Ignite FB Tracking PixelConverting a Shed Into a Living Space: Costs to Consider - Vincent Zhang

Converting a Shed Into a Living Space: Costs to Consider

by Vincent Zhang 04/25/2022

A growing number of homeowners invest in in-law apartments each year as a way to expand their square footage to accommodate family members. According to data from Freddie Mac, upwards of 1.4 million single-family homes include an in-law dwelling.

Regardless of the reason to make the home improvement, property owners often spend the money knowing the additional living space will likely increase property value. To take the savings further, everyday people may want to consider converting a shed into an in-law apartment tiny home.

Costs to Compare & Consider

It's essential to avoid making what some might consider an apples-to-oranges comparison. When calculating costs, it makes sense to compare the renovation costs of a garage or attic with an existing outbuilding. If adding another room to the house is required, that cost would mirror constructing or purchasing a prefabricated tiny home.

A number of remodeling estimate guides can be leveraged online to give you a general idea of how much your project will cost. Fair comparisons call for a dollar amount per square foot of living space. There are essential construction elements that can distinguish the two approaches, including:

      • Windows: Integrating a new window into a shed or outbuilding tends to be less labor-intensive than the outer frame of a home or garage.
    • Ventilation: Running HVAC to a garage or attic can be tricky, in terms of cost. Many attics already have ducts in place that can easily be accessed. An attached garage may also have nearby ductwork. It generally won t make sense to invest in a ventilation system for a large shed. Most outbuilding renovations rely on low-cost fans and air-conditioning units.
    • Electricity: Having power professionally run to an outbuilding can raise the price of the upgrade. However, you have the unique opportunity to go all-in on solar energy in outbuildings. Although the initial investment may be higher, ongoing electricity expenses can be practically eliminated.
    • Plumbing: An independent in-law space generally requires a full bathroom and kitchen sink. Although the cost of running water and return lines in the living space tends to be comparable, connecting to sewer or septic can prove vastly different. Properties that have onsite septic systems may favor an in-law outbuilding renovation. Tying into an existing line may only require excavating a small trench and laying PVC. A renovated garage or attic often calls for demo work through existing partitions. This process may call for new sheetrock, spackling, and repainting affected rooms. In addition, homes connected to municipal sewers could prove cost-prohibitive to connect a backyard outbuilding.

    Adding up all of these costs as well as those unique to your renovation will help articulate upfront investment. In terms of the cost between a tiny house and a home addition, it may prove useful to gather quotes from professionals in your area. While the math will fall one way or the other, true value may reside in the quality of life.

About the Author
Author

Vincent Zhang

I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.

I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.

In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.

I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience. 

If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.

Yours truly, Vincent Zhang