She Sheds - Are "shomes" the next big design trend
Adiós garden shed.
Many homeowners across the country are turning their dreary lawn mower storage sheds into the tricked-out she shed living spaces to play, live, work and entertain in.
From "Swiss Family Robinson" treehouses to the tiny houses, everyone loves a unique home. Remember just a few years back, the "barndominium" craze helped along by many rustic home improvement shows? Now another hybrid living hack has arrived—the shome, or shed-turns-home—and it's pushing the she shed to a whole level.
You can admit it.. after throwing up some drywall, paint, utilities and some comfy furnishings, you'd want one! I bet you're trying to figure out exactly where you'd put yours, right now! However, is building a she shed worth it? To figure that out, check out these few questions and answers.
Is the Building Cost for a She Shed worth it?
Let’s be real: Many real estate experts agree the value in a livable she shed is in the eye of the beholder — and that doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in resale value. For example, we'd put it into the same category as a swimming pool. You can add one for your own enjoyment, but don't expect to recoup the full price of building one in your resale value. You may fetch an increase of property values with a secondary building with electricity, due to the expensive install costs for a work shop, but a shed's resale value is limited due to an "outbuilding" not gaining any actual sqft to the whole property.
However, resale price is only one thing. A great feature could help seal the deal when comparing to other like homes. A detached secondary livable shed can increase a your home’s desirability — if put in the correct light! Compared to another like home, with a shed full of cob webs and junk—it could be a helping hand in selling your home in the future rather then a substantial value increase.
What's the Purpose of Your She Shed?
These fancy blinged-out outbuildings probably aren't going to pay for themselves, and after knowing that, you may still really really want one! This is where they offer the most value for your dollar — when they bring you happiness.
Whether it's working, reading, writing, working out or a livable home.. she sheds add a functionality to your home making it more enjoyable.
How Much is it Going to Cost?
A home improvement stores basic 10ft x 10ft engineered wood kit can run around $900. And if things like extra windows, bigger doors, flower boxes, etc. are something you'd want, expect to pay more. Now that may sound affordable, but there are additional expenses certainly not included.
Shed kits don't include things like:
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The average for a concrete foundation may cost about $75 in materials, and if you're having someone pour it, expect around $75-100 an hour.
For electrical materials you may spend somewhere in the range of $150 to run a line from your house to a shed approximately 50 feet away. Caution, unless you have specific knowledge and an electrical skills, you’ll should call an electrician. Expect $50 to $100 an hour for a licensed electrician.
Now the fun part! Time to trick out your shome with a wet bar and place to use the bathroom? Plumbing can be a costly addition, you may be looking at $1,000 to $1,500 just to run some supply and drain lines.
Be aware of local laws, too. There could be some costs in the form of permits and types of materials that are allowed, etc. You don't want to receive a fine if you fail to check off all the necessary items — or, even worse, be forced to undo some or all of the construction.
Can I Save Money by DIYing?
Home improvement store kits like the ones sold at Lowe's and Home Depot make it easy for even the most novice DIYers to do some of the work, which will knock down labor expenses.
Can You Stand the Climate of a Shed?
Living in a cold climate, be honest with yourself about whether braving the elements will deter you from using your shed. And what it could cost to make it comfortable to live in where building materials and utility bills are concerned.
Make sure to include a pitched roof as well as some good insulation, a source of heat and possibly double-pane windows to keep you warm!
Also, know that most kits are built for more temperate climates. Consult with a local vendor that knows what materials your shed needs to keep you “living” in it.
Check out some of these options for your she shed needs:
For More on She Sheds and Mother-In-Law suites, check out this KTVB.com article on possible changes making it easier for Idahoans to build!
