29 June 2020

Shed renovations in Canberra?

| taiyaki
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We have an old shed in our backyard. It’s in pretty good condition but ugly as hell. It was built when the house was built 50 years ago, and because it predates current planning rules as an existing structure we can keep it but not build a new one.

So Mr T and I want to renovate it – put down a wooden floor, line the walls, insulate the roof, build in some bench space, add a door and window, and clad and paint the outside so it is more usable and looks more like the house. Oh, and Mr T wants to use it as his home brewery/mancave.

We have zero DIY skills between us, so looking for recommendations from fellow Rioters for a handyman or tradie who can fix it up for a reasonable price and so it’ll last another 50 years.

If you’re also looking for help with renovations, check out our recently updated article on the best builders & renovators in Canberra.

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What do you consider “a reasonable price”?
Once you clad the outside you’re basically replacing the shed. You might as well get a new shed and just try to replace it really quickly and hope no one notices. As for the work you propose, that stuff is kind of difficult on the older sheds and there’s not much chance of it lasting 50 years.

Is it a single or a double? Your other option would be to knock it down and purchase a prefab transportable. It might cost you $10 grand but would be fully wired, sealed, insulated and ready to go. It will also keep value should you change your mind down the track. You could spend $5000 on your shed and it’s basically worth nothing to anyone else. A transportable can be easily clad to match existing surroundings and make it look more permanent.

It’s metal, no asbestos and in good nick. So happy to keep the structure, just pretty it up and upgrade it to make it more useful.

Buckaroo_Banzai4:07 pm 28 Apr 13

I pity the fool.

So it predates planning rules ergo you can’t build a new one? wtf? how do schmucks get away with builing butt ugly new houses or fences in this town?

Can’t be of help recommending anyone but be aware there’s probably asbestos used in its construction, indeed it could be mostly built from asbestos given it’s age, everything from the roof and wall panels to the sealant around any glass or joints. So long as it’s in good condition, most of the things you plan shouldn’t be an issue. But installing shelves or hacking into it to add a window/door is where caution is a must.

You could replace the roof, the floor and four of the walls. They sell the parts at Bunnings. The box suggests its a new shed, but really they’re replacemnent parts for your existing shed.

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