Why I think building from Scratch is better than shed conversions

[KaizeR]

I strongly believe that converting a pre-made shed into a tiny home is a mistake because sheds are not built for humans to live in. A real house has a specific layering system with water barriers and air gaps that prevent rot and keep the temperature steady. Most sheds use the siding as the structural wall and they completely skip the moisture protection you need for a long term home. You also end up with thin roof rafters that cannot hold enough insulation and small roof overhangs that dump water right onto your walls. Framing a small house from the ground up is actually one of the easiest skills to learn during a build. It is much better to spend a little time learning to frame correctly than to pay for a low quality shed that will likely have moisture problems and poor airflow. Just my thought.

 

[Alan]

I'm thinking what you mean is for people not to buy cheap. If it's well made and materials are quality, it should have a good turn out.

 

[red centipede]

Turning a shed into a home can loook easier at first, but it often takes more work than just learning basic framing and using thee right materials.

 

[rndomdream]

Most pre made sheds are built to IRC Accessory Structure codes, not residential codes. If you ever want to get your tiny home permitted or insured, starting with a shed shell can be a nightmare because the stud spacing and header spans usually don't meet residential safety standards
Building from scratch is the only way to make sure it's actually a home and not just a finished shed

 

[B33s knees]

man, I’ve seen so many cheap shed conversions end up costing more than a custom build
by the time you sister the rafters to fit R-30 insulation and build out the wall studs to be 2x4 or 2x6 for code, you’ve spent the same money but with half the structural integrity

 

[eDJ_]

I live in what was once a fairly Rural area that is now becoming more Suburban. In the time I've lived here I've gotten to know many local guys who support the idea that it is better to build than to even buy a used home. Better that it is in their opinion cheaper and afford better construction.

For them they can find property in areas that are less tax intensive, no zoning, they can find affordable electric (not from electric co-operatives) volunteer fire departments, above flood planes, decent roads that are passable year around, cable/internet/broadband and so on.

Another part of their strategy is that they can establish inexpensively and as time progresses and Rural comes to Suburban to outskirts of town the value of the property will
increase in a way competitive with any savings programs at Banks, or Insurance Companies, etc. They may have to drive a bit further to work and back each day but they believe it to be worth it.

Lastly how long do you intend to live in the home before moving ?

Statistically, American homeowners stay in their homes for an average of approximately 10 to 13 years before selling. While many experts suggest a minimum of five years to break even on transaction costs, the median tenure has risen, with 47% of homeowners residing in their homes for 6–10 years.