Shed 2.0: Elevate to a £2000 Small House Sanctuary

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Note: Nail lengths may be incorrect. You may need to check the lengths of the nails are correct before buying nails.

Introduction

Ready to level up from the basic shed featured in the Amazon Survival List? This guide is your roadmap to transformation! We’re on a mission to morph that simple shed into a well-insulated, small house with superior windows and a raised floor. Easily sourced from any DIY store, the required tools and parts fit snugly within a £2000 budget (this article includes US and UK market prices). Dive in and discover how to upgrade your shed into a cosy, liveable sanctuary!

Building a Small House or Cabin:

  1. Planning & Design:
    • Decide on the size and layout of the house.
    • Determine the location and orientation of windows, doors, and other openings.
    • Plan for utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage.
  2. Site Preparation:
    • Clear the area where the house will be built.
    • Use a chainsaw or other tools to remove any obstacles.
    • Level the ground and mark the boundaries of the house.
  3. Foundation:
    • Dig holes for the corner posts.
    • Cement in the corner posts using 4x4s.
    • Lay down the base layer of the floor using marine plywood.
    • Insulate the floor to maintain temperature and prevent moisture.
    • Add the top layer of the floor using indoor plywood or another suitable material.
  4. Framing:
    • Build the walls using 2x4s, 1x4s, and marine plywood.
    • Use nails and screws to secure the framing. A battery nail gun can speed up this process.
    • Ensure the end walls are taller to accommodate the roof’s apex.
  5. Roofing:
    • Construct the roof frame using 4x2s to create a triangle apex for a traditional cabin look.
    • Cover the roof with either plastic (for light) or metal panels.
    • Secure 6 roof panels in place.
  6. Windows & Doors:
    • Cut out openings for windows and doors using a jigsaw.
    • Install 3 small windows and 1 door.
    • Ensure the windows are sealed properly to prevent drafts.
  7. Insulation & Sealing:
    • Add insulation to the walls and roof to maintain temperature inside the house.
    • Use sealant to seal any gaps or cracks, ensuring the house is weatherproof.
  8. Interior:
    • Paint or stain the interior walls as desired.
    • Install a fireplace or wood burner for heating. Ensure proper ventilation for the flue.
    • Add furniture like chairs, beds, and a sofa.
  9. Utilities:
    • Set up a solar panel system for electricity. This includes solar panels, a controller, a battery, and an inverter.
    • Ensure access to water, either through a well or other sources.
    • Set up an outhouse or plumbing system for sanitation.
  10. Exterior:
    • Paint or stain the exterior to protect against the elements and enhance the appearance.
    • Add any additional amenities or features, such as a porch or deck.

Tools and Approximate Prices (UK Market)

  1. Circular Saw: £40 – £120 View on Amazon UK
  2. Jigsaw: £25 – £160 View on Amazon UK
  3. Push Stick (for table saws): £4 – £15 View on Amazon UK
  4. Battery Nail Gun: £80 – £320 View on Amazon UK
  5. Staple Gun: £15 – £80 View on Amazon UK
  6. Tarpaulins: £8 – £80 View on Amazon UK
  7. Screwdrivers (set): £8 – £40 View on Amazon UK
  8. Spirit Level: £8 – £40 View on Amazon UK
  9. Hammer: £4 – £40 View on Amazon UK
  10. Battery Drill: £40 – £160 View on Amazon UK
  11. Hand Saw: £8 – £40 View on Amazon UK
  12. Set Square: £4 – £24 View on Amazon UK

Tools and Approximate Prices (US Market)

  1. Circular Saw: $50 – $150 View on Amazon
  2. Jigsaw: $30 – $200 View on Amazon
  3. Push Stick (for table saws): $5 – $20 View on Amazon
  4. Battery Nail Gun: $100 – $400 View on Amazon
  5. Staple Gun: $20 – $100 View on Amazon
  6. Tarpaulins: $10 – $100 (depending on size and material) View on Amazon
  7. Screwdrivers (set): $10 – $50 View on Amazon
  8. Spirit Level: $10 – $50 View on Amazon
  9. Hammer: $5 – $50 View on Amazon
  10. Battery Drill: $50 – $200 View on Amazon
  11. Hand Saw: $10 – $50 View on Amazon
  12. Set Square: $5 – $30 View on Amazon
The tools you will need.

Materials List and Approximate Prices in GBP for Building a Tiny House (UK Market)

  1. Lumber & Wood:
    • 2x4s: 50 pieces at £4 – £7 each = £200 – £350
    • Marine Plywood (12mm): 18 sheets at £25 – £40 each = £450 – £720
    • 4x2s: 22 pieces at £5 – £8 each = £110 – £176
    • Hardwood 1x4s: 14 pieces at £3 – £6 each = £42 – £84
    • 8mm Plywood Sheets: 16 sheets at £20 – £30 = £320 – £480
    • 1x1s: 12 pieces at £2 – £4 each = £24 – £48
    • 4x4s: 3 pieces at £10 – £15 each = £30 – £45
  2. Roofing:
    • Roof Panels (plastic): 6 panels at £20 – £30 each = £120 – £180
    • Roof Panels (metal): 6 panels at £30 – £50 each = £180 – £300
  3. Fasteners & Connectors:
    • Mending Plates: 16 pieces at £0.50 – £1 each = £8 – £16
    • Staples: 1000 pieces at £0.005 each = £5
    • Nails (1″): 200 pieces at £0.01 each = £2
    • Nails (2.5″): 100 pieces at £0.015 each = £1.50
    • Nails (3″): 300 pieces at £0.015 each = £4.50
  4. Foundation & Structure:
    • Cement: 4 bags at £4 – £6 per bag = £16 – £24
  5. Windows & Doors:
    • Door: 1 piece at £60 – £120 = £60 – £120
    • Small Windows: 3 pieces at £40 – £80 each = £120 – £240
  6. Insulation:
    • Insulation Rolls: 6 rolls at £20 – £30 each = £120 – £180
  7. Sealants & Adhesives:
    • Sealant: 8 to 12 tubes at £5 – £10 per tube = £40 – £120
  8. Concrete Prices:
    • Concrete Mix: 5 bags £6.00 – £15.00 per bag depending on the brand and type = £30 -£75

Hence, the estimated cost for the materials to build your tiny house ranges between £1,680.50 and £2,928.50. This estimation is based on the prices given, and it’s always a good idea to have a bit of a buffer in your budget for unforeseen costs or price changes.

Materials List and Approximate Prices in GBP for Building a Tiny House (US Market)

Lumber & Wood:

  • 2x4s: 50 pieces at $3 – $6 each = $150 – $300
  • Marine Plywood (12mm): 18 sheets at $30 – $60 each = $540 – $1,080
  • 4x2s: 22 pieces at $4 – $7 each = $88 – $154
  • Hardwood 1x4s: 14 pieces at $2.50 – $5 each = $35 – $70
  • 8mm Plywood Sheets: 16 sheets at $25 – $40 = $400 – $640
  • 1x1s: 12 pieces at $1.50 – $3 each = $18 – $36
  • 4x4s: 3 pieces at $8 – $15 each = $24 – $45

Roofing (assuming you opt for one type of roof panel):

  • Roof Panels (plastic): 6 panels at $25 – $40 each = $150 – $240
  • OR Roof Panels (metal): 6 panels at $35 – $60 each = $210 – $360

Fasteners & Connectors:

  • Nails (1″): 400 pieces at $0.01 each = $4
  • Mending Plates: 16 pieces at $0.50 – $1.50 each = $8 – $24
  • Staples: 1000 pieces at $0.005 each = $5
  • Nails (2.5″): 100 pieces at $0.02 each = $2
  • Nails (3″): 300 pieces at $0.02 each = $6

Foundation & Structure:

  • Cement: 4 bags at $5 – $8 per bag = $20 – $32

Windows & Doors:

  • Door: 1 piece at $80 – $200 = $80 – $200
  • Small Windows: 3 pieces at $50 – $150 each = $150 – $450

Insulation:

  • Insulation Rolls: 6 rolls at $25 – $50 each = $150 – $300

Sealants & Adhesives:

  • Sealant: 8 to 12 tubes at $6 – $12 per tube = $48 – $144

Concrete:

  • Concrete Mix: 5 bags $4.00 – $10.00 per bag = $20 -$50

The estimated cost for the materials to build your tiny house in the U.S. market, based on these figures, ranges between $1,720 and $3,755. As mentioned, these are estimates, and prices can vary based on numerous factors.

Conclusion

Stepping up from a shed to a comfortable small house doesn’t have to break the bank. Equipped with this guide and a £2000 budget, you’re set to turn a basic structure into a warm, inviting space. With readily available tools and enhancements like superior insulation and windows, you’re poised to create not just a shelter, but a true home. Embark on this DIY journey and witness the transformation!

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