How to add a bathroom to existing shed?

Question

Hi, I have a shed approx 7m x 3m which I want to turn into a granny flat. What would be the best way/method to add additional space for a wet area(bathroom & laundry). As the main shed I would still want to maintain the exisitng space to convert to a bedroom and kitchenette.

Am I better off adding another 2m x 3m extension to the existing shed? and if so what is the best method to go ahead with? Space in the backyard to add an extesion is not a problem as the shed has space on all side to expand atleast by 2-3 meters

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @sswel1

I can't ad anything further than the great detailed information already provided by both @JacobZ and @MitchellMc other than to reinforce the very strict regulations around conversions of non-liveable to liveable spaces. I know this first hand from converting a single garage into a formal entrance and small living space behind.

Nailbag

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @sswel1. It is great to have you with us and many thanks for your question on converting a shed.

Converting an existing shed into a habitable space is unfortunately much more complicated than simply lining the walls and adding a bathroom. Once a building is intended to be lived in, it generally needs to comply with a range of building, structural, energy efficiency, waterproofing, ventilation, insulation and fire safety requirements that a standard shed wasn't originally designed to meet.

For that reason, I'd recommend engaging a builder who is experienced with shed-to-habitable-space conversions. They'll be familiar with the requirements and can advise whether your existing shed is suitable for conversion or whether it would be more practical and cost-effective to construct a new standalone building instead. In many cases, designing a purpose-built granny flat is actually easier than trying to modify an existing shed to meet all the relevant standards.

You'll also almost certainly need to obtain council approval before carrying out the conversion. I'd suggest your local council is the best place to start, as they can explain the requirements for your property and what approvals will be needed. They'll also be able to advise on requirements for the bathroom and laundry, including the location of sanitary fixtures, plumbing connections and any setbacks or other planning controls that may apply.

If you do proceed with the conversion, adding a 2m x 3m extension for the wet area could certainly be an option, but whether that's the best approach will depend on the condition and construction of the existing shed, its slab, the roof design and whether the structure is capable of being altered. These are all things that a builder or designer can assess during the planning stage.

You might also find these previous discussions helpful:

* How to build a room in an existing shed? by @Penguin 
* How to convert Easyshed lourve window and doors to be habitable? by @renzo75 
* How to convert a carport into a room? by @Tariq

They cover many of the planning, approval and construction considerations you'll likely encounter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @sswel1,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Your first step would be to contact your local council or a building certifier to confirm the planning and building approval requirements for converting the shed into a granny flat and adding a bathroom, laundry and extension.

Sheds are not generally built to the same standards as habitable areas of a home, so modifications may be required to the foundations, framing, insulation, waterproofing, ventilation and services to bring it up to the necessary standard.

Once you understand what is permitted, your best option would be to speak with a licensed builder. They can assess the existing structure and advise whether the conversion and extension are practical or whether another plan of attack would be better.

Even if you don't go with their plan exactly, it will give you an idea of where to start.

Allow me to tag some helpful members to see what they think - @Nailbag, @TedBear, @R4addZ.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob