How can I convert my old brick shed into a cozy home office?
Anonymous user 06/11/2025 - 10:12 AM
Hello,
I have a brick structure attached to the side of my house that also connects to my neighbor's place. From what I can tell, it doesn't have any electrical or plumbing, but I could be mistaken. It originally had two rooms with two doors, but the partition wall was partially taken down, creating one space. I'm considering turning it into an office for making jewellery. The space is about 3 metres long and 2 metres wide, so even with insulation, it should be large enough to work as an office.
I'm not sure if converting it is possible or where to begin. I assume I'd need a permit and someone to assess the space, but I don't want to jump the gun if it's not feasible. I know I'll probably need to install a new door and window, add wiring, insulation, moisture protection, and maybe more, which I'm ready to do.
Can anyone advise if this conversion is doable? If so, what should I consider getting done? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated, as I'm new to this kind of project. Thank you!
Hi, To convert a brick shed into a cozy home office, first ensure its structural integrity and permit requirements. Then, insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor, and install Hydro, water and gas for appliances.
We have been building homes for the last 24 Years. We provided Design build homes (Including permits).
Converting your attached brick structure into a small jewellery-making office sounds feasible, but you’ll need to approach it carefully. The first step is to have a professional assess the structure to confirm its stability, damp resistance, and whether it’s properly tied into your house and your neighbor’s property. You’ll likely need planning approval or at least building regulation approval, especially if you’re adding insulation, electrical wiring, new openings, or changing its intended use. A qualified contractor or architect can guide you through these requirements. You’ll also need to consider insulation, ventilation, and moisture protection to make the space comfortable and safe for year-round use, along with electrical work for lighting and tools. Installing a proper door and window will improve natural light and access. With the right planning and professional input, your conversion should be entirely possible and can make a great workspace.
Sure — here’s a simple version you can give your client:
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Yes, it’s possible to turn that brick structure into an office, but you’ll need to start with an inspection to make sure the walls, roof, and foundation are in good shape. Since you’re changing how the space will be used, a building permit is usually required. You’ll also need to add insulation, electrical wiring, proper ventilation, and moisture protection to make it comfortable and safe to work in.
Once an inspector or contractor checks it out and confirms it’s structurally sound, the conversion should be very doable.
Answered3 November 2025
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Anonymous user
This sounds like a fun one.. yes of course you can turn it into and office.. and a nice office it would be.. building permit? Not necessarily.. it would depend on what extent you are going to go with the reno.. structural work absolutely, any major electrical work yes you would.. but a good trades men will tell you once the scope of work was determined..
That's great that you have plans to utilize all the spaces available to you. Yes, you have the right mindset where it is doable. However, it depends on the framing — if it's not changing the structure but insulating to work it, you should be fine without a permit. However, if you are looking to add a new line for water and additional electrical, an inspection would be needed before the walls are closed in with insulation after the rough-ins.
