| My husband and I have recently begun thinking about | | | | our local, reputable shed builder revealed the following |
| adding an addition to our home. Let’s face it, | | | | information. The largest shed I can purchase is |
| though, the recent housing market has made moving | | | | 14’ X 48’ (672 square feet of space!). I |
| up to a bigger house, a much more expensive | | | | decided to get the vinyl storage shed as I would have |
| proposition. We also agreed that even with our big | | | | done vinyl siding for an addition as well (and I’m |
| family, that although extra space would be nice, we | | | | a low maintenance chick to be honest!), and I wanted |
| won’t always need it so we questioned the | | | | to compare apples to apples as much as |
| “permanency” of buying a bigger home | | | | possible.Now, this model comes with an insulated floor |
| OR adding on to our current home. There’s | | | | and the supports are 16” off center so I can put |
| always the question of “out pricing” your | | | | in regular insulation into the walls, too. It would come |
| home in the current neighborhood if you add on as | | | | fully assembled and placed right on my site, either on a |
| well. So we’ve kind of let the idea go until | | | | cement pad OR blocks (local regulations might have |
| now.My most recent thought and very serious | | | | some say in this and would probably be covered in |
| consideration is buying a shed! Now, not your average | | | | your permit). It also comes with house style windows! |
| box shed put up in a few hours type, but a | | | | The price was $13,300. I would still have to insulate and |
| professionally made and delivered model. I’ve | | | | run wiring in this shed and then finish the walls, BUT |
| had friends who have turned their sheds into home | | | | when I figured out the cost of a 672 sq/foot addition |
| offices, quilting rooms, art studios and a slew of other | | | | at $150/sq foot was $100,800.00, I could definitely |
| things, but the idea of turning OUR shed into | | | | spend a bit more to hire the electrician and insulate and |
| entertainment space for our boys is a new idea on the | | | | finish off the interior myself, add a space heater, |
| block!Here are some things to ponder when toying | | | | curtains, hot tub and send myself on a cruise for the |
| with the idea of purchasing the shed versus adding on | | | | roughly $85,000 savings of my shed over the |
| to your home. In our area, building costs are at least | | | | addition!The builder also confirmed my idea that a shed |
| $150/sq foot. An addition to your home is assessed as | | | | is definitely taxed differently, regardless of HOW |
| a permanent structure and thus costs more in | | | | it’s used. It’s NOT a permanent structure |
| property taxes, where as a shed is NOT permanent | | | | (hmmm, could we take our “addition” with |
| and is assessed differently (check with your local | | | | us if we moved?). Again, you’d have to check |
| assessor in your area as well). You will probably need | | | | with your town to confirm YOUR tax code, but I |
| permits either way you go, BUT a shed is generally a | | | | suspect it’s about the same everywhere.So, |
| much easier proposition. Obviously, your shed can be | | | | don’t look at a wood shed as just something |
| used for “temporary” type space such as | | | | for wood or lawnmowers! Think of that shed as a |
| office, game room, quilting room, etc. BUT, there may | | | | bonus room!If you are looking for more information |
| be strict codes in your town in regards to making it a | | | | about wood sheds, or any other shed, please stop by |
| bedroom for one of your children, so WHAT you need | | | | our Outdoor Storage Sheds store. You may find some |
| the space for is something to consider.Now, a call to | | | | ideas for your next home project. |