Do you have an old shed that you would like to do something useful with like being able to turn shed into another room?

Many homeowners crave more space in their homes, but they often lack the drive to move into a larger home or the funds to add a new addition to their space. Regardless of whether you need a kids’ game room, a home office or simply a space to relax in, you may have your eyes focused on your backyard shed. It’s there, it’s available and it is very useful for this repurposing idea. 

Not only does a shed make a great office space, game room or man cave, but there is a new trend of “she sheds” that are all the rage and place for mom to escape! 

So no matter what your goal is, a room from a shed is a thrifty option for that extra space. 

Your shed may have the shell of a room, and it may have great dimensions that would easily give you the usable space you need if a few upgrades were made to the room. By walking through these easy steps, you can easily convert your shed into a wonderful structure that meets all of your needs.

5 Easy & Cheap Ways To Turn Shed Into Another Room

Run Electricity to the Shed

Electricity may be a comfort that you do not want to live without in your space. It may be needed for something as simple as lighting to read a book with, or it may be needed for the AC unit, your electronics and more. Consider hiring an electrician to assist with this process to ensure that all of your needs are met and that the work is done to code. Keep in mind that your electrician can also install wiring for network connections, an intercom to the main house or a sound system as needed.

Focus on Climate Control

You may be well aware that your shed can keep the rain and snow off you, but it can get downright uncomfortable in this space on the hottest and coldest days of the year. Controlling the climate in the shed is critical if you want to feel relaxed in this space. Find an HVAC unit that can be used to heat and cool this space as desired. Your HVAC unit will also keep humidity levels at bay for added comfort. Using a window unit is a cost-effective way to tackle this task.

Add Insulation, Drywall and Trim

Most sheds are made out of plywood or other types of particle board, and you will need to finish out the walls and ceiling to give your space a room-like appearance on the interior. Think about adding insulation throughout the structure for climate control purposes and to buffer sounds. You can then install drywall and trim to finish the look.

Install New Flooring

Flooring also needs to be installed in your space before you can use it as desired. Because this is an area that is directly linked to the outdoors, you may consider installing hard flooring surfaces over carpeting. This can help you to keep the space clean easier over the years to come. Remember that you and your family and friends may also track mud and moisture into the room as you walk back and forth between the shed and the main house. Therefore, wood floors are ideal in this type of room. Using a welcome mat and area rug is also a great idea.

Think About Lights and Finishing Touches

After you have taken these steps, you have an almost-completed room that you can enjoy after you focus on the finishing touches. You can choose light fixtures that have a desirable style and that throw off adequate lighting. Table and desk lamps may be more cost-effective than overhead light fixtures. The walls may also need to be painted, and you will need to install blinds for privacy and to shield the interior from harsh UV rays. Add a lock to the door to prevent break-ins. As a final step, you can invest in furnishings, décor and electronics as needed to finish out the space to suit your preferences.

Some homeowners are able to transform their shed into a usable room through their own hard work, time and effort. Others may require professional assistance from contractors, such as when installing drywall, the HVAC system and other features. To begin your project, use these steps to create a to-do list for your shed as well as a budget. Set a timeline for when you can purchase supplies or hire tasks. Then, line up contractors to assist with the effort. Soon, you will be enjoying a beautifully finished out space that meets your needs and is much more cost efficient than adding onto your home.

This guest post is by Angela who is on the content team at www.bighivemind.com. She can be found around the web writing about relationships, family and other lifestyle concerns. Angela enjoys running, sitcoms and spending time with her husband and twin daughters.

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