DIY Builds
Photo by Julia Larson Pexels Logo Photo: Julia Larson

How do I run power to my shed from my house?

Start with a Switch The NEC requires a means, such as a single-pole switch, to disconnect the power where it enters the shed. ... Connect the wires inside the shed to a switch. Run wires from the switch to a GFCI receptacle, and from there to the rest of the outlets or lights in your shed.

Do you have to bury outdoor electrical wire?
Do you have to bury outdoor electrical wire?

Low-voltage (no more than 30 volts) wiring must be buried at least 6 inches deep. Buried wiring runs that transition from underground to above...

Read More »
How do you keep moisture out of concrete?
How do you keep moisture out of concrete?

Above-Slab Vapor Barriers Applying a vapor barrier on top of the slab and under the flooring underlayment prevents moisture (and the alkaline salts...

Read More »

Introduction Learn how to run electrical wires outside underground to reach sheds, lights, patios and other locations, following safe wiring practices.

Overview: Project Scope, Special Tools, Materials and Costs

Dragging extension cords across the yard to power the string trimmer, fumbling around in a dark shed…most of us take these hassles for granted. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a day’s work, you can run electrical lines to any part of your yard. This article will show you how to bring power to a shed, but the process is almost identical if you want to simply mount an outlet on a post planted in the soil. A licensed electrician would charge at least several hundred dollars plus materials to run lines from your house to a shed 50 feet away (not including any work inside your house).

Running Power Through RMC

We’ll show you how to run wires through rigid metal conduit (RMC). This method offers the best protection of the wiring and requires the least amount of digging. It also lets you install a GFCI outlet at the end of the line rather than at the house, which means you’ll never have to run back to the house to reset a tripped GFCI. If you want to provide a dedicated circuit to the shed, hire an electrician to make the final connection in your main electrical panel. Otherwise you can connect to an existing circuit if the circuit has enough capacity and the box you’re connecting to has enough volume for the additional wires.

Running Wires Inside Rigid Conduit

To run the wires inside rigid conduit, you’ll need a hacksaw, a pipe bender capable of bending 1/2-in. rigid conduit with an outside diameter of 3/4-in., and a fish tape long enough to reach through the buried pipe. You’ll also need a pair of pipe wrenches to screw the sections of pipe together, a drill and one-inch bit capable of penetrating your siding, and wire cutting and stripping tools. A few weeks before you start the project, contact your local building department to obtain an electrical permit if one is required. Then a few days before you dig, call 811 to have your underground utility lines marked. Learn more at call811.com.

What can be living under my shed?
What can be living under my shed?

Chipmunks, skunks, woodchucks, and rats often dig or burrow underneath your homes deck, porch, or shed. Other pests such as raccoons, opossums, and...

Read More »
Should I put crushed stone under shed?
Should I put crushed stone under shed?

Why Put Gravel Under A Shed? Here are the top 4 reasons you should consider choosing a gravel foundation for your shed. Great Drainage – Gravel...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

How much does it cost to turn a shed into a tiny home?

$1,500 to $30,000 Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster.

How To Turn Your Backyard Shed Into A Tiny Home

Do you dream of renovating your backyard shed into a tiny home? Or maybe you need a livable add-on to your property? There are many reasons why you might consider converting your shed into a more functional living space such as a guest house, man cave, she shed, classroom, or playhouse. In the past, small additional houses, like English follies, were often used by the wealthy as representations of ancient ruins or landmarks instead of being used for storage. Today, sheds serve a practical purpose, as they are commonly utilized to store tools, garden supplies, lawn equipment, or other domestic items that require larger accommodation. It's important to establish whether you're going to renovate your existing structure or build a new one. According to The Tiny House, purchasing a shed may be cheaper and more efficient in quality compared to purchasing a pre-built shell. Other important factors are to determine your budget and timeline. Is this a practical project or a mandatory change? Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster. Whether it's a conversion or a brand-new structure, how you plan to transform your backyard shed will ultimately depend on the style and materials chosen. Read on to learn more about how to turn your backyard into a new living space!

Which side should you face while cooking?
Which side should you face while cooking?

east One must always face the east while cooking. Therefore, cooking appliances like microwave ovens and gas stoves need to be aligned along this...

Read More »
How do you insulate the floor of a shed?
How do you insulate the floor of a shed?

Here's how: Remove the flooring of your shed. Put wood blocks under each joist cavity. Each joist cavity should have at least two support blocks....

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What do you do with toilet paper with a composting toilet?
What do you do with toilet paper with a composting toilet?

When you buy a compost toilet for camper or RV or tiny house you don't need to carry any special toilet paper. This system can break down the...

Read More »
What do you need in a potting shed?
What do you need in a potting shed?

So to learn about everything, you need to create your own and let's start with the first one. A Potting Table. One of the top lists of necessities...

Read More »