How Much Does It Cost To Turn A Shed Into An Office?
A shed office behind the home is the threshold point of balancing working from home in a professional office setup. If you take all the perks of office work and home-based work and take down the negative pointers, you get a shed.
To build a shed, you need to spend around $1,500 to $30,000. It will depend on the size, material, labor cost, local permit law, and about your demand and wishes. The prices and costs will vary on many factors.
If you want a detailed explanation of how much it cost to turn a shed into an office, keep reading the article as I am about to show you all details that you need to know.
How Much Does It Cost To Turn A Shed Into An Office?
Depending on the material and the condition of your shed, the price may range from $1,500 to $30,000. As a shed is no larger than an average room, you hardly need any material or effort to build and convert a shed.
As you can see, the cost range is quite wide, and you might feel confused about what the approximate figure should look like in your case. Let’s dissect the cost anatomy more precisely.
1. Cost Of Converting An Existing Shed
If you have a shed and want to convert it into an office without altering the base structure, the overall cost will significantly reduce. However, you must consider whether the structure is suitable to use as an office.
If the base is ok and you want to make some structural adjustments like building one or two windows, adding sliders in the door and windows, ripping off the floor, and adding a new one, the cost will go up and down depending on your demands and requirements.
You also need to invest money in the renovation of the shed. Pest controlling the shed, running power, adding waterproof elements, and installing insulation materials are some of the costs you must carry. Overall, you can convert an existing shed into an office with $1,500 to $2,000.
2. Cost Of Installing Prefab Shed
You can purchase a prefabricated shed from the offline market or online. These sheds are quite cheaper if you compare them with the cost of building your own shed. The pre-built sheds come in many forms and designs. You can opt for the one suitable for you.
The primary cost of these prefab sheds starts from $1,500 and can go up to $4,000. However, charges will apply for the professional installation by the square feet configuration. The only con is that you don’t really have a say on the layout or original design of the shed.
3. Cost Of Building A Shed
If you want to build a shed with your own preferred design and material, the cost will without a doubt raise and the construction duration will lengthen as well. The prime cost will depend on the material you are picking for your shed.
For example, if you decide to construct the shed with drywall, the cost will depend on the drywall price per piece and the size of your shed. If your shed is 200 sq. ft. and the cost per panel of drywall is $3, the cost for the main material will be,
$3 per drywall x 200 sq. ft. shed = 600 dollar
This is the initial cost for the core structure. The total number will be increased when you install an insulation material, and electricity, add frames of windows and doors, install doors and windows, paint the shed, etc. Overall, the total cost after all the work should be around $2,500-$5,000.
4. Cost For Customized Shed
If you want a prefab shed but what to customize them to your taste and design, the cost will reach up to $30,000 even more. The company will design the shed as per your direction and prepare them after confirmation.
What Factors Impact The Cost?
There is no standard cost and budget policy to convert a shed into an office. Many hosts of factors will determine and influence your primary calculation. If you don’t want to be surprised by the sudden surcharge, you must take these factors into account before coming up with the final number.
1. Size Of The Shed
It is certainly the primary factor in the cost. the bigger your shed is, the costlier it will get. Usually, a shed is around a size of an average room maybe less. There are 8 feet by 6 feet sheds, and that can go up to 20 feet by 10 feet.
That depends on the space you have in the backyard or the location you want to build your fort in. If your main purpose is to build the shed for office use, leave some room in the front for a small porch and a few stairs.
2. Material Of The Shed
What materials you would like to use for your shed? How much does one single unit of that material cost? How many units you will need to finish the shed? All these questions should be asked and answered before you take up that project.
A prefab shed normally builds on compacted gravel for the foundation. The flooring is done with concrete materials and tiles on the top. The piers can be made out of concrete or wood. But there is no universal rule. You will find sheds with other materials depending on the budget.
If you decide to construct your own shed, the material you choose must have these three qualities, adaptability, durability, and weather-prone. The shed should be adapted to the main house construction and should be able to serve the purpose.
A shed that you are using as an office should not be fragile and frail. The base should be durable enough to withstand unfavorable situations. You must use the material considering the weather in your area. If you live in a humid location, a metal or steel material wouldn’t be suitable for you.
3. Labor Cost
One major thing that people ignore is the cost of labor and the construction period. A shed won’t appear with a swish and flick like magic. If you are not handy with tools or not in the mood for such large-scale DIY, you must consider the labor cost as per the average setting of your locality.
4. Local Permit Laws
Generally, the state you are currently living in makes rules and regulations regarding building a shed. You must abide by the laws and act as per the command code. It varies from state to state so there is no definitive answer.
Some state permits shed without a cost and license as long as it should expand more than a certain size. Some states may prescribe a license in exchange for a government fee. You should check on your state law or contact with your contractor regarding this.
5. Your Demands And Wishes
A shed is a minimalist, simple venture that possesses so much potential. With your creativity and effort, you can convert a simple 3D rectangular into a lively home. But if you want to go extravaganza, you must not forget about the cost on the side. Keep the additional budget in your mind when you plan the outlook and interior of the shed.
What Should You Add To Your Shed To Convert It Into An Office?
After building or installing the shed in your desired location, your job is not done yet. You also have to convert this shed into a living condition to certify it as an office. You have quite a form of liberty on this issue. But some of the crucial items must not skip from your planning.
1. Power Up The Shed
Well, obviously you are not going to work in your office that has no power or electricity, right? To power up the shed, the groundwork must be done before you install the shed. Because once a shed is in its place, it would be too difficult to drag the line from the ground.
After the shed is completed its primary stage, you can connect the electricity line to your shed. Usually, the whole power connection process costs around $100 to $600. You probably also plan out how many outlets or points you are going to use.
2. Insulation
Insulation is the prime program to monitor the heat flow of your shed. As the shed is not so open and spacious area, the need for insulation is doubled in such a situation. It will determine the heat flow inside your shed so that you don’t need an additional heater or cooler.
Any good material insulator, such as fiberglass, plastic, or wood, will ensure maximum heat flow during a cool and chilly day. Likewise, it will reduce the heat flow inside the shed during summertime and humid days.
3. Plumbing
Normally if your idea is to use the shed as an office and the shed is right around your house, you won’t need a viable water supply. But, if you want an additional, separate water line in your shed, you must finish the groundwork by a licensed plumber before installing the shed.
4. Lighting
As a shed is not generally hindered by any outside walls or rooms, you can ensure an optimized amount of natural lighting inside your shed. It won’t be too wise to plan if you have to switch on electric lights in broad daylight.
Add large windows or glass walls to retrieve maximum sunlight inside your shed. You can also add blinds to control the lights as per your wish. But as you are going to use the shed as an office, I am sure you have to set up a computer desk. Make sure that sunlight doesn’t interrupt your screen.
Final Words
A shed is not a matter of abrupt or impulsive decision. As the cost is not a minuscule amount, you really should not procrastinate to do thorough research before you take the final decision.
If you are hesitant and undecided about how you want your shed for your office space, I request you to read this What Size Shed Is Suitable For Home Office? Article for a more limpid idea.
