional home. However, a shed home can last for many years when built according to traditional home building code and with proper maintenance and care.

What are the potential drawbacks of living in a shed as a home?

While shed houses can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for housing, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. These may include:

• Legal and zoning issues: Depending on where you live, certain laws and regulations may prohibit the use of sheds as dwellings or limit the size and style of shed houses. It is important to research the local building codes and zoning laws before building or converting a shed into a dwelling.

• Lack of amenities and features: Shed houses may not have the same amenities and features as traditional homes, such as plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems. This can make living in a shed home less comfortable and convenient.

• Durability and maintenance: As mentioned previously, sheds are not typically designed for long-term habitation and may not have the same level of durability as a traditional home. This can lead to more frequent repairs and maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming.

• Lack of privacy: Depending on the location and design of your shed house, you may have less privacy than you would in a traditional home.

What are the benefits of living in a shed house?

Despite the potential drawbacks, there are also many benefits to living in a shed house, including:

• Affordability: As mentioned previously, shed houses are generally cheaper to build or convert than traditional homes, making them a cost-effective housing option.

• Simplicity: Shed houses are typically smaller and simpler than traditional homes, making them easier to maintain and less cluttered.

• Customization: Because shed houses are often built or converted from existing structures, it is often possible to customize them to meet your specific needs and preferences.

• Sustainability: Shed houses can be a sustainable housing option, as they often utilize recycled materials and have a smaller ecological footprint than traditional homes.

What are some creative ways to use a shed as a living space?

If you want to use a shed as a dwelling where someone can live, you can try the following options:

Convert it into a tiny home: You can transform a shed into a small, cozy living space by adding insulation, windows, electrical wiring, and plumbing. You can also customize the interior to include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

Use it as a guest house: If you have a large yard, you can use a shed as a guest house for friends and family who come to visit. You can add a bed, furniture, and other amenities to make it comfortable and welcoming.

Create a study: If you work from home or need a quiet place to focus, you can turn a shed into a study where you can relax and concentrate for long periods of time. Outfit it with a desk, chair, comfortable sofa, and other necessary equipment, and you’ll have a dedicated space to relax, study or get work done.

To make the shed suitable for living in, you’ll need to ensure that it is properly insulated and ventilated and has a reliable source of electricity and water. You will also need to ensure that it meets local building codes and regulations.

Shed houses can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for many people. While there are potential drawbacks to living in a shed house, such as legal and zoning issues and a potential lack of amenities and features, there are also many benefits, including affordability, simplicity, and customization.

Do your research

If you are interested in building a shed for use as a dwelling, we recommend you give the experts at lelandscabins.com a call. They build their structures according to code and are the first to do so in the state of Texas. They can provide you with valuable information and guidance every step of the way.