I wish my home had a little more space, but I'm not ready to take on a major remodeling project or renovation. There is a shed in the backyard I am not currently using. What different ways might it be converted? How easy or difficult would such a project be?
"The main advantage to converting a backyard shed for another use is that it's re-purposing an existing structure," says Tommy Jameson, president and principal architect with Jameson Architects, P.A. in Little Rock.
Adding windows, a fresh paint job, a French door with an attached screen door, a small light outside the front door, a walkway leading to it, and potted flowers surrounding it can help to transform the shed, he says.
"Another advantage of converting an existing structure is that in doing so, there will be unique features that will add a certain quaintness and make it more interesting than a new box with new materials," he says.
There can also be challenges.
"Often sheds are built to a lesser standard of quality than structures which are intended to be inhabited," Jameson says. A lot of times, sheds are made from a box construction, which doesn't have studded walls.
"One in particular we looked at in Little Rock's Quapaw Quarter neighborhood, we determined that because of its box construction, it would not be a candidate to be re-purposed," he recalls.
Other times, Jameson says, a shed will have a back side right up against a fence and it hasn't been properly maintained and termites have invaded it.
But there can be great advantages of converting one if it has the proper structure, Jameson says.
"Especially if you're not trying to keep it as comfortable as the house, and willing for it be warmer in the summer and colder in the winter."
In that case, insulation wouldn't have to be added and the foundation wouldn't have to be enclosed.
Conversely, those converting a shed can pull out all the stops, adding plumbing, electricity, and bottoming up the foundation.
"It's a balancing act of what your needs are, what you want to use it for, and what [kind of structure] you're starting out with," Jameson explains.
Those wishing to convert a backyard shed should first research what the zoning rules are in their area.
"Generally, a shed would be considered an accessory structure," Jameson says. "One might want to check with their municipal government to make sure what is being planned is not prohibited in that area," Jameson concludes.
Various uses for re-purposed sheds include:
• Gardening center -- Those who are serious about their gardens can use a shed not only to hold their tools and supplies but also as a place to begin their seedlings. A small desk or table can also offer a place to plan for the next planting season and design and map out gardens. Add some hooks on the walls and the shed can also serve as a place to hang dried flowers and herbs for use as gifts, in recipes or in decorating the home.
• Children's play area -- A shed can easily be converted into a playhouse, a treehouse atmosphere or a place to store toys used outdoors.
• Home office or writing space -- Adding windows and electricity to a shed can convert it into a private place to work from home. And why not make it a writing space? Ernest Hemingway used the barn behind his in-law's house in Piggott to write some of his novels, including A Farewell to Arms. The house and barn are today open as a museum.
• Art studio or hobby room -- Once electricity and windows have been added to the shed, it could also serve as an art studio and keep the mess out of the home's living area. It can also serve the same purpose for those with hobbies needing extra space such a model railroaders or wood crafters.
• Fitness center --Transforming a shed into a workout room will offer the space needed to lift weights or practice yoga.
-- Linda S. Haymes
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark., 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 09/27/2014