Whether you want a summer house, a gym space, or just to provide somewhere for the kids to hang with friends, your shed may have a new life waiting. A good shed renovation should result in a space that feels like an extension of your home. To achieve this, it needs to be warm, cosy and a little less shed-like.
Before you start any work, think carefully about what you want from this new space. For projects such as a gym or a reading nook, you might not even need to get electricity connected. Unlike a complete home remodel, you can also get most of the jobs done in one weekend, and for an affordable cost as well.
Buy a small ‘sentry’ shed and/or storage box
The first job is to empty your existing shed, but to do this, you need somewhere to put the things you want to keep. A small sentry shed is all you need for your gardening equipment and a few tools. For everything else, an outdoor storage box will protect things from the environment.
There are some small changes you can do to drastically expand the capacity of your storage shed without needing to upgrade its size. Shed owners love to put up door & wall hooks that allow them to hang tools, hoses, and other equipment neatly off the ground. This not only saves floor space but also keeps everything organized and easy to access. By making the most of vertical surfaces, you can transform even a compact shed into a highly efficient storage area.
Do essential repairs
There may be issues with your shed that you simply haven’t noticed. Before you start anything, check the windows for cracks and the walls, floor and roof for holes. Be sure to repair any issues before you start insulating or decorating. The last thing you want is rain getting in or weeds poking through your new garden gym.
Plasterboard the walls
For this space to stay warm in the cooler months, you will need to insulate the walls. This job is easier than you think. You just need to invest in some insulation and some sheets of plaster board. The good news is you don’t need a City & Guilds to do this. Start by measuring the space and calculating how many sheets you need. Neatly affix the insulation in the cavities. Then, affix the sheets of plaster over the top. There’s no need to try and fix the plasterboard with nails, screws or plaster anymore, as the whole job can be made easier with plasterboard adhesive.
Painting the interior and exterior
When you paint the plasterboard, be sure to apply a mist coat first. Then do a few good coats of matt emulsion. If you’re creating a gym or teen hangout, you can afford to take a risk with bold colours. Of course, if you’re creating a place of tranquillity, a pastel shade might be better. When it comes to the exterior, you’ll want to choose something that looks a little less “shed-y” than brown. You can find wood stain in all sorts of colours these days, including black and green.
Flooring solutions
Laying down flooring is what will elevate this space from shed to special space. Carpet tiles or a large, second-hand rug, are two low-cost alternatives to a fitted carpet and underlay. Laminate is another low-cost option that’s surprisingly easy to fit, as long as you measure it up properly. However, laminate can be tricky if the floor isn’t completely flat, in which case a soft flooring option is better.
Finishing touches – making a shed a room
Even if it’s just going to be a space for exercise, or somewhere for the kids to hang out with their friends, a few finishing touches will make it a nicer space to be. Consider any or all of the following to finish the room.
- Fake plants, or real ones if you remember to water them
- LED lights – battery-powered if there’s no electricity
- Bookshelf with a mix of light and heavy reading material
- Artwork – have a look in charity shops and garage sales
- Beanbags
As you can see, it’s easier than you think to renovate your shed. Be sure to plan your new space carefully and ensure you have somewhere new to put the old stuff.
