Advice: Shed Plans/Insulation Question

lukabrazi · 01-18-2011, 09:18 PM

I am planning a shed for this summer. I want to finish it off inside and use it as an office. I was going to use these plans.

http://www.mybackyardplans.com/gablestorageshed.php

I want to insulate it, drywall it, and put a small wood stove in it. I'm going to mostly follow the plans but want to put in a single door with a small window on each side of it. I live in Northern Pennsylvania so the winters can get a bit chilly. I was going to use fiberglass batts and drywall for the walls but wasn't sure about moisture. I don't have experience with this. For the floor I thought I would put down a vapor barrier and a hardwood floor. I think I need to use thicker plywood (at least 3/4) than the plans call for. A wood stove in this small space will really heat it up so I'm not worried about going nuts with the insulation but do want to keep the critters out. It's going to be built on skids just like the plans. I'm unsure about insulating the roof or ventilating. How I finish off the ceiling will depend on what I need to do for insulation/ventilation. Thanks for any help!

gregzoll · 01-18-2011, 09:52 PM

Keep in mind, that if you finish the space, the local county taxing authority can consider it a taxable structure. Check with your city hall regarding how far you can go before they decide it is taxable.

shanekw1 · 01-18-2011, 10:08 PM

A shed is kind of an odd place for an office?

Just sayin'

And I'm pretty sure an 8'x8' shed would get ridiculously hot with more than a soup can wood stove in it.

What are you planning to do in this 'office'?

lukabrazi · 01-18-2011, 10:11 PM

I will definitely look into this before I start. I am assuming 8x8 on skids won't even need a permit where I live. After I know what the rules are for permits/taxes I will really be able to determine what size this is going to be.

gma2rjc · 01-18-2011, 11:05 PM

Here in my township, we only need a permit for a shed if it has a cement foundation.

Our 12' x 20' (?) shed is built on a wood frame with a plywood floor. Gophers, squirrels, etc. have tunneled underneath it and have chewed their way in. It's only used for tools, bikes, etc.

A cement foundation sounds better if you're going to have anything important in there.

Are you going to have electricity in your shed?

For insulation, I would use Roxul. Sprayed on foam might be even better if you don't want any drafts.

lukabrazi · 01-19-2011, 12:09 AM

There won't be electric running to the shed. It is too far from the house. It's going to be out on a connecting parcel that I own. Sticking this on the roof. I don't need a lot of electricity (light, laptop, printer).

http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-50044...=pd_sim_auto_4

I really like the looks of Roxul. I will have to see where this is available locally. If I insulate the walls and ceiling with Roxul and cover it with a vapor barrier can I just dry wall it in or do I need some sort of ventilation?

gma2rjc · 01-19-2011, 12:42 AM

I've never built a house or shed, so hopefully someone more knowledgeable will answer that. But I'm pretty sure you will need some kind of ventilation.

lukabrazi · 01-19-2011, 07:35 AM

Do I need a ridge vent and soffit or if I can just stick a couple of wall vents in opposing sides of the peak?

lukabrazi · 01-19-2011, 04:57 PM

Checked with the township. As long as the construction cost less than $1,000 and it is under 750 sq feet no permits needed. I questioned the 750 sq feet because that seems like a lot but he said it was accurate. Either way I won't be anywhere close to that. I will probably shoot for 10' x 12'.

**Gary in WA** · 01-19-2011, 08:08 PM

Ridge and soffit if insulating the ceiling flat plane or go with non-vented insulated sloped ceiling; http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...r-all-climates
Otherwise a high and low vent on opposite ends or sides. Not per directions; run plywood perpendicular to joists, tar paper walls if insulating, use a ground cover plastic under all framing, waterproof treat the p.t. wood underneath, run T1-11 down past floor deck 1" for drip edge, add trim board to walls then run rafters for sheathing to lap past 1" for drip edge, add metal drip at roof bottom, add metal drip flash above window and door. http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...r-all-climates

http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...ecommendations

http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...vapor-barriers

Gary

gregzoll · 01-19-2011, 08:18 PM

750 sq ft is a little under what my house is (about 100 sq ft). So, basically you could build a 1 bed/1 bath house, and your township does not care.

Mr Chips · 01-19-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzoll

So, basically you could build a 1 bed/1 bath house, and your township does not care.

I think you are forgetting the "cost under $1,000" part of the requirement

OP, I have that same Sunforce deal that I bought for my shed. I only ended up using two of the panels, since I only run some LED lighting. Does a great job keeping my deep cycle battery charged

gregzoll · 01-19-2011, 09:01 PM

That would fit in with how some of the houses/shacks that are built out in the country in this county. Makes you wonder what some people are thinking. Then again, there are garages in this town that should be condemned in my town.

lukabrazi · 01-20-2011, 04:30 PM

I wonder how they prove the cost under $1,000.

GBR thanks for the good info. The ceiling won't be flat plane so a non-vented ceiling sounds the easiest. By high and low vent do you mean a wall vent?

**Gary in WA** · 01-20-2011, 07:45 PM

You just want air changes, depends on how warm the equipment gets. One low (with an outside cage for critters), and one in roof or high wall, opposite end/side. The box stores sell them for outside make-up air to bedrooms with a gas furnace, 6" round, adjustable, closing, etc. white plastic to fit 2x4/2x6 walls.
Glad we could help.

Gary