I live in a SHED with my family of 6 to avoid renting – one bedroom & bathroom is all we need, my husband did the DIY
LIVING in a shed might sound awful, but this family have turned one into their dream home, even if it is slightly cramped.
The shed houses the family of six, despite there only being one bedroom and a total of 768 sq ft.
Natalie, who is based in South Carolina, explained how they transformed it with a few savvy DIY tricks on YouTube, leaving people amazed.
“There’s one bedroom, one full bathroom, a large kitchen, dining room area, and a living room and loft,” she explained.
So, where does everyone sleep in a shed with just one bedroom?
Luckily, the space also has a loft area, which is where the older children sleep, while the two youngest sleep in the bedroom with mum and dad.
The cost of the shed and the initial DIY ended up costing $68,000, which would’ve been a lot more if it wasn’t for Natalie’s husband’s savvy skills.
Despite the low cost, shed life appealed to the family for the simple fact that they can live rent free whilst their permanent home is being built.
“We wanted to live on our land and we didn’t want to pay rent, so this was a way to basically live for free,” the mum explained, adding that they’re “too big a family” to live in the shed forever.
And when their forever home is finished, the family can sell the shed to make their money back
Inside, the shed looks a lot bigger than you might imagine thanks to some savvy interior design.
The large kitchen has everything a family of six with four kids 10 and under would need, and the dining nook is perfect for family meals.
As for storage space, there’s plenty of that too, including a cupboard for coats, a printer and more.
There’s also a large kitchen pantry for all their extra food and appliances.
The shed even has a full size washing machine and tumble dryer, the mum revealed.
The open plan living room has a large corner sofa with plenty of space for the whole family, and the bedroom looks like it could be in a swanky hotel, not a shed.
As for the loft where the two eldest children sleep, there are two double mattresses on the floor because of the low ceiling height, but still plenty of room.
After showing off the home on YouTube people were amazed by how posh it looked.
One commented on the video: “Wow…. I am in AWE of what you did in this ‘shed’ for your family. Well Done!”
And a second agreed: “Wow! you did a great job decorating, it looks so cosy and well organised. I love the windows over the sink.”
And another said: “Amazing! Every detail is so well thought out to provide maximum storage and utility while looking fabulous!
“Such a beautiful home but I definitely wouldn’t call it a shed. It’s definitely in a different category.”
Meanwhile, someone else suggested keeping the shed rather than selling it when the family’s permanent home is finished.
They wrote: “The way the future is going, I would keep that house on your property.
“Gives an option for your children to have some what of independence as costs are so high and most 18-25 year olds can’t live on their own.
“Plus, you’re building a larger home. This would be a beautiful mother in law/ guest house or even air bnb.
“It’s beautiful and you guys did an amazing job.”
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
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