Are you a busy woman feeling like you have limited time for yourself? Do you have a house full of family members who often forget the concept of privacy? Have you been wanting a space where you can enjoy your hobbies, read in silence, take a nap, or just scroll through social media without interruption?
If so, you are like many women who feel they would benefit from a space outside the house that is all their own. Between working hard inside or outside the home and managing the daily demands of life, it can be challenging to find time to rest and recharge. However, taking time to prioritize yourself and do things you enjoy is an important part of overall well-being.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so if you have been dreaming of ways to relax and nurture your own mind, body, and spirit, you may benefit from building or purchasing a “she shed”!
Below, we cover what a “she shed” is and how to add one to your yard.
What Is A She Shed?
A “she shed” is a dedicated space for busy (and likely tired and overworked) women who want their own space to relax, unwind, and enjoy much-needed peace and quiet.
Typically, a “she shed” is separate from the main home. It is usually a small building located in the backyard or a space on the property where disturbances are minimal.
A “she shed” can be built by enhancing an existing building like a garden shed. Kits can also be purchased and assembled as an easy do-it-yourself option. Alternatively, you can construct a “she shed” from scratch or work with a contractor to build it for you.
Really, a “she shed” can be whatever you want it to be! There are no limits on size, design, style, or location. Just be sure to follow your local by-law requirements and get a permit if required.
Steps For Adding A “She Shed” To Your Yard
Before you start building or shopping for a “she shed,” there are some important considerations, including:
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Evaluating existing structures
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Considering space requirements
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Listing electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling needs
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Determining budget
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Dreaming up your vision
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Selecting a site
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Shopping for materials
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Furnishing and decorating your space
Failing to plan is planning to fail, so while it is easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of creating your dream “she shed” at first, taking a step back to explore your needs and wants before you make any purchases is critical. Asking yourself some important questions can save you significant time and money when it comes time to build. We dive deeper into these questions below.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Existing Structures
Typically, it will be most cost-effective to refurbish an existing structure like a garden or tool shed than to construct a new building from scratch completely.
For this reason, we recommend looking around your property to see if you already own something that is currently underutilized in your yard.
Evaluate the current state of any existing building to see if it has potential. If it doesn’t, that’s ok! Sometimes, it is ultimately easier and more cost-effective to start from scratch rather than trying to force something to work that you didn’t like from the beginning.
Step 2: Consider Your Space Requirements
The next step involves considering how much space you think you will need.
Think about how you will use your space. Will you need room for a desk? Space for storage? Enough room for a full lounge area to hang out with friends? Or will a reading chair and a bookshelf be sufficient?
In this stage, you will also want to familiarize yourself with building permit rules. This information is important as it could influence how big you choose to make your space. It will also come in handy when it comes time to talk electrical and plumbing.
Step 3: List Your Electrical, Plumbing, And Heating/Cooling Needs
While many people opt to keep their space simple, others need electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling to keep their space fully functional year-round.
If you will be utilizing your “she shed” as a home office, workshop, or space to meet clients, amenities like lighting and running water are likely important to you.
On the other hand, if you are using your space more casually, you can probably stick to an off-grid plan or run an extension cord for basic essentials like light and heat. You can also build strategically to maximize natural light, and proper insulation will go a long way in the cooler months of the year.
Step 4: Determine Your Budget
Of course, the budget for any project is a key consideration. No matter the size of your budget, consider your top priorities. This will help you allocate available funds based on what matters most to you.
For example, can you sacrifice the size of the structure to splurge on high-quality furniture? Or keep your interior simple so you can maximize the exterior appearance of your space?
When it comes to budget, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Step 5: Dream Up Your Vision
Once you have figured out some key parameters, you are ready to start dreaming up your perfect she-shed.
Seek inspiration on Pinterest and other blogs. You’ll be amazed at the variety of styles that catch your eye!
Step 6: Select A Site
Site selection is another key decision that depends on all your answers to the questions above.
If you have a very large property and want to run power to your “she shed,” you may want to have your structure closer to your main residence. Or perhaps you need it to be accessible to guests. Maybe you want to be completely off the grid in an isolated section of your yard. It is also possible that you are using an existing structure that cannot easily be moved. Therefore, site selection will be unique to you!
The next three steps are the fun part! They involve making your vision come to life. You have now completed your careful planning and are ready to get building, furnishing, and decorating! Read on for tips for the final steps for your “she shed”!
Steps 7,8,9: Shop For Materials, Build Your “She-Shed,” And Decorate
Likely, your “she shed” will require wood, insulation, vapour barrier, interior wall finishes like drywall or paneling, paint, siding, windows, doors, and roofing.
What you need will vary depending on whether you are starting from scratch, enhancing an existing structure, or buying a prefabricated kit. If you are working with a contractor, they will likely source the materials for you.
After building your “she-shed” or hiring someone to construct it, have fun finding furniture and décor that you love. The beauty of this step is that your personal style preferences are all that matter! Since it is your space to make your own, you get to decide on every detail and arrange your décor as you see fit!
No matter how you choose to construct, furnish, and style your “she shed,” we know you won’t regret prioritizing your well-being with a space dedicated to doing whatever you want!
Conclusion
Working inside or outside the home, raising children, running errands, and crushing the day’s demands are exhausting. However, it can be difficult for many women to find space in the home to take time for themselves without interruption. A “she shed’ could be the solution.
A “she shed” is a space that is typically separate from the home and used to relax and unwind. It can be built however you envision. Utilize an existing structure, purchase a building kit, or construct it from scratch yourself or with a professional builder.
Before purchasing any materials, ordering a building kit, or calling a contractor, be sure to ask yourself some important questions about all your wants, needs, and preferences for your new space. For example, consider your existing structures, the need for electricity or plumbing, your budget, and your vision.
Once you have finalized your plan, it is time to start purchasing materials or seeking a contractor to take on the project. From there, you can furnish, decorate, and start unwinding in a space that is all your own!
Add A Deck Or Fence To Your She Shed Space With Decks By Premier
Are you ready to add a deck to your “she shed?” Or does your vision include a new fence around your space? Then Decks by Premier is ready to help!
Our team of professional deck and fence builders have been helping homeowners like you elevate their spaces for over 90 years. We proudly serve the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
We are experts in making any vision come to life and we always enjoy unique projects that bring joy to our clients. We believe in our work so much that we offer an exclusive two-year warranty on all our services, giving you full confidence in your purchase.
Reach out to us to speak to a sales representative or to schedule a no-obligation, on-site consultation for your “she shed” deck or fence today!
