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How to convert shed to a living office?

SyedJaffry

I would like to work on this shed as a DIY project and convert it into a room for an office.

My targets are,

1. I would like to use the iron frame as it is and the concrete wall, which is only on one side.

2. Changing the ceiling by using plywood or any idea?

3. Also would like to change all the surrounding metal sheets. What can you use there after removing the sheets?

4. THE LAST ONE: IS IT WORTHY TO USE THE IRON FRAME OR INSTALL A NEW WOODEN FRAME?

It would be a silly project, but we (I and my sons) want to learn.

TIA

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JacobZ

Hi @SyedJaffry,

Converting your old shed into an office space sounds like a fantastic project; however, ensuring the safety and suitability of the structure should be the priority.

Sheds are usually fairly lightweight structures that aren't designed to support a whole lot of weight from things like internal linings. Looking at the photos, the besser brick wall and steel frame look solid, but confirming its suitability for your plans is something an engineer will need to assist with. Without consultation with a structural professional, I would not advise making any alterations or additions to this structure.

In converting the shed to an office, you may also be subject to regulation from your local council. During the planning stage, it would be worthwhile contacting your local council to ensure everything is above board.

A plywood or plasterboard ceiling would look good, but you would need to have an engineer assess the structure to ensure it is suitable to support the additional weight.

Assuming the frame is solid, then replacing the metal sheeting with new corrugated steel cladding would be fairly simple. You would just need to remove the old sheets and replace them with new ones. I would suggest speaking with your engineer about this and asking them if they have any concerns. While the steel cladding does not form part of the main structure, it could be playing a role in terms of bracing the frame.

To line your shed, you would likely need to add additional framing; however, it would need to be attached to the existing structure in some way. Once again, this is something you would have to check with an engineer to ensure it is done safely and suitably.

I'd love to see your project come to fruition, but some steps need to be taken to ensure it is done safely.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see what they think.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @SyedJaffry

Oh yeah 🙂 Love ideas like this, with yours there might be some changes you need to consider (pretty much the same lines as @JacobZ has mentioned)

So lets go through your list.

My targets are,

1. I would like to use the iron frame as it is and the concrete wall, which is only on one side.

A1. I think that the expense you would have in modifying the overall structure to carry the weight of cladding, plaster/timber and insulation would be higher then if you but a smaller shed on the concrete slab you have.

2. Changing the ceiling by using plywood or any idea?

A2. The existing shed roof looks like its been engineered to carry just that roof, I dont think id be comfortable walking on top so adding weight via a ceiling would be a no.

3. Also would like to change all the surrounding metal sheets. What can you use there after removing the sheets?

A3. Walls you could build a stuss wall to carry the load tho you still run into issues with the roof and potentially the height. (2.4m is the standard ceiling height)

4. THE LAST ONE: IS IT WORTHY TO USE THE IRON FRAME OR INSTALL A NEW WOODEN FRAME?

A4. This question I think is easy and has good news for sure 🙂 Id go for a new wooden framed shed, smaller then the existing shed (save money unless you want a large shed) Designing and building a smaller shed may be easier from a councils perspective compared to a new large shed so first step would be jump onto your local councils site and look up planning permissions.

Bonus Answer

Love those trusses! And would be a shame to loose them.

-You could have a roofed outside area with them fitted to new posts.

-You could have an awning style thing with the smaller shed idea, twist the trussed 90degrees and have three next to the shed that backs onto the bessa block wall.

-With a new shed you can make sure you waterproof the base so water wont enter your shed. (big one if you are trying to convert an old shed to something else)

Some thoughts on how and what you want..

-Empty out the shed of all the loose stuff you dont want, guarentee that as you do ideas will be floating through your mind.

-Sketch it 🙂 Draw up a top down look at the backkyard, add the outside measurements and then add the slab, then think of shed sizes and awning sizes. You dont need an awning, maybe the trusses could be part used as a covered walkway to the shed?

- There is power going to the existing shed so you will need to make that safe while doing the renos. Sketch where you want the power to be in the new shed, it may change the orintation.

-Water... Now depending on your council it may be an idea to figure in, mark on your sketch of the yard where the neerest tap point is/piping.

- Drainage for the stormwater. Where will the water go as it comes off the roof?, I can see a downpipe so crossing fingers it goes to a stormwater pipe otherwise you will need to factor that in.

I think it would be a pretty nice project, drawing up the shed on paper (yeah I prefer that over say sketchup but either way works) will help you be able to work out costings whether you stay with the shed and modify it or go for a different type of shed. Whichever way you decide please take lots of pics 🙂 This would be a nice project to post up here for sure!

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @SyedJaffry

There are lots of things to consider which both @JacobZ and @Dave-1 have detailed. On the surface the steel frame looks potentially sound. The main issue is it strong enough? But the main concern is that there visit enough fixing pants for the walls and ceiling. By the time you add infill framing to both, it might be worth considering off starting fresh? This would mean taking down the shed and building off the side lesser brick wall and concrete slabs both being solid long term foundations.

Nailbag

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