Shed 2.0: Elevate to a £2000 Small House Sanctuary

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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:
    • Nails (1″): 200 pieces at £0.01 each = £2
    • 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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