Shed homes: Add real estate value, space and an enhanced lifestyle to your property

Aussies are increasing their property values by tens of thousands with a simple, yet creative backyard makeover.

Lesa Lambert's hobby hut is the perfect place to relax during lockdown.

Australians are spending more time at home than ever before, seeking out creative ways to get extra space without the hassle of moving.

Using sheds to expand living space is not a new thing, but Covid has definitely accelerated this trend says Gold Coast mum-of-three Lesa Lambert.

Ms Lambert custom-built her 3m x 3m ‘hobby hut’ last year during the Covid lockdowns as a retreat to enjoy reading, painting and chilling out.

Lesa Lambert's hobby hut on the Gold Coast.

She styled the space with luxury furnishings including recycled doors, white polished concrete floors, Indian teak furniture and plush fabrics.

The couple believe it added an extra $30,000 to the value of their house and could be repurposed as an office or extra bedroom because of the high quality.

Shed sales are going “through the roof”, says Daniel Rutland, head of purchasing at EasyShed, Australia’s largest producers of backyard sheds.

“We are seeing sheds being repurposed as separate living spaces, guest rooms, man caves, she-sheds, aviaries, home offices, gyms, studios – even home distilleries, home cinemas and pool rooms,” says Mr Rutland.

“We have seen 450 per cent growth in the last 12 months alone.

“The biggest uptake of sheds has been in the cities, where space is premium.”

Mr Rutland says they often see windows put in, even sky lights and sound proofing.

“One guy turned his shed into an astronomy room, where the entire roof retracted back to provide viewing for his huge telescope”, he says.

Lesa Lambert has styled her own shed to create a relaxing environment.

Lesa Lambert's husband Greg encouraged her to build the hobby hut.

Ms Lambert was inspired after dreaming about walking out of her home and into a luxury shed, and her concreter husband, Greg, encouraged her. They custom-built it with a budget of $56,000, although spent around $12,000 in total.

As a direct result of the pandemic, families are looking for more space to accommodate family members, work or study situations, says founder and director of YZY Kit Homes, Lina Urbona.

YZY Kit Homes offer a selection of several quality cabins varying in price and size, either studios or with one or two bedrooms.

Trending sheds

Gable Shed (3m x 3m) Stores everything from lawnmowers and surfboards to compact tiny offices. $669.

Bike Shed (2.25m x 0.78m) Can hold up to three family bicycles (or hide wheelie bins) $309.

Workshop (6m x 3m) A big space and the best option for the budget-friendly home office, gym or man cave/she shed. $1569.

Residential Shed (6m x 9m) Can become a full dwelling, with options to suit exact requirements. $8000+.

More: YZY Kit Homes

EasyShed

Originally published as Shed homes: Add real estate value, space and an enhanced lifestyle to your property