Top Practical Shed & Granny Flat Renovation Tips

With residential land plots getting smaller and more Australian homeowners seeking to maximise on their garden space, there’s been a growing trend of repurposing garden sheds into detached studios or home offices – or even separate accommodation (i.e. the trusty granny flat). 

But renovating garden sheds isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are many considerations that need to be made here, including determining whether you need to upgrade your existing shed to ensure improved noise or temperature insulation. Then there’s also the logistical concerns with renovations, like making sure you update your property’s electrical and wiring systems to accommodate a detached, powered structure.

With the right approach, however, you should be able to renovate your shed safely and cost-effectively. Here are our pro tips for managing this novel but highly rewarding renovation project. 

Install a Meter Box Upgrade

The first question to ask yourself is whether you want your granny flat to share power with your home or have its own utility bills. Here, you might consider a meter box upgrade or a separate meter box for your home’s shed or granny flat. 

A meter box is a protective enclosure that houses the electricity meter for a property. In Australia, meter boxes are usually installed on the exterior of a home or building, allowing utility providers to access and read the meter without needing to enter the premises unless you have a smart meter that can be read remotely. 

Regulations regarding the placement, installation, and maintenance of meter boxes vary by state and territory, with homeowners generally responsible for their upkeep. If your granny flat or shed has a separate meter box, then an upgrade is a great renovation to keep it safe and secure. 

In all cases, having a qualified and licensed electrician install or upgrade your meter boxes is essential. That way, you can ensure the electrical works comply with local building codes and Australian electrical safety standards. 

Insulation & Weatherproofing

One of the most important upgrades for a shed or granny flat renovation is insulation and weatherproofing. Many sheds and granny flats, particularly older ones, are not built or designed to withstand seasonal summer and winter extremes, which can make them uncomfortable to live in or spend time in. 

You can remedy this by installing high-quality insulation in the walls, roof, and even under the flooring if possible, which can significantly improve the building’s energy efficiency and comfort for you. Here, we recommend working with local renovation materials suppliers to ensure your shed or granny flat unit is fitted with climate-appropriate insulation and cladding.

In addition to this, sealing gaps, adding weather stripping to doors and windows, and using moisture-resistant materials will help keep the space warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as dry and free from drafts all year round. 

Upgrade Windows & Doors

Speaking of weather stripping for windows and doorways, you’ll also want to set aside some time and budget in your shed renovation to assess the quality of existing windows, latches, door hinges, and the health of the timber in your doors as well.

Upgrading windows and doors for your shed or granny flat as part of your renovations can make a huge difference in both aesthetics and functionality. By installing larger windows or glass doors, you can improve natural light and airflow, creating a more inviting and energy-efficient environment for you to enjoy. 

Security screens or doors, deadlocks, and double glazing can also aid in enhancing the space’s safety and insulation while installing stylish doors can modernise the look of the granny flat or shed. 

Budget for Plumbing Renovations Too

Suppose you plan to use a shed or granny flat for living or working. In that case, you should definitely consider adding plumbing alongside electricity infrastructure to transform your detached dwelling into a fully functional area for this purpose. 

This might include installing water pipes, sinks and drains for a small kitchenette or a shower for a bathroom, fitting electrical outlets for appliances and lighting, or even integrating smart home technology for convenience and user-friendliness. Again in much the same way you should work with qualified sparkies only, rely solely on licensed professionals to carry out any plumbing renovations or electrical work to ensure all relevant safety and compliance with Australian standards.

Add a Decking or Verandah for Outdoor Living

For those looking to extend their shed or granny flat, consider adding a verandah, pergola, or decking in order to create an outdoor living and dining space that blends seamlessly with the structure. A covered outdoor space will provide shade, protection from the weather, and an ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining guests. In short, these outdoor living facilities will undoubtedly play a vital role in ensuring your converted shed or granny flat feels private and like its very own abode rather than as an attachment to your house. 

Depending on the design of your extension, you might also consider using outdoor lighting, some built-in seating, or even privacy screens to further enhance comfort and a sense of privacy. These extra touches will be ideal for those looking to lease out their granny flat to tenants and maintain a little rental income post-reno. 

Local Government Regulations & Laws

Finally, when it comes to your granny flat or shed reno, understanding local council and state regulations is crucial for your project, as different states and councils have varying rules regarding secondary dwellings and shed conversions. Some major projects may require development approval, while others might not need this.

Ensuring that the structure meets all relevant building codes for things such as insulation, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical work is essential for safety and comfort so you don’t get into any strife down the line. In all cases, be sure to check with your local council offices to make sure you’re authorised to perform the works you’re preparing to undertake on your garden, shed, and granny flat. 

Get More from your Shed or Granny Flat with these Renovation Tips

With these tips on hand, you should find quick work of laying the foundation for your shed renovation project. Just remember to keep the scope of your renovations front of mind and maintain a strong overview of your ideal goals and intended use cases for your shed or granny flat once all the work has been done.

That way, you can keep your renovation project on track and under budget!