My parents’ house was too small for 5 kids so they turned the garden shed into my bedroom, it was freezing but I love it
A WOMAN has shared a glimpse of the tiny shed her parents turned into her bedroom.
Megsie, from the UK, revealed her parents were now selling their house so it was the perfect opportunity to show off her tiny home.
In the garden lay two sheds adjacent to each other, one for her and another for her sister to live in while they were teenagers.
Megsie explained: ” These are what I refer to as the shed. My parents prefer the term Log Cabin.
“And growing up, these are mine and my sister’s bedroom.
“I have four younger sisters and I’m one out of 5, so my parents had to come up with very creative ways as to where we’re all gonna sleep.”
Megsie said she had lived at home for three years after moving to London but fondly remembers her time living in a shed.
The room had a large double bed, wardrobe and desk for Megsie to get ready in.
They double-glazed the windows and carpeted the floor but didn’t bother to insulate the walls as they preferred the look of the wood which left the shed freezing in the winter.
She added: “It’s obviously got electric and then the heating runs off oil heaters without the insulation I will be honest, it did get a little bit chilly.
“But as a teenager, having my own space, separated from the rest of the house, was worth any sacrifice I had to make.”
Megsie revealed that if she needed the bathroom she had to head back into their main house as there was no running water in the shed.
She also remembers there being lots of spiders that would join her.
Since Megsie moved out and waved goodbye to her childhood home, the sheds have been turned into storage rooms.
The clip went viral on her TikTok account @megsiewilkinson with over 747k views and people were quick to share their thoughts on the tiny home.
One person wrote: “Omg this is so cute! You had two little houses! Wow, I would have loved this! Also great privacy I bet your parents didn’t hear if you were still watching tv in bed late at night!.”
Rules on turning sheds into bedrooms
Many people are turning to smaller outdoor structures to create more room in their homes but here's the rules you need to stick to if you live in the UK and want to do it yourself.
- Planning Permission:
- Generally, outbuildings like sheds are considered permitted development and do not require planning permission if they meet certain criteria (e.g., not taking up more than 50% of the garden, not being forward of the principal elevation, and being single-storey with a maximum height of 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary).
- However, converting a shed into a habitable space like a bedroom may change its classification, potentially requiring planning permission. It’s best to check with your local planning authority to confirm.
- Building Regulations:
- Any conversion that involves creating a habitable space must comply with building regulations. These regulations ensure the safety, health, and welfare of people in and around buildings.
- Key areas covered include structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, damp proofing, electrical safety, and escape routes.
- Insulation and Heating:
- Proper insulation is essential to make the space comfortable and energy-efficient. This includes insulating walls, roofs, and floors.
- Adequate heating must be installed to ensure the room can be used year-round.
- Ventilation:
- Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent condensation and ensure good air quality. This may involve installing windows that can be opened or mechanical ventilation systems.
- Electrical Work:
- All electrical work must comply with Part P of the building regulations. It is advisable to have electrical work carried out by a qualified electrician.
- Water Supply and Drainage:
- If you plan to include a bathroom or kitchen facilities, you will need to ensure proper water supply and drainage systems are in place, complying with relevant regulations.
- Fire Safety:
- Fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors and fire-resistant materials, must be incorporated to ensure the safety of occupants.
- Access and Egress:
- The converted space must have safe and accessible routes for entering and exiting, including emergency escape routes.
- Neighbour Considerations:
- If your property is in a conservation area, listed, or subject to other restrictions, additional rules may apply.
Before proceeding with the conversion, it is highly recommended to consult with your local planning authority and a qualified professional to ensure all legal requirements and safety standards are met.
Another commented: “Omg this is so cosy this is the best teenage room ever!”
“This is a great idea, love it,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “If my parents did this for me, I’d NEVER move out. Why did you leave?!”
“I love it! Genius idea,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “I used to beg my parents for this.”
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