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====== Shed 2.0: A £2000 Small House Sanctuary ======

**Note:** Nail lengths may be incorrect. You may need to check the lengths of the nails are correct before buying nails.

===== Introduction =====

Ready to level up from a basic shed? This guide is your roadmap to transformation! We’re on a mission to morph that simple shed into a well-insulated, small house with superior windows and a raised floor. Easily sourced from any DIY store, the required tools and parts fit snugly within a **£2000** budget (this article includes detailed US and UK market prices). Dive in and discover how to upgrade your shed into a cosy, liveable sanctuary!

Here is the full [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmNoDi7mZyM|Bushradical Video]] that this post is based on.

===== Building a Small House or Cabin: =====

* **Planning & Design:**
    * Decide on the size and layout of the house.
    * Determine the location and orientation of windows, doors, and other openings.
    * Plan for utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage.

* **Site Preparation:**
    * Clear the area where the house will be built.
    * Use a chainsaw or other tools to remove any obstacles.
    * Level the ground and mark the boundaries of the house.

* **Foundation:**
    * Dig holes for the corner posts.
    * Cement in the corner posts using 4x4s.
    * Lay down the base layer of the floor using marine plywood.
    * Insulate the floor to maintain temperature and prevent moisture.
    * Add the top layer of the floor using indoor plywood or another suitable material.

* **Framing:**
    * Build the walls using 2x4s, 1x4s, and marine plywood.
    * Use nails and screws to secure the framing. A battery nail gun can speed up this process.
    * Ensure the end walls are taller to accommodate the roof’s apex.

* **Roofing:**
    * Construct the roof frame using 4x2s to create a triangle apex for a traditional cabin look.
    * Cover the roof with either plastic (for light) or metal panels.
    * Secure 6 roof panels in place.

* **Windows & Doors:**
    * Cut out openings for windows and doors using a jigsaw.
    * Install 3 small windows and 1 door.
    * Ensure the windows are sealed properly to prevent drafts.

* **Insulation & Sealing:**
    * Add insulation to the walls and roof to maintain temperature inside the house.
    * Use sealant to seal any gaps or cracks, ensuring the house is weatherproof.

* **Interior:**
    * Paint or stain the interior walls as desired.
    * Install a fireplace or wood burner for heating. Ensure proper ventilation for the flue.
    * Add furniture like chairs, beds, and a sofa.

* **Utilities:**
    * Set up a solar panel system for electricity. This includes solar panels, a controller, a battery, and an inverter.
    * Ensure access to water, either through a well or other sources.
    * Set up an outhouse or plumbing system for sanitation.

* **Exterior:**
    * Paint or stain the exterior to protect against the elements and enhance the appearance.
    * Add any additional amenities or features, such as a porch or deck.

===== Tools and Approximate Prices (UK Market) =====

* **Circular Saw:** £40 – £120
  * **Jigsaw:** £25 – £160
  * **Push Stick (for table saws):** £4 – £15
  * **Battery Nail Gun:** £80 – £320
  * **Staple Gun:** £15 – £80
  * **Tarpaulins:** £8 – £80
  * **Screwdrivers (set):** £8 – £40
  * **Spirit Level:** £8 – £40
  * **Hammer:** £4 – £40
  * **Battery Drill:** £40 – £160
  * **Hand Saw:** £8 – £40
  * **Set Square:** £4 – £24

===== Tools and Approximate Prices (US Market) =====

* **Circular Saw:** $50 – $150
  * **Jigsaw:** $30 – $200
  * **Push Stick (for table saws):** $5 – $20
  * **Battery Nail Gun:** $100 – $400
  * **Staple Gun:** $20 – $100
  * **Tarpaulins:** $10 – $100 (depending on size and material)
  * **Screwdrivers (set):** $10 – $50
  * **Spirit Level:** $10 – $50
  * **Hammer:** $5 – $50
  * **Battery Drill:** $50 – $200
  * **Hand Saw:** $10 – $50
  * **Set Square:** $5 – $30

==== Diagram of Needed Tools ====

===== Materials List and Approximate Prices in GBP for Building a Tiny House (UK Market) =====

* **Lumber & Wood:**
    * 2x4s: 50 pieces at £4 – £7 each = **£200 – £350**
    * Marine Plywood (12mm): 18 sheets at £25 – £40 each = **£450 – £720**
    * 4x2s: 22 pieces at £5 – £8 each = **£110 – £176**
    * Hardwood 1x4s: 14 pieces at £3 – £6 each = **£42 – £84**
    * 8mm Plywood Sheets: 16 sheets at £20 – £30 = **£320 – £480**
    * 1x1s: 12 pieces at £2 – £4 each = **£24 – £48**
    * 4x4s: 3 pieces at £10 – £15 each = **£30 – £45**

* **Roofing:**
    * Roof Panels (plastic): 6 panels at £20 – £30 each = **£120 – £180**
    * Roof Panels (metal): 6 panels at £30 – £50 each = **£180 – £300**

* **Fasteners & Connectors:**
    * Mending Plates: 16 pieces at £0.50 – £1 each = **£8 – £16**
    * Staples: 1000 pieces at £0.005 each = **£5**
    * Nails (1″): 200 pieces at £0.01 each = **£2**
    * Nails (2.5″): 100 pieces at £0.015 each = **£1.50**
    * Nails (3″): 300 pieces at £0.015 each = **£4.50**

* **Foundation & Structure:**
    * Cement: 4 bags at £4 – £6 per bag = **£16 – £24**

* **Windows & Doors:**
    * Door: 1 piece at £60 – £120 = **£60 – £120**
    * Small Windows: 3 pieces at £40 – £80 each = **£120 – £240**

* **Insulation:**
    * Insulation Rolls: 6 rolls at £20 – £30 each = **£120 – £180**

* **Sealants & Adhesives:**
    * Sealant: 8 to 12 tubes at £5 – £10 per tube = **£40 – £120**

* **Concrete Prices:**
    * Concrete Mix: 5 bags £6.00 – £15.00 per bag depending on the brand and type = **£30 – £75**

Hence, the estimated cost for the materials to build your tiny house ranges between **£1,680.50 and £2,928.50**. This estimation is based on the prices given, and it’s always a good idea to have a bit of a buffer in your budget for unforeseen costs or price changes.

===== Materials List and Approximate Prices in GBP for Building a Tiny House (US Market) =====

* **Lumber & Wood:**
    * 2x4s: 50 pieces at $3 – $6 each = **$150 – $300**
    * Marine Plywood (12mm): 18 sheets at $30 – $60 each = **$540 – $1,080**
    * 4x2s: 22 pieces at $4 – $7 each = **$88 – $154**
    * Hardwood 1x4s: 14 pieces at $2.50 – $5 each = **$35 – $70**
    * 8mm Plywood Sheets: 16 sheets at $25 – $40 = **$400 – $640**
    * 1x1s: 12 pieces at $1.50 – $3 each = **$18 – $36**
    * 4x4s: 3 pieces at $8 – $15 each = **$24 – $45**

* **Roofing (assuming you opt for one type of roof panel):**
    * Roof Panels (plastic): 6 panels at $25 – $40 each = **$150 – $240**
    * OR Roof Panels (metal): 6 panels at $35 – $60 each = **$210 – $360**

* **Fasteners & Connectors:**
    * Nails (1″): 400 pieces at $0.01 each = **$4**
    * Mending Plates: 16 pieces at $0.50 – $1.50 each = **$8 – $24**
    * Staples: 1000 pieces at $0.005 each = **$5**
    * Nails (2.5″): 100 pieces at $0.02 each = **$2**
    * Nails (3″): 300 pieces at $0.02 each = **$6**

* **Foundation & Structure:**
    * Cement: 4 bags at $5 – $8 per bag = **$20 – $32**

* **Windows & Doors:**
    * Door: 1 piece at $80 – $200 = **$80 – $200**
    * Small Windows: 3 pieces at $50 – $150 each = **$150 – $450**

* **Insulation:**
    * Insulation Rolls: 6 rolls at $25 – $50 each = **$150 – $300**

* **Sealants & Adhesives:**
    * Sealant: 8 to 12 tubes at $6 – $12 per tube = **$48 – $144**

* **Concrete:**
    * Concrete Mix: 5 bags $4.00 – $10.00 per bag = **$20 – $50**

The estimated cost for the materials to build your tiny house in the U.S. market, based on these figures, ranges between **$1,720 and $3,755**. As mentioned, these are estimates, and prices can vary based on numerous factors.

===== Diagram of Needed Materials =====

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===== Conclusion =====

Stepping up from a shed to a comfortable small house doesn’t have to break the bank. Equipped with this guide and a **£2000** budget approx, you’re set to turn a basic structure into a warm, inviting space. With readily available tools and enhancements like superior insulation and windows, you’re poised to create not just a shelter, but a true home. Embark on this DIY journey and witness the transformation!

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