What is a shed house? Legally, the shed is a small, simple structure typically built in a backyard for storage, recreation, or as a workspace. The International Building Code (IBC) defines a shed as “a building or structure of an accessory character.” IBC classifies sheds under the utility and miscellaneous group U (Chapter 3, Section 312).
For this reason, most areas classify sheds as “accessory structures,” meaning they’re meant for storage, not for living. Thus, to turn a shed into a shed house, you’ll need to reclassify it as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or tiny home, which requires meeting specific building codes.
For this collection, we focus on unique and affordable plans that can serve as a backyard shed or rustic weekend cabin suited for glamping. Also, always check with local building codes before starting any project. But, you usually don’t need a permit if the shed is 120 square feet or less.
1. Tower Cabin Plan
This unique plan is perfect when you have a limited space in your backyard or a challenging wilderness lot that requires a small footprint for the cabin. With three levels, you have your living room and bathroom on the ground level. On the second level, you will find 2 bedrooms, accessible by a staircase. Also, there is an additional sleeping and storage area on the third level.
With a wrap-around deck and 3 bedrooms, there is plenty of space to enjoy outdoors and have a restful sleep.
2. Garden Shed House
GET LARRY GARDEN SHED PLANS HERE
Whether you plan on building a she-shed, a man-cave, or a backyard studio, this plan is for you. With 260 square feet of space, a storage loft, large windows, and a deck, you will have everything you need to create your dream space.
3. Triangle Weekend Cabin
Dreaming of building a weekend getaway cabin? With 472 sqft of total space, a kitchenette, and a covered porch, you can create your dream rustic retreat on budget. This plan offers a simple yet comfortable living experience on a single level, complete with adequate storage space. Additionally, you have ample roof space to install solar panels for off-grid living, if necessary.
4. Backyard Shed or Rustic Weekend Cabin Plan
A backyard shed can serve a multitude of purposes, making it a practical and versatile addition to any home. But the benefits of a backyard shed go beyond practicality. For example, adding a shed to your property can increase its value.
According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, adding a 100 square foot shed can increase the value of your home by up to $5,000. This makes it not only an investment in your current needs, but also a smart long-term investment for your property.
For example, a shed could serve as:
- a place to hold your gardening tools and equipment
- workshop to pursue your hobbies
- art studio
- home gym or office
- tranquil escape (she-shed or man-cave)
- yoga studio
The Kenzo cabin plan also makes sense if you need to build a simple wilderness cabin. With 483 square feet of space, a loft, and a kitchenette, there is plenty of space to relax after a day of hiking. Furthermore, if you are on a lake or have an outdoor solar shower, you can rough it up for a few days without modern bathroom amenities.
5. Tiny Rustic Cabin ‘Emerson’ – 296 sqft
Discover the charming Emerson cottage, a simple two-story cottage perfect for modern living. This affordable house plan gives you 296 square feet of space with a living area on a ground level and a sleeping loft accessible via a ladder. Imagine stargazing and listening to the chirping of birds on your spacious wrap-around deck.
Don’t let its simple exterior and tiny footprint fool you – inside, you’ll find everything you need for comfort. The spacious living room boasts a cozy kitchenette and a warm stove for chilly nights. Also, with large windows facing the terrace, natural light floods the interior, thus connecting you to the beautiful surroundings.
The ground floor also features a spacious bathroom with a shower and toilet. But the real highlight of this cottage is the second floor, where a gorgeous bedroom or study awaits, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Furthermore, the cottage boasts a generous deck, perfect for hosting barbecues with friends, practicing yoga, or cultivating your favorite plants while you unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Experience the perfect blend of simplicity and modern convenience in the Emerson cabin plan.
6. Tiny Beach Cabin Plan – 206 sqft
Looking for a rustic mini house plan to build on a beach or lake shore? Introducing Teresa – the charming one-bedroom beach cabin that is sure to steal your heart. Its beach-centered layout includes a covered porch, kitchen, bathroom, and storage on the ground floor, making it convenient and functional.
The bedroom is strategically placed on the upper floor, with access to a spacious balcony. Not only does this design add visual appeal and let you enjoy the breeze, but it also creates a covered porch space on the floor below.
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7. Tiny 200 SqFt Weekend Cabin
If you are looking for unique small house plans, this 200 square feet tiny weekend cabin deserves your attention. With everything on a ground level and a round room, this budget-friendly project has some interesting features. A gazebo-style roof creates a unique interior in the main room, which also serves as a bedroom. On the opposite side, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious bathroom with room for a shower, washer/dryer combo, toilet, and sink.
8. Rustic Weekend Cabin or Granny Flat
Are you looking to construct a charming rustic retreat or a cozy granny flat? Look no further! This 347 square foot plan is a perfect solution. With a compact 20′ x 21′ layout, it includes all the essentials – a welcoming porch, a comfortable living area, a functional kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. And here’s a useful tip: for practicality, consider placing a bathroom door opening into the bedroom rather than the kitchen.
9. Elevated Tiny Cabin
This elevated 12′ x 11′ tiny cabin can serve as a cozy getaway for fishermen or hunters. Placed on stilts to avoid seasonal water damage from floods, this mighty plan features all the essentials: simple design with shed roof, a covered porch, a bathroom (with composting toilet), a small kitchenette, and a living room that serves as a bedroom with clever dual-purpose furniture.
When placed together, 16 cubes serve as a bed, but during the day, you can use them for seating, storage, or as side tables. The architect listed a DIY building cost of $9,135, but of course, it varies due to rising prices for building materials across all the markets.
10. Elevated Shed Roof Cabin
Are you a DIYer looking for the perfect small cabin design? Look no further than the Louise, an elevated shed roof cabin that combines practicality and charm. Inspired by the simplicity of tiny shed houses, this cabin boasts a versatile 11’x17′ floor plan that includes a side entrance leading into the main room.
As a result, you can relax, sleep, and even enjoy a cozy fire thanks to the convenient placement of a small stove by the entrance. Sliding doors provide access to the compact yet functional bathroom and kitchen area, while the shed-style roof adds character and covers a quaint porch.
GET ELEVATED SHED CABIN LOUISE HERE
Affordable Floor Plans Package
By purchasing an electronic version of any of the featured plans, you will receive:
- a complete PDF set of plans + CAD set
- eBook ‘How to build a tiny house’
- construction progress diagram
- complete material list + tool list
- DIY furniture plans
- FREE SAMPLE PLANS of one of the designs
The Hidden Benefits of Building a Shed House
Are you tired of the constant stress and high costs of traditional housing? Imagine a simpler, more sustainable way of life in a shed house. While turning a traditional shed into a livable space will require certain improvements, such as foundation, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and interior finishing, it offers certain benefits. From affordable construction costs to environmental impact reduction, discover how this minimalist lifestyle can offer financial security, easy maintenance, and smaller property taxes.
Affordable Construction Costs
Choosing a shed house not only offers a simpler way of life but also provides significant financial advantages, starting with affordable construction costs. When compared to traditional housing, building a shed house requires fewer materials and labor, resulting in a more cost-effective project overall.
Also, by doing some of the work themselves and opting for this minimalist approach to housing, many young individuals and families can enjoy the benefits of homeownership without breaking the bank. Additionally, shed house living simplifies maintenance, adding to the appeal of this unique housing choice.
Simplified Maintenance
With a smaller living space and fewer rooms, fewer areas require regular upkeep. This means less time spent on cleaning, organizing, and general maintenance tasks. Furthermore, the smaller size of a shed house makes it easier to spot and address any issues that may arise, allowing for quick and efficient maintenance.
By streamlining the maintenance process, you can spend less time on household chores and more time enjoying the benefits of your unique living space.
