Converting a shed into a teenagers retreat

[Robbiep]

Hi guys,

We are looking at converting our shed, which is about 10 sqm in size, into a teenagers retreat, with a bed, desk, wardrobe etc.

The shed is on a slab, has electricity, a window and is a few metres away from the main house.

I was just wondering if we are able to convert our shed into a teenagers retreat and if there are any approvals required?

We currently live in south Australia.

Regards,
Robbie

 

[skater]

Hi guys,

We are looking at converting our shed, which is about 10 sqm in size, into a teenagers retreat, with a bed, desk, wardrobe etc.

The shed is on a slab, has electricity, a window and is a few metres away from the main house.

I was just wondering if we are able to convert our shed into a teenagers retreat and if there are any approvals required?

We currently live in south Australia.

Regards,
Robbie

Check with the Town Planning at your local Council.

 

[bob shovel]

Sounds like fun!.i vote just do it, don't over complicate it.

You should email the living room TV show. They love that stuff

 

[Robbiep]

whats the worst that could happen?

 

[Sailesh Channan]

Add insulation to walls and roof for comfort. I did that to my 6x6 colour bond shed and it was quite comfortable In the heat of the day.

 

[Robbiep]

what would be the best, and most cost effective way, to insulate the shed?

I thought of perhaps attaching sheets of pine to the inside frame and putting some sort of foam between the pine sheets and sheds walls.

 

[poordeveloper]

Check out the forums over at garagejournal.com for some great inspiration on sheds/garages. They'll have lots of tips for insulating and fitting out your shed conversion.

 

[Sailesh Channan]

what would be the best, and most cost effective way, to insulate the shed?

I thought of perhaps attaching sheets of pine to the inside frame and putting some sort of foam between the pine sheets and sheds walls.

I used sisalation paper on the walls and roof. However this was done prior to fixing the sheetwork. You may be able to unscrew the panels and wrap the frame and then screw it back on.

I would also recommend additional insulation bats in the cavity if you plan to line the internal wall

 

[Robbiep]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

I just called my local council, and they didn?t seem to ?strict? with regards to the intentions of the shed i.e. turning it into a teenagers retreat, tv, xbox, bed etc.

He actually brought up the term ?man cave? which many Australians have, but technically they not legal as they are ?habitable? yet they seem to turn a blind eye to it.

The worst case scenario would be a complaint from neighbor which could lead to them having it checked out, then asking me to remove the TV, couch, bed etc. There are no major fines or penalties.

He did suggest to me that my shed is properly ventilated (windows and door), but suggested I put in a smoke alarm? so this seems like a ?grey? area.

Mmmmm.. do I go-ahead or not?

Cheers,
Robbie

 

[esh]

I think go for gold and also yes put in smoke alarm

If the council didn't seem to strict I don't see why there would be an issue

 

[Tonibell]

I'd definitely say go ahead.

10m2 is not much of a retreat - should see if you can increase it a bit.

We did 35m2 across two sheds - se the link.

So much easier when they have friends over.

http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90076&highlight=NSW+Exempt+Development

 

[Robbiep]

Agreed, 10m2 might not be big, but its actually slightly bigger than he's current room inside the house.

 

[jim1964]

As long as there is no wet area the council will not care.