The sun is coming out and the weather is warming up. We can finally start emerging from our winter hibernation— it’s the perfect time to host guests. But as much as we love spending time with family and friends, it can be challenging to find enough space to make everyone comfortable.
Luckily, there’s a popular and affordable solution: using a custom shed as a guest cottage. Building a backyard guest cottage shed is a practical way to add living space, host guests, and boost your property value.
Benefits of a Backyard Guest Cottage Shed
On first thought, a guest cottage might sound overly expensive and out of reach. However, a custom guest cottage shed can be surprisingly cost-effective. Backyard sheds are an accessible way to expand your living space and accommodate long- or short-term guests, without breaking the bank.
Simplicity and Affordability
The beauty of a guest house shed is in its simplicity. A custom shed is a fraction of the cost of a traditional guest house, with all the functionality.
Insulation, windows, and electricity are all you need to transform a storage shed into a cozy cottage. A comfy bed and storage for your guests’ things is a great place to start, and from there you can continue to upgrade over time or all at once. Make it an ongoing project if that’s your style, or keep it minimal and functional.
Creating a Comfortable Stay
Privacy and independence are luxuries we don’t always get to enjoy when staying with friends or family. With an affordable backyard guest cottage, you can treat your guests like royalty.
Picture them waking up as the sun shines in, then heading over to the house to share a cup of coffee and some breakfast. Maybe you’d prefer to take the guest shed yourself and leave the house for your guests!
Adding Property Value
Adding a custom shed to your backyard is a small investment compared to the boost it can give your property value. According to Angie’s List, most guest houses see a 60-70% return on investment. Guest sheds increase the livable square footage on your property, without requiring any construction on the main house. Using a custom shed for guests is practical and low-maintenance, which is especially attractive to buyers.
If laws and regulations in your area allow it, you could also use the space as a backyard rental cottage. With this additional stream of revenue, your return on investment increases even more.
Designing Your Backyard Living Shed
A backyard guest cottage can be as simple as a shed with utilities. To make the space a perfect homey fit for your guests, however, there are a few factors and upgrades worth considering. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get a sense of your needs:
- How often do I host guests?
- How many guests do I usually host at a time?
- How much space can I devote to a guest cottage?
- Do I want to use this space as a rental unit?
Use the answers to these questions to get an idea of the size, layout, and utilities that will work for you and your guests. On our shed customization page, you can design a structure that fits your specifications.
Windows, porches, and double doors take advantage of natural light, making a backyard shed cottage feel fresh and welcoming. Details like cupolas and shutters feel especially custom and thoughtful. You can also customize the color and materials of your shed to coordinate with the rest of your home.
Examples of Custom Guest Cottages
With an image in mind of the typical guests you’ll host, you can tailor your guest cottage to them. This is a chance to get creative and create a uniquely welcoming space.
Kid-Friendly: Bunk beds are a great choice for hosting kids and families because of their space efficiency. Adding reading lamps to each bunk bed makes the space feel cozy, as does a small couch or chair with a bookshelf.
On-The-Go Office: As remote work as gotten increasingly popular, the “office” can be anywhere. A desk and chair, along with outlets to conveniently charge devices, help visitors stay on top of their work while traveling.
Backyard Tiny House: Adding a kitchenette to your floor plan allows your guests to be independent. This could be a major selling point for renting out the space, or for hosting frequent or long-term guests.
Build a Guest House Shed with Millers Mini Barns
Think a guest house shed makes sense for you? Check out our inventory page to see the available options for backyard guest sheds. We’ll build and install it for you, making it as easy as possible to upgrade your property value and host guests in maximum comfort.