If you ever wanted to turn your backyard barn into a livable area for your guests, then continue reading.

There are several reasons why you may want to do this. Maybe your home is too small to accommodate guests, or you have visitors coming over who need privacy (sometimes, too much closeness can be overwhelming).

It could also be for your kids to have some time camping out of the house. After all, every parent needs some breathing space from the kids once in a while. You could also use it as a place for working on projects away from the distractions of the home.

Whatever your reasons, here are 8 tips courtesy of shed building experts at Wide Span Sheds for converting your barn into a livable shed.

1. Seal up holes and cracks –

It wouldn’t do for you or your guests to receive unwanted visitors such as roaches, squirrels and snakes while living in the shed. Your first port of call therefore should be to seal up all the cracks and holes you can find.

Sealing up cracks and holes also help prevent heat from going out and moisture from coming in. This is a small task that you can probably finish up in one day. If your shed is worn out or have rickety walls, you may need to have the walls replaced or shored up. You have to make the place as comfortable as you can for whoever will stay there.

2. Allow more natural light –

Depending on the size of the existing windows, you may need to install an alternative source for natural light. A good idea is to install a skylight in roof of the shed. This usually involves cutting out a part of the roof and fixing either a fixed glass or Perspex. You can also put up a movable window which can be opened to allow in fresh air. A skylight brightens up the shed and makes it more livable and comfortable.

If you are working on your shed during the rains, ensure that you fix the skylight properly to prevent water from dripping inside.

3. Install electricity –

Electricity is a basic necessity and you may need to install it in your shed to make it more comfortable. Even if you’re expecting outdoorsy visitors who enjoy the outdoors and natural light; at the very least, it can be used to charge phones, laptops and other devices. You or your visitors can also use it to power a small camp television set or stereo for entertainment.

You actually need overhead lights for reading and writing, as well as outdoor lights for evening activities. Electric lights in and around the shed is also an important security measure. Lighting your isolated shed prevents intruders and strangers from lurking around.

4. Add windows –

Sheds are usually built to serve as storage, so they may not come with windows. If your shed does not have a window, then you absolutely need to install some, at the very least, two. Without windows, the shed will be musky and unpleasant. Two windows positioned across from each other will allow for proper ventilation and good natural light. For most people, this is a simple enough task, but others may need to get an expert to handle this or every part of the project.

5. Give life to your shed with a new coat of paint –

Colours give life to anything, and your shed is no different. Regardless of how good your shed currently looks, a new coat of paint inside and outside would do a world of good. Since most sheds are tiny, this aspect will take only a small amount of time to complete.

You can choose a colour scheme that complements the main house, or you can go with a unique scheme if the shed is some distance from your home. Your colour choice however should be warm and welcoming.

6. Put in some basic furniture –

Unless you plan on spending your whole time in the shed on the floor, you need to put in some basic furniture. The type of furniture will be determined by the size of the shed and the purpose it is being refitted for. However, items like a chair or two, a table, a lamp stand, a couch or a bed are basic requirements. Some of these items can be gotten cheap from second hand goods store, or you can raid your basement for furniture you no longer use. Alternatively, you can build some of these items by hand, if you are comfortable getting your hands dirty and know a thing or two about building furniture.

7. Put in plumbing –

Plumbing may be necessary if you intend to have a toilet or bath area in or around the shed. For sheds that are close to the main house, this may not be necessary. However, if you decide you need plumbing, setting up one will not be too difficult. You can simply install a rudimentary shower system. For the toilet, a simple portable toilet can serve, or you can go with a pre-fab toilet, like those used in motor homes and campers. Once you have your pipes in place, you can easily tap water from the main house source.

8. Personalize your shed and make it welcoming –

Finally, after putting everything in place, you need to make the shed welcoming. Maybe add a few personal touches like your favorite foot rug, a couple of picture frames, a potted plant or even some basic amenities like a small TV set. Another way you can make your livable shed welcoming is to ensure that it is free from insects, bugs and mosquitoes. Nothing frustrates a sound sleep as much as insect infestation. It will be a good idea if you can fumigate inside and around the shed before your guests arrive.

There you have it, eight simple steps you can take to convert your barn into a livable shed. Not only is this a very easy project, it is also quite low cost. Once you are done transforming your shed, you will have the perfect place to keep visitors, and a ready getaway for a bit of quiet time.