9 Steps to Turn Your Shed into a Tiny Home

Looking for a little extra room, but your home is already as full as it can be?

Maybe your mother-in-law will be moving in, or your kid who moved away to college decided to come back home. Whatever the case is, you’ve outgrown your house and are looking for an extra room without buying a new home.

We have just the right solution: turn a shed into a tiny home, fully furnished for your out-of-town guest or your college graduate. With just a few simple steps and a budget that won’t break the bank, you’ll have your home to yourself and space for another room in no time.

To start, you’ll need a shed if you don’t have one yet. Buying a prefabricated shed is very affordable and, here at NERTO, we offer rent-to-own options, so your tiny home just became even more affordable.

Here are the 9 steps you’ll need to follow to convert your shed into a tiny home.

1. Confirm your local regulations.

First things first, make sure to check your local zoning regulations and verify that you will be able to turn a small structure into a dwelling. In many areas, codes and permits come with converting a shed into a tiny house, and of course, you’d rather find out prior to pouring time and finances into the project.

2. Seal the shed.

Make sure your shed is completely sealed by taking steps to caulk up all cracks to create an air-tight structure. This will also prevent water and critters from getting in.

3. Connect the water.

Connect water to your shed. Since you probably already have water running to the main house, this step should be relatively easy. However, you’ll likely need another permit to have running water going to the new tiny house.

4. Run the power.

Unless you’re an electrician yourself, you’ll likely need to hire one for this step. While a 50-100 amp service will be sufficient for such a small amount of space, you can also look into a solar panel for your tiny home to help save on cost. Again, you’ll need the electrical work to be inspected and permitted.

5. Insulate the tiny house.

For the shed to be livable and comfortable, it will need to be insulated properly. That way, it will be easy to heat it in the winter and cool it in the summer.

6. Heat or cool the space.

You’ll need more than just insulation though. A heating and/or air conditioning system may be necessary for your region. This will be up to your discretion and depend on what you prefer to have installed. For instance, you can opt for a small window unit or a small electric heater to conserve space.

7. Add natural light.

Windows are crucial for a tiny house when it comes to safety, ventilation, and lighting. A ceiling window or skylight is a fun addition to a small home to let in plenty of natural light.

8. Install flooring

Comfortable and durable flooring is best for a tiny home. Consider something that is easy to clean and maintain in such a small space, then opt for small rugs for comfort and easy cleanup.

9. Decorate!

Now comes the fun part! Enjoy decorating and making your new livable tiny house fun and inviting. (But maybe not too inviting, or your guest may not leave!)

Consider converting your shed into a tiny home for one more room on your property or simply a little more privacy for a guest. Then, follow these nine steps to get your tiny house up and running!

And for a high quality outdoor shed in Maine, don’t forget to check out our selection!