Recently my friends became empty-nesters. After six months of living without their kids in their 2,500 sq. ft. suburban home, they fondly remembered how good of a home it had been. They also realized it was now overkill. So, they sold it – they sold it all! They literally sold 90% of all they owned, holding back only their most prized possessions. As they considered their next move, they became aware of the tiny-home craze. They were very interested and soon started looking at the idea of livable sheds – a pre-made, quality constructed canvas that could be built out however they choose.
Here are a few factors that eventually led them to choose livable sheds:
Quality vs Quantity
Many homeowners dream of living in luxury; a beautiful home with impressive amenities. But as the housing market continues to fluctuate across America, many people find themselves at the crossroads of size or quality. Building out your own livable shed means you can enjoy high end finishes or go with the popular minimalist treatment. Form versus function? The good news is that YOU get to decide. When building a livable shed, it’s important to consider your needs and priorities. Do you value quality finishes and luxurious amenities, or are you more interested in minimalism and functionality? The beauty of building your own livable shed is that you can customize it to meet your unique preferences. Perhaps you want a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, or maybe you prefer a cozy sleeping loft and a simple living area. Whatever your ideal living space looks like, a livable shed can make it a reality. So, take the time to consider your priorities and create a space that truly feels like home.
Handy Man or Not?
The world seems divided into those with creative genius, those who can build anything, and occasionally that person who can do both. Livable sheds don’t have a preference. It is literally an open room. You can dream it, design it, and finish it out to your liking. Livable sheds also leave room in your budget for you to hire that creative professional or a super skilled craftsman to make your new home perfect for your specific needs. However you choose to go, you have unlimited amounts of options to make your space your very own. Even if you don’t consider yourself a handyman or a DIY expert, a livable shed can still be a great choice for you. With an open floor plan and customizable features, you can create a space that meets your needs without having to tackle complex construction projects. Plus, building a livable shed leaves plenty of room in your budget to hire professional contractors or skilled craftsmen to help bring your vision to life. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a novice homeowner, a livable shed is a flexible and versatile option for creating your perfect living space.
Addition by Subtraction
My friends describe selling all their possessions as “a relief they never expected.” They had collected a lot of stuff over twenty years, raising two kids. So, they culled out the items they couldn’t let go of and surprisingly what remained all fit neatly in a 300 sq. ft. garage! The truth is that most of us naturally accumulate stuff over the years and fill whatever extra space we have with things we might eventually get rid of anyway. Downsizing can be an empowering experience that allows you to let go of the excess baggage that has accumulated. By focusing on the things that truly matter to you and eliminating the unnecessary clutter, you can create a space that feels light and free. Plus, with less square footage to fill, you’ll be less likely to accumulate more stuff and can focus on maintaining a more minimalist lifestyle. So, embrace the opportunity to declutter and simplify your life by building a livable shed.
Reducing Your Footprint
Tiny-home living appeals to many life stages: the recently empty nested, the soon to retire, the newlyweds with no children yet, or the unmarried college grad. Whatever your interest in building small, one glaring benefit is saving money. Besides the environmental concession, having a smaller footprint means less to heat and cool, less to light up, and less to maintain. That means more money in your pocket. Don’t spend it all in one place.
Wherever, Almost
Once you decide to downsize the next question is where? The beautiful answer – wherever! Down by the river, deep in the woods, or the back forty acres of the family property. Although seemingly obvious, it should be noted most suburban HOAs are probably out of bounds. But if you are considering livable sheds, chances are you are more than ready to escape the trappings of suburban life.
One of the biggest advantages of a livable shed is its versatility when it comes to location. Unlike traditional homes, you can place your livable shed in a variety of beautiful and unique locations, from a peaceful woodland retreat to a secluded country oasis. With a livable shed, you have the freedom to build your dream home in the location that speaks to your heart. Plus, with free delivery and easy setup offered by companies like Backyard Outfitters, you can enjoy a hassle-free and affordable way to create your ideal living space. Now you have freedom to use the thousands of dollars you saved by buying your livable shed to purchase that property you fell in love with.
**Please note…while Backyard Outfitters sells structures, we do not build tiny homes. Any and all modifications made to our buildings for uses other than they are intended are done solely by the end user.
**This article was updated 10/17/24.
