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Get a room! New solution for that cramped home..........

By
Real Estate Agent with Juice RE Group at Compass Lic# 491811

If you haven't noticed, there is a trend right now in housing to go green and to live more simply. That's all great in theory, but what to do when you just need more space? Perhaps the answer is a shed...yes, a shed. We're not talking about the rusty tin shed leaning against the back of your house. We're talking high style eco-friendly modern dwellings.

There are good reasons why sheds are so popular. Adding on a room to a house is really expensive and disruptive, and doesn't really let you get away. On the other hand, a shed can be stylistically different, can be installed temporarily, and can be a quick fix if you have a need for more space. Yoga, meditation, guests or work, they provide a separate and different environment.

There are several companies that have come about in recent years that offer these unique products. Depending on the company, they will help you choose the style that is right for you, deliver it, and install it. If you have the DIY bug, they all come with detailed instructions and can be assembled by yourself, or with some handy friends.

Pricing varies depending on how fancy you want to get. The basic models start somewhere around $5K and go up from there. You can trick out your shed to have electricity, heat, plumbing, kitchens...surround sound, disco dance floor...you name it!

Here in Austin we are lucky enough to have our own local shed company, Kanga Room Systems.

http://www.kangaroomsystems.com/) . They recently set up shop on Burnet Road and have several of their models on display. Additionally, in Austin, the building of a shed under 200 sq ft is considered an accessory structure and a permit or inspection is not required unless you want plumbing or electricity.

Think about it, wouldn't it be nice to have a peaceful space to get away from the hustle and bustle of your urban lifestyle, just in your own backyard? Sheds. They're where it's at.

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi John~  Now they are some nice looking sheds!  Too bad they don't all look that good!

Dec 12, 2010 04:36 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

John, Now that is a cool shed.  Thanks for sharing the info, I'll be checking it out.

Dec 12, 2010 04:39 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

This is a great idea, and a very stylish addition to one's property investment, too...thanks for sharing, this.

Dec 12, 2010 04:40 AM
Anna Matsunaga
Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma - Lakewood, WA
Seller specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert

Great idea!  Inexpensive way to "add a room" and if it's small enough, won't even need a permit!

Dec 12, 2010 04:44 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Interesting but I can not see the HOA's in Katy or surrounding areas letting a homeowner put up one of these in back or the side of their home. These sheds look good...

Dec 12, 2010 04:57 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning John,

This you could take to the architectural control board of a home with an HOA and I'll bet it would get approved. Thanks for the heads up on this..one cool looking shed!!

Dec 12, 2010 09:33 AM
John Dunham
Juice RE Group at Compass - Austin, TX
N Central Austin

You are right Dorie, I think in communities with an HOA these could still work.  The N Central Neighborhoods of Austin are usually 50+ yrs old, with no HOA's and have a nice blend of traditional and modern flare!

Dec 13, 2010 02:41 AM