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Is a shed considered a tiny home?

Be aware that to turn a shed into a tiny home it will require more work on your part and more money than just paying for the shed. It will require some knowledge and planning to create a safe dwelling and may require extra inspection measures and legal battles to legally turn a shed into a tiny home.

Can you season firewood in the shade?
Can you season firewood in the shade?

Firewood will still be able to season if located in the shade. The wind will be able to season the firewood effectively if the stack of firewood...

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What does a white barn mean?
What does a white barn mean?

White barns on the other hand, are a product of their unique place and time here in Wisconsin. In the days leading up to the Cold War Senator...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Tiny Homes, Mini-Cabins, Sheds. Aren’t they all essentially just the same thing? Are they not just small buildings that people live in? What is the difference? Each of these actually is a different thing let’s take a look at why and how they are different.

Tiny Houses

Tiny houses are the most expensive of small footprint living options. The nice thing is, you get what you pay for. Tiny homes ordered from tiny home companies include everything from the outside shell to the interior finishes to the necessary hookups to the furniture. They are fully insulated and ready to live in. As tiny home living becomes more and more common the laws and definitions surrounding tiny homes are changing. Tiny home legal definitions can be different depending upon the area of the country you are in. Some states are tiny home friendly like here in Washington, but local county and city laws still need to be taken into consideration as well. When tiny houses first appeared on the scene they were put on wheels and needed to be subject to RV building permits and laws. In most areas where tiny homes are considered livable structures, they are still viewed differently than single-family homes. Some tiny homes are still being built on wheels and these homes are generally looked as RVs. Some tiny homes are now being constructed on permanent foundations and these homes are generally classified as stick-built homes or modular homes and must adhere to all local codes in the city which they are built. In some areas, this comes with a requirement of minimum square footage.

Sheds

A shed is an outbuilding. It is built with the main purpose of becoming an outdoor storage space. They are just a shell and come with none of the necessary features to turn a structure into a dwelling unit for human habitation. Sheds do not have or come with plans for insulation, power, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or sometimes windows. To save money on the cost of a tiny home, many people are beginning to convert sheds into tiny homes. Be aware that to turn a shed into a tiny home it will require more work on your part and more money than just paying for the shed. It will require some knowledge and planning to create a safe dwelling and may require extra inspection measures and legal battles to legally turn a shed into a tiny home.

Mini-Cabins

While a tiny home can be placed on wheels or a permanent foundation and can be up for debate on whether it is a temporary structure or permanent dwelling, a mini-cabin is more clear cut. Mini-cabins are placed on foundations always. They are deemed inhabitable and almost always include insulation unless it is a log cabin that the owner preferred to see the logs on the inside walls as well. Instead of being subject to RV laws cabins go through the local building department to be permitted. Plans required for mini-cabins include electricity, water, and sewer. Living off-grid is permitted in a mini-cabin, but there still needs to be a plan for hookups and the waste removal plan will be under more inspection. If you are interested in building a mini-cabin or purchasing a shed we have several pre-planned options or we can build a custom dwelling specifically for you. Contact us anytime to get more information or take a look at our current plans.

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More on Sheds and Outbuildings:

How much does it cost to build a 800 sq ft house?
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This project's low cost is $400,000 for a modular 1,500 sq. ft. ... Cost per Square Foot to Build a House in California. Size Cost to Build...

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Does a man cave add value?
Does a man cave add value?

A great place for a man cave is the basement. The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level...

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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.

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Is 20 amps enough for a garage?

Since it's a garage, I'd install a single 20 ampere circuit at the very least. A 15 ampere circuit would be fine for lighting, but you'll find it quite limiting when/if you start plugging in tools/equipment. Save this answer.

I would like to add some much-needed electrical outlets in my garage. As of right now it seems like the power that's going to the garage door opener and the garage light is also on the same line as some kitchen lights and some bedroom lights and Outlets. I feel like that circuit is already pushed to its maximum and would like to install a new circuit breaker and run a new line and pull the Garage items off of their old line and attach them onto a new one including my four new Outlets. I have pretty good electrical skills although that is not my profession. Just wondering what size breaker I need to install as well as is there a specific Gauge that I need to use from the breaker out. I'm using 14 2 on my Outlets that I'm adding. For reference I've moved my washer and dryer about 3 months ago and I rewired a new wire to the breaker myself so I have a pretty good idea of how to do it just not sure of the specific sizes to use. I have several open areas for new circuit breakers.

What do you put under a plastic shed?
What do you put under a plastic shed?

The Best Plastic Shed Base for Your New Shed Gravel. Pavers. Wood Base (Piers) Concrete. Now for the Plastic Shed Base.

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What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage?
What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage?

What's the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Detached Garage? In most cases, fiberglass batts/rolls are still the simplest and all-around cheapest option...

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Are wood look garage doors more expensive?
Are wood look garage doors more expensive?

​​Garage Doors That Look Like Wood But Are Not Real wood doors can be more expensive than those made with other materials like steel and...

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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.

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What is gable roof type?
What is gable roof type?

Gabled roofs are the kind young children typically draw. They have two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, creating end walls with a...

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