Shed house as a winter getaway!
Fall is here here and winter is barreling down the time for a shed house is here. With a small fireplace or woodstove installed what could be more enjoyable than a cup of hot coffee and a good book in your own vacation cottage in your back yard.
This I am sure sounds wonderful but may seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. A very simple structure, a shed for instance, can be finished just like a house. If you build your own shed house you can design in any features you want. A little insulation and some gas logs or a real wood burning fireplace make for a cozy winter getaway.
Take some time to think about it. With the economy growing ever more uncertain there is no better place to put your money than in your own property. Gain enjoyment and functionality now and value forever.
Comment from Sally Ann
Time January 17, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Kris Schmandt’s article, “Shed house as a winter getaway!” is spot on! We renovated our shed into a multi-purpose room, and it was well worth the money!
It’s small, but cozy, and gives a tranquil sense of privacy. (Getting rid of all the “stuff” we used to store there was also “good for the soul.”)
It has a mobile-home approved woodstove and an electric heater for backup.
We put a portable sanipotty and a water jug ‘n basin in a closet for “emergencies.” .
When any of us want to get away from it all, we don’t need to shovel out the car to drive somewhere. Just grab a book, or a CD player, bring a cup of coffee, throw a log on the fire, and just gaze out at the snowflakes.
Our advice from our own experiences (in order of priority):
1) Safety first with your heat source(s) and wiring. You want to be able to snooze if the mood hits you. Remember a smoke alarm, and a fire extinguisher, too.
2) Make sure the foundation is level and solid before doing any major remodeling–you don’t want to redo all your interior work after winter ice heaves!
3) Make sure to avoid ice damming and roof damage which can ruin all your hard work (We use a plug-in heating coil.)
4) Put in two windows for cross ventilation and nice views.
5) Have the entrance tiled for the mud and snow. (And hang a row of coat hooks!)
An all-season shed-house is the answer for cabin fever, and saves on psychiatrist’s bills. Read up on Mr. Schmandt’s articles, and enjoy!