I think we can all take a look around and agree that the tiny house ‘movement’ is here to stay. Similarly, so are real estate prices. Or, at least, so it would seem.
In other words, people are not only looking to downsize, but they also have more options available to them when it comes to it.
Over the last few decades, we’ve seen people get pretty creative when it comes to building their tiny homes.
On the other hand, there are some who like their future dwellings to come with a head start.
Well, one man chose a shed for a tiny home.
You’ve undoubtedly driven past a Lowe’s or Home Depot and seen their sheds. Maybe you’ve even thought they’d make a great hangout space in your backyard.
But have you ever considered living in one?
A few years ago, Home Depot sold Tuff Shed‘s TR1600 model (which customers are now eagerly awaiting a restock).
More than one person decided that this particular shed would make a great tiny home.
Believe it or not, they were right.
If you’ve ever looked more closely at these cute sheds sitting out in the parking lot, it shows they can have more potential than just a shed in your backyard.
The TR1600 is a very large unit.
It measures out at 16′ by 16′ feet and has a base price of $10,888.
If you want it painted and tricked out with some extra interior space, you’re looking at an investment of over $22k.
That doesn’t include drywall, insulation, electricity, or plumbing. Of course, it’s still cheaper than real estate in most American cities.
Affordable, but a good investment?
One couple decided to make a go of it, purchasing the 16′ by 24′ version of the shed and making it into their home.
They’ve chronicled their life in the tiny shed home on Facebook.
But we’ll warn you, this very liveable version costs a cool $65,000. The couple already had a septic system and well water since they already had a home on the property.
And it required a whole construction crew, so this isn’t the kind of thing you can just have delivered to your driveway.
A bare-bones tour
During the TR-1600 craze, a YouTuber named Original Texan stopped by Home Depot to take a look at the parking lot model, and nearly half a million people have now seen the video and responded with great interest.
At first, it’s hard to see the potential.
It’s a pressed wood shed, after all.
You have to have a good imagination if you’re thinking of moving into it, even part-time.
But the tour in the video below gives you a good idea of what you’re dealing with in terms of space.
So, does it pass muster?
If you’re thinking about turning a shed into a home, the first thing to consider is where you’d put it and whether it can meet building codes.
There are areas in the U.S. where new houses are required to be a minimum of 1000 square feet.
Plenty were eager for smaller structures, though.
“That is a pretty cool structure. That’s about all I would need, nothing big and fancy. That place would be perfect when fully finished and insulated out in the woods,” said one viewer.
Original Texan replied:
“Glad you like it. It is a great concept so that if a house is needed, one could make changes as needed. The idea is just to provide an idea to those that can’t afford a $200,000 house. Things are expensive now.”
And that was a year ago – the housing market has only gotten pricier since then.
The TR-1600 isn’t the only ready-made shed that would work as a tiny home, however, and TuffShed has plenty of other models located in various Home Depot stores to choose from.
If you’re curious about what goes into turning a shed into a tiny house, Original Texan has some great insights.
Just don’t forget to check your own state and city’s rules and regulations when it comes to building your tiny home.
Take a tour of this store-bought shed-turned-tiny home in the video below!
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