Living in a Shed: Everything You Need to Know

Over recent years, sheds have become more than just something you use for storing old tools or junk you don’t want in the house.

There’s now such a concept as a ‘tiny home,’ and we’ve got to say, we’re loving it! So, if you’re eager to create a beautiful living space in your garden—whether that’s to give your child a sense of independence or create a place you can escape to—then stick with us!

Transforming your shed into a liveable space takes a lot of work, both with the legal aspects and the interior design (so make sure it’ll be used enough to be worth all the hassle!)

To help you get started on your renovation, Atlas Sheds has created a ‘need to know’ guide so you know everything there is about how to live in a shed comfortably.

Is Shed Living Right for You?

With house prices constantly rising, tiny homes are becoming more and more enticing. But if you already own a home, then why would you want to live in a shed in your garden?

We’re glad you asked! Garden homes can be used for a number of things, such as:

A separate, independent space for your child to live in while they save for a property of their own.
A spare bedroom for guests to stay in when they come over.
A place to escape when you need some space away from noisy children or a difficult spouse.

Sheds are much more cost-effective than adding an extension to your home for the extra space. Plus, they offer simplicity and are surrounded by nature, making it a peaceful place to stay.

You can either renovate your shed into a luxurious bedroom or go the full way by kitting it out with a small kitchen and bathroom area. It’ll be like living in a studio apartment! Of course, this will cost more, so this is more ideal for creating a small home in your garden for an older child.

However, it goes to say that if you’re planning on using your shed as a spare room every now and then with a pull-out bed, you won’t need planning permission. This is only required if it’s going to be a permanent residence.

Is it Legal to Live in a Shed?

While the short answer is, yes, it’s legal to convert a shed into a living space, the legality of it really depends on the building regulations in your area.

Sheds are usually classified as outbuildings in the UK; if they fit certain requirements, they can be built in a garden or on private property without obtaining planning permission.

However, using a shed as a full-time living space, with permanent plumbing, electricity, or a fixed foundation, requires planning approval and compliance with building regulations.

There are also some other rules you must follow once you’ve been granted planning permission:

The shed must not cover more than 50% of the total land area around your house.
The shed heights mustn’t exceed 2.5 meters if positioned within 2 meters of your house.
Your mini home must be built out of sturdy and durable materials that can withstand weather conditions.
Any electrical wiring must meet Part P of the Building Regulations and be installed by a qualified electrician.
Any plumbing (such as sinks, showers, or toilets) must comply with water regulations and waste disposal laws.
It must be fitted with smoke detectors, fire-resistant materials, and fire doors.

Chances of Approval

You’ll likely get accepted to build your tiny home if you follow the above guidelines and can prove that the shed won’t become a separate dwelling. This means no separate address, postal delivery, or tax.

If you want to increase your chances of maintaining planning approval, connect your shed to the main house, such as a garden annexe. Annexes or garden rooms can be used with utilities, as long as they’re not rented out (so don’t try to sneak one past them!)

But if you’ve clicked on this blog today, then we’re guessing a garden annexe is what you already had in mind!

What Happens If You Live in a Shed Illegally?

If you fail to ask for planning permission or you don’t follow the building regulations, then you can expect a hefty fine to come your way.

You will also receive an enforcement notice to cease living in the structure, and legal action may be taken if you still fail to comply. All in all, it’s best to ensure you follow all the rules so you don’t end up having to demolish a shed you spent thousands on renovating.

Designing Your Shed Living Space

Now, when it comes to actually designing your shed, an 8x10 tool shed won’t do.

To get the most out of your shed as possible, opt for a spacious garden room or a large shed, like our 20x10 Superior Tall Apex Shed. Our garden pods are perfect for those who want a more modern and bright atmosphere.

Once you’ve decided on a shed, you’ll need to get planning on installing and furnishing it.

1. Building the structure

Installing a garden shed requires a lot of skill and patience, so it’s best to leave it up to the professionals for a satisfying result.

If you’re prepared to handle the task of building a base yourself, you can read our guide on how to build a shed base. A proper shed base will prevent any moisture from seeping into your shed, keeping mould and mildew at bay.

When you buy a shed with us, we offer free installation and delivery! We recommend choosing a shed that is at least 150-300 sq ft for basic comfort.

Size (Sq ft)	Best for
Under 100 sq ft	Basic sleeping pod
100-150 sq ft	Single-person compact home
150-250 sq ft	Small but functional space for 1-2 people
250-400 sq ft	Comfortable for a couple and allows for a bathroom and kitchenette
400-500+ sq ft	Spacious garden home with space for separate rooms/ areas

2. Plan the layout

When it comes down to it, you have to keep your expectations under control for your shed home. After all, you’ve got much less space to work with than a two-story property.

So, when planning the layout, keep these key things in mind. As long as you’ve got these covered, there won’t be much else you need!

Sleeping area: Opt for a lofted bed to save up space or a couch that doubles up as a pull-out bed for when you have guests over.
Kitchenette: You won’t be able to create a grand kitchen, so factor in just enough space for a sink, portable stove, mini fridge, and shelves.
Bathroom: If you’re installing a plumbing system, then decide whether you need a full bathroom or just a compost toilet (I’m sure you can let your child use your shower in the house).
Living and workspace: Everyone wants a desk or somewhere that they can create and indulge in hobbies, so factor in space for a small desk, foldable tables, or storage boxes.
Storage: You’ll need enough space to store clothes and personal items, so add in built-in shelves, under-bed drawers, and overhead compartments. Wall pegs and racks are great space savers!

3. Insulation

If you’re going to be living in a shed in your garden, then you don’t want to freeze during the winter.

Insulation is essential to make sure your shed is a livable environment all year round. For this, we suggest using rigid foam board for the walls, floor, and ceiling, and spray foam to cover any gaps in the structure.

If the climate in your shed isn’t regulated, then it won’t meet the building regulations for a garden room, putting you at risk of legal action. To avoid this, read our step-by-step guide on insulating your shed here.

3. Lighting

No one wants to live in a dark and dreary shed (unless you’re secretly a bat).

Lighting is an essential part of making your shed feel like a mini home. This can look like adding extra windows, such as a skylight, replacing wooden doors with glass doors, and adding some artificial lighting.

For a cosy atmosphere, add some warm LED lamps or light strips. Or, make the most out of the extra sun exposure with solar-powered lights—it’s a great way to save electricity!

4. Decor and furnishings

Of course, no tiny home is complete without some personalisation. That’s what makes it a home!

To make your shed feel like a place you want to live in every day, add some soft furnishings, like rugs, comfy chairs, a soft bed, and maybe a bookshelf or two. If space allows it, add a separate area for lounging with friends with a small sofa or beanbag chairs.

You can add a TV or entertainment setup to keep yourself occupied and hang some pictures and wall art on the walls so it doesn’t feel so empty in there with you.

If you’re a plant lover, make the most of the extra sunlight by adding a few potted plants! A bit of greenery is just what you need to make the space feel more uplifting.

5. Security

When you transform a shed into more than a simple storage space, additional security measures are needed.

This could look like upgrading your locks to reinforced locks or deadbolts and adding some security cameras around the property to ward off intruders. Motion sensor lighting is also a great way to alert you when someone steps into your garden, making not only yourself but also the people in the main house aware.

Essential Utilities

Sure, whoever is living in the shed in your garden can come into your home to use the appliances, such as the kitchen and bathroom. But where’s the fun in that?

You are designing a mini home, after all, so make it feel like one! By adding these utilities below, your shed will be completely transformed into a mini home that is safe and enjoyable to live in.

1. Electricity and Power Supply

If you’re planning on watching TV and using appliances, then you’re going to need electricity.

Adding electricity to your shed can be challenging, but it’s doable once you have received planning permission. The simplest option for this is to extend the home’s electrical system to the shed.

Setting up an electrical power supply in your shed will require a qualified electrician, trenching and cabling from the house to the shed, and a fuse box or circuit breaker to prevent electrical overload. DO NOT attempt to do this yourself!

2. Water Supply

To be able to turn your shed into a home, you’ll need a water supply for cooking, bathing, and drinking.

If your shed is on a property with access to the main water supply, a qualified plumber can install a pipe connection (this is not a job for DIY, trust us). For this, you will need a trench for running insulated pipes to prevent freezing, a shutoff valve to control water flow to the shed, and proper drainage and waste disposal.

You may be happy with a simplified system for basic water needs. If so, you can just use a hosepipe or an outdoor tap extension or install water storage tanks. Speak to a professional to understand the best option for your needs!

3. Waste Management & Sewage Solutions

Proper waste and sewage management is essential if you want to install a flush toilet.

For sheds installed in a back garden, you will have access to a septic tank or main sewer line; a plumber can extend the system to include your shed. They will install a drainage pipe that leads to the main system and add a flushing toilet and water waste disposal to your shed.

Or, you could go down the eco-friendly route and opt for a compost toilet instead. One of these requires more maintenance, but it doesn’t require plumbing, so it’s a great money saver!

4. Heating and Cooling

We’ve covered adding insulation to your shed, but what about a proper heating system? If you’re looking for a warm and cosy shed, then an electric heater or a wood burner may be your best bet.

However, installing a wood burner or a propane heater requires efficient ventilation, such as a chimney, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If you’re connecting your tiny home to the mains electricity, then an electric heater is the best way to go.

In terms of cooling, an electric fan will probably be enough to keep your shed cool during the summer. You will need to add air vents to prevent condensation and steam, especially when cooking, and install a ceiling fan for a large garden shed.

5. Internet

Where would our modern homes be without the internet? If you’re planning to stream in your shed and browse social media, then connecting to the mains electricity is essential.

If your shed is close enough to your property, then you may only need a Wi-Fi booster or mesh system to extend the signal. However, if you have a large garden, then you can find out how to set up a secure connection with our guide on connecting Wi-Fi to your garden shed.

How Much Will It Cost to Make a Shed Liveable?

Overall, you’re looking at paying anywhere between £5000 for a basic shed room to £50,000+ for a mini garden home.

The final cost will vary depending on size, utilities, location, materials, and legal requirements. While buying a pre-built shed can be an expensive upfront cost, building one from scratch can cost more, as the prices for everything you need will add up.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect (estimated prices only):

Shed Structure: £5,000 - £15,000+
Foundation & Groundwork: £500 - £5,000
Insulation & Weatherproofing: £1,000 - £5,000
Electricity & Solar Power: £1,500 - £8,000
Water & Plumbing: £1,000 - £6,000
Sewage & Waste Disposal: £500 - £4,000
Heating & Cooling: £500 - £3,000
Kitchen & Appliances: £1,500 - £7,000
Bathroom Setup: £1,000 - £5,000
Furniture & Interior Finishing: £1,000 - £6,000
Planning Permission & Legal Fees: £0 - £3,000
Council Tax & Running Costs (Annual): £0 - £1,500+

If you’ve never worked on a project this big before, going down the DIY route could lead to spending more money, as you’ll have to factor in the likelihood of repairing mistakes.

Start Your Shed Living Journey with Atlas Sheds

Now that we’ve covered how to live in a shed, we can help you create the perfect base for your garden home at Atlas Sheds with our high-quality timber sheds.

We can customise your structure to your style, helping you create the tiny home of your dreams. Fitted with durable windows, sturdy locks, insulated walls, and beautiful doors, our modern sheds are bound to meet your expectations.