Can A Pre-Fab Be Made Into a Tiny House? 

This should be like Derksen Cabins. This young man knows what he's doing! God bless this man.

I live in a 12x32 tiny house I made out of a prefab shed. Best descision I made.

I have lived in a shed for over a year now I love it

If you're going to do this, before you do ANYTHING to it, find someone RESNET-certified to run some tests on the structure. Basically they can tell you how airtight the place is, and (hopefully) where the major air leaks are. Seal those places up, then have them run another test. It's a LOT easier sealing up the house at the beginning than after you've put in drywall, insulation, plumbing, etc.

the best walk through I have seen so far. thanks

I am planning on building a tiny home in about 3 years. This video was extremely helpful, thank you!

I'm genuinely considering purchasing a 1-2 acre piece if land in a state with very minimal land prices, purchasing a 16x16 to 16x24, two story shed, insulate it myself, purchase a large generator, putting together a basic control panel, and wiring up 6 outlets on each floor, then sheet rocking. Lay do some simple plumbing for a kitchen sink and a shower, then run the stove off of gas. I'm not afraid of using an outhouse, so I'd build one of those. Maybe attach it to the main building via a door, for convenience. Would have satellite TV and wifi.

Make sure to check with codes in your area and see about land restrictions if you plan to put it on vacant land.

A couple things I would advise, use steel framing anchors (Ex: Simpson A35 anchors) to tie the rafters, joists, studs, plates, sills together. You don't need to tie every connection together but every 3rd stud for example would help guarantee the structure stays solid no matter what. If I was going to convert this, I would look into using a closed-cell spray foam insulation instead of Batt, you get crazy R values and its cuts sound moisture and air infiltration. Also the footing issue, dont rely on simply placing this on top of a few concrete blocks set in the ground, gravity alone isn't going to hold this in place. You are going to need some sort of solid footing, solid piers or continuous pour, with anchor straps or bolts in the concrete. Otherwise a strong wind *will* shift this off a simple gravity pier footing. be very interesting to see what one could do with one of these larger units, a nice tidy bathroom could go under that stairway, which BTW is very nice feature in a pre-fab, hats off to Tuff-shed.

Thanks for making this video. It seemed like a no-brainer that you could make a prefab a complete home but it was nice to see. Perhaps you could make it a future project? That would be cool. Maybe get Tuff Sheds to sponsor your video! Very professional videos.

Sweet! Excellent info for those of us aspiring to build like this. thank you.

Thanks For ALL the Helpful Info!! I Have Amish Relatives Who Build those For A Living!! :)

If you like this video, you might also like Solarcabin's video on How to Convert a Shed to a Cabin. He also has some awesome sketch-ups for inside ideas. I subscribed to Tiny's channel too, he has a nice way of explaining things.

Great video! We have seen an increase in sales with our sheds like this. We stick build them on site and can customize to your liking. If you are in the central or eastern US I can help you with one. We have installers from Maine to Texas for this same unit and we have other options also.

I bought a 10x10 lofted barn style shed from lowes $800 was 2x3 studs 24 in apart. I did insulate all 4 walls but when you have these types of kits the ceilings can't be closed and insulated properly due to 2x3 studs so I had to keep ceiling open.also running electric in these walls is difficult to as less space for switch boxes etc. I suggest if structure is not on foundation and up on columns that you insulate the hell out of the floor joists. Winter proved to be difficult as I had a space heater running 24/7 but barely kept warm. These kits are not designed to be air tight. Many gaps many imperfections and materials almost always warped or damaged. Critters and bugs always find a way in. These are not houses and aren't meant to be. The design really differs. Yes it can be constructed to be liveable but you will spend more$ I added studs for strength and hurricane brackets everywhere. Insulation R value on 3 inch studs not that good. Also the siding provided is super thin to reduce shipping weight n costs. It's usually 1/2 inch T11. I'd do more research before attempting to make one of these a home but with extra added stuff make incredible warm workshops studio etc

I think depending on where you are located, you might need an engineer to stamp your plans before you can even think about getting an occupancy permit much less utilities run

Please make more vids. They're very informative. I'm looking to do this in NJ / PA area, and I have a feeling it's going to be a nightmare.

"knock knock" "who's there?" "tuba" "tuba who?" "tuba four"

This answered so many of the questions I had about this particular option for a Tiny House. thanks so much for making this video

I was honestly hoping thi would be a video of the house being made, but I still see where you were going here. Very interesting.

I turned a little 12 x 20 into fully livable home, I have electric, insulation and walls ect, I didnt worry about plumbing, I have a trailer nearby with a fully working toilet and shower. it also houses a kitchen. Building was pre fabricated with full vinyl siding and a steel entry door for $4,100 + $600 for the insulation, lights, walls, floor paint, wiring.

Love the video! My wife & I are trying to pick which one we like & do it up. The one from Home Depot with the front porch has caught our eye. Then the one story sheds that look much like a cabin. Both have their merits but we're glad it's not gut wrenching work & cheap considering we will own it out right & no payments!

Lowe's recently had that exact floor plan model on clearance for $3,800 if customer hauled it off the lot. I believe it was an additional $3,000 to deliver and set. All I could see was my perfect lil tiny house going to live with somebody else cause I'm not ready to buy yet...so it goes.

Got news for you, it’s still listed as S for storage building. In order to make it into a residential building, you have to have an engineer come in and give specs for UNDER the building and the size and number of skids. The 2x4 framing isn’t correct either, the roof height, the gussets, the windows etc etc. So before you even think about it you need to go to Your building department and do some homework. An engineers blueprint and signature will cost anywhere from 3-6 grand. That’s just paper, then you have to hire a contractor to do the damned work because they require the builder to be licensed by the state, even to come out and look at what was corrected. Folks it can be done but your in for a shock if you buy a prefab shed at 10-15 grand thinking you’re set just to find out you will still have to put in an additional 20 grand JUST IN THE STRUCTURE. You haven’t even started on the interior. Once the state or local gets your ass with the first guy you’re fucked because then they want an inspection for every damned thing done. Electric, plumbing, etc etc. oh yes and then there’s the property, the septic that all must be licensed people doing the work. They get you coming and going.

Just found this video and I must say the presenter is very charming and knowledgeable. 😘 I'd love to learn more about doing a shed to tiny house conversion. 🇺🇸 I have no skills so I'd have to contract someone to help but, I'd love to learn more about the process size options, materials and building codes and foundations. 🏆 Can't wait for the next video that guy's smile is like sunshine! 🌞

Really good job on this video. Told me exactly what I needed to know...and without a bunch of puff. Thanks. Very helpful.

Hi, I spoke to an older man down here in Florida who said that the Home Depot & Lowe's sheds ARE NOT legal to live in here in Florida because they DO NOT pass the hurricane/weather laws. He said that both Home Depot & Lowe's will sell you the sheds & NOT even inform you about these laws prior to buying their sheds. The older guy who builds sheds says that it would actually be cheaper & even better to build your shed out of steel because they pass the laws & will last longer as far as durability goes. What do you think about this??? Thanks for the useful videos.

Thanks for making this video because I am looking for a solutions and options to start creating my tiny house.

That would make a perfect tiny house 😍..👍

You can buy these sheds with electric and plumbing pre done and installation done and they don't coast anymore, that is the way to go because that is most of the work one has to do.

You've covered a lot of the construction needs, however, I live in Canada and my recommendation to everyone is this: research the government building codes, check on the existing shed code(before you buy it), be sure you have land that allows "tiny homes" (I'm not only talking the legal aspects), and br sure that that lifestyle is what uou want.

wind sheer = collar tie, keeps the barn roof from drooping and pushing the walls out.

One issue that I see with trying to upgrade a shed into a tiny home is the lack of a vapor barrier under the siding.

Check into your local building codes. Florida is strict. You are going to need an engineer's certification of the plans, building permits for water/sewer and or the septic system with approved drain field. That even goes if you build out in country and don't even bother inside the city limits.

What about vapor barrior? isn't that important? I never hear anyone talk about it.

Tuba fours and tuba tens all over the place.

very good insure the best yet

Nice I like this house

I would L💘VE to have this pre fab shed for my art studio/She Shed! 😊

Tuff sheds are built on site which saves them money in shipping, storage and manufacturing. But IMO, the real questions is why doesn't anybody make a shell with plans (and foundation guides) that would pass most major state building structural codes? Something that comes without a Floor or foundation. A 2 floor 24x16 with 750 feet of interior floor place. At $15k delivered and installed this would be a great deal. Perhaps i'm missing something here but seems these are not that far off the mark.

Check your local zoning laws. Cause you could be spending another 10,000$ for engineer, contractors and materials.

cool video! love the pointers!

Buy sheds from derksen sheds they are well made. I have a large one for storage and it has stayed dry and no moist.

My dad and granddad have built so many houses over the years I’m gonna get one of these and me and my best friend are gonna live in it but thank god I have men in my family that know the ins and outs of this kinda stuff

I wander if those tough sheds come with 2x6 studs instead

i'm gonna buy a shed and get a carpenter to do the rest :) I hope I can make my tiny house for less than 30k

We live in Southwest TX... Could something like this stand up to a good storm?

How much would plumbing run? estimate. Going to use solar for power.

Can u put one on a flatbed trailer? Not a 16x16 of course. 12x8 maybe?

Good informative video

What about zoning laws and restrictions. Is this legal for residential ? or just for country off grid no covenants.

What permits are needed for something like this?

Say it's an "office" and you want a space away from home to do your thing. If it happens to be converted into a home later on so what?

You can Airbnb it, realistic example is $40 per night. You will have a difficult time renting 100% of the time but say you get about 65% or so out each month. So let’s use 20 days per month. $40x20=$800 remove Airbnb fees and time cleaning (20 times), wifi, and electricity. Leaves you with say $400 per month. So $400 x 12 months = $4,800 per year. No, it doesn’t end there. I didn’t mention that you had claimed the shed as a deduction, so 100% of the cost of the shed was used against your income tax filing, eventually you will pay that off and start making more money. I’m not a financial advisor but if you want a home based business and don’t want strangers in your actual house then consult your city’s shed restrictions. If you don’t have any and live near a high traffic zone. I will see you at the millionaires club soon. NOW GO OUT THERE AND MAKE SOME MONEY AND RETIRE EARLY!!!

Please check your local laws and codes. Sheds are coded as sheds....you can't legally live in a building not code as a dwelling. A friend went this route. After buying a shed and investing more $ and time converting it...they were not allowed to live there.

How would you insure this as a home?

I've thought about a barn style shed as a home. I would want a customizable one. I would have at least 2 of these, with separating between them. One unit would probably be 16x20 on the main level, & be just the living room. I would have a set of stairs built between the 2 units. There would be one bedroom above the living room. If I can get a 16x30 or 16x40 for the second unit, the second unit would have the kitchen, a recreational/dining room , & a small mudroom with a powder room off to the side. Upstairs would have either have 1 or 2 bedrooms, & a bathroom in the other section. I want mine on a permanent foundation, & I would want a basement under my house. While it won't be a tiny house, to me, this would be a small house. I would not want stairs in the main frames themselves, since I want the stairs built between the 2 units, and enclosed.

the biggest problem is as always, the legal issues. even if you can do this practically, zoning laws act as a major hindrance for doing this. I plan to do this some day, but the biggest problem is going to be is finding a place to do this.

I live in nyc and I have done my share of construction...My issues is will these place deliver over here. If not I can buy a bunch of small ones and put them together...but I liked that one alot.

That's to much money that I don't have. but I do like the ideas you give

must get tuba4 and a tuba10

Appreciate the video but I think it could get sticky with zoning in town. Cities have minimum square footage requirements for living. Sure anybody could buy one and finished it themselves. Good thing is if you keep it on blocks as storage building you won't be subject to building codes but if you say you are going to live in it there could be problems. I'm open to learn so fill me in if you have more knowledge of this. I would think everybody would be doing it if you could. Make great guest quarters in back yard. Once plumbing and electric become involved might become a bigger issue?

Thx for the video. What I want to do is buy a cheap ruined small abandoned home and tear it down and put a pre fab 20x20 on top of bare slab. That way the elec and plumbing are already in? I’m not a carpenter or contractor. I know nothing about construction. Just wondering is this doable ? I live alone. I’m a minimalist. Don’t even own a car. Just have to line up the bathroom area is the main thing. If the slab is bigger than 20x20 which I’m guessing it will be. I’m wondering if I can just leave the leftover slab for a porch ? Thx for any and all help

what was the total height of that building. that looked perfect for what i have in mind

No tyvek or proper siding over the sub siding. No proper venting of the roof attic. These are the things that let a normal building breath and work with weather,rot. Such can be added though. Tivek on the outside with foam board and vinal siding. Two by eight roof trusses with ventilation between foam insulation and the roof will let it breath but what about inside moisture?

Condensation, condensation, condensation! Also, figure out how you plan on insulating the floor.

toobafor ???

if you add another 2x4 at the 2:00 mark. aren't you altering the structure. which would go against the engineering sign off on the building?

Really like that shed at the Depot..however my carpenter friends laugh at me when I mention the price of said shed. lol Little bit over priced.

Hello,I was wondering if anyone has ever built a Tiny House Structure using steel studs to frame it out . The reason for this question is for the weight of them is much less than using standard 2 x 4 wood framing . I'm a single man wanting to use an 8 x 16 dual axle trailer that was originally a livestock trailer, for my tiny off grid house .Thanks

"Two buh four."

10k and then go to town doing all the work done to actually make it usable You can build it for 5 to 6 the right way first then only have 10k in finished house

What is a sheet rock when it's at home by the way?

are the material non toxic? if not the people living there will get sick super fast.

well this was a good video!

what is that wood called inside looks like pieces

sweet

I'm 14 looking into just buying a shed for a private space for RU-viding/gaming with my next door buddy 😂

I live in a 160 sq ft (10 x 16) storage building and here are some of the photos. plus.google.com/photos/+DaleModisette/albums/6042658726426920401

Tuba?

Whats a tubba four?? And a tubba ten?

"TUBA FOUR"

tubafores and tubatens? lmao

What’s a tuba4 and tuba10

Kayla DeBusk

You really shouldn't use these SHEDS as a living structure. It doesn't have any moisture barriers, has single pane windows, vents (which could be plugged), etc., If 2 people were to live in here without proper ventilation it will be covered in mold and mildew in no time at all. Also, a contractor can build it the right way, to live in, for the same or less money. Do yourself a favor and find a local contractor and get a bid before you blow your money on a shed.

See I was under the impression hat for legal reasons you could not have a tiny house on wheels any wider than 8.5 feet. Can someone fill me in on the rules please

By the time you add all of the interior build stuff you are looking at a lot of money, you are better off buying a single wide. lol Much less work.

Great video! These are pretty much things I had already taken into account, but I didn't catch the part where you mentioned a foundation or delivery/setup cost? Do some come with an actual foundation? Is that price inclusive of delivery and setup? I'm trying to research and figure all this out myself, and I had come up with (guesstimated) potentially being able to outfit and customize one for myself (on already owned land) for about 25-28k total. I would have to hire out all the plumbing, electrical, foundation, etc. Does that seem reasonable to you? Thanks so much for all the great info and videos!!! :-)

Those stairs wouldn't pass code.

Tuba four?

what the hell would i need a tuba for

wouldn't it be better to build a tiny house pole building one guy on u tube build a house for 22 dollars per square foot

Tuba fours.

You could converted into a house but you might as well just build it from scratch to fit your needs better and it would probably be cheaper

tew-ba-for

you keep saying sheet rock, you mean drywall right

hah I've always wondered if it was possible to turn it into an actual house.

in the days of the depression woman made a home for their children anywhere they could. barns were homes when nothing else could be found.

it will not pass inspection