DIY
Shed to Office Conversion
Hi! My dad built this shed close to 15 years ago and I’m hoping to repurpose the space as my office. I want to DIY most of it and I have a small budget ($10k) for the whole project including professional work if necessary.
I have two big issues I need help addressing before I can get started. I’ve done a lot of research but have not been able to find direct answers to my issues.
First, the structure slopes slightly towards one corner. There isn’t a drainage issue and I think it’s just from settling over time. To go about fixing this, would I need to find a way to lift the shed entirely and redo the foundation? Or is this something I can just level off when I put in the flooring?
Second, I would like to make the ceiling “vaulted” but Im unsure of the best way to address ventilation/humidity. I’m not in a very humid area (6a-7a) but it does get hot. Should I add a ridge vent to the roof, or is it as simple as adding vented soffits (similar to the last photo) Alternatively would it be best to scrap the vault idea, box-in the interior and create a small attic?
I appreciate any advice you can provide! Don’t hesitate to let me know if I’m in over my head and should seek a professional
Discussion
lol you can buy whole backyard office kits for less than $10k
For sure. I’m not trying to spend up to 10k but it’s there if I need it. Just trying to preserve as much as I have and repurpose for what I need
I think you should check out the other post that mentioned they converted a chicken coop to an office. They uploaded multiple pictures and the layout. The huge window windows in their new office was also phenomenal.
TEN THOUSAND BUCKS??? I could build a new office from scratch for that much. (and I have)
That said, insulation-lots of it. Ventilation-lots of it. Split system heating/cooling.
Buy a lockable door. Buy a couple of good windows with screens for fresh air on nice days.
Offices don't need attics. Insulate that space to keep out heat in the summer, and inside during the winter.
Electrical outlets-lots of them on every wall. Maybe even hardwire ethernet out there if you can.
Relevel the structure as a whole, but make sure it is structurally sound before you do any heavy work ($$$) on renovations.
Oh, and have a written plan before starting anything.
Good luck!
True! I could buy a new one however there is a bit of sentiment in using what my Dad built since he passed away. Plus I’d rather not use my whole budget if I can lol!
I appreciate the advice tho! I’m still needing a deeper explanation of what to do for the ventilation and foundation? Do I do the sofit vents? And do I need to lift the whole shed to redo the whole foundation?
What kind of foundation is it?
That’s a really good question. There was an out of control vine that took over underneath the shed so it’s hard to see. I believe it’s just sitting on a gravel layer.
15 years of timber sitting on a gravel base may not be structurally sound, particularly for prying up on one end. If rotten, far better to start from scratch. Sentiment aside, Ol' Dad would want you to do the smart thing. Then you could build it like you want.
...and not that you asked, do like Dad and DIY it. Save yourself a ton of money. A $10k shed should have marble floors and a jacuzzi in it.