DIY: Building a Home Office/Shed From Scratch

With limited space in our house, my wife and I often found ourselves needing the same room for work. Since we had some unused land in our backyard, two years ago I decided to make the most of it by constructing a home office and workshop.

In this guide, I'll walk you through how I built my backyard home office/shed.

This guide is divided into five main sections:

1. Foundation
2. Framing
3. Sheathing
4. Roofing
5. Siding

Due to the size and complexity of this project, I'll provide a high-level overview and link the details:

1. Learning resources: Books & Courses
2. Youtube videos (*.html file. Download first then open with a browser) => this is a very extensive list of videos covering various topics. If you are serious about learning, this can be very useful!
3. Design of my shed, i.e. CAD file
4. Cost of this project

for those who would like to replicate this build.

Tools:

1. Framing nailer
2. Roofing nailer gun
3. Crown stapler
4. Cap Stapler
5. Miter saw
6. table saw
7. circular saw
8. compressor
9. trim router
10. Orbital sander
11. impact driver
12. insulation foam

Materials:

1. 2x4, or 2 x 6 lumber
2. OSB board
3. Plywood
4. House wrap
5. Roof underlayment
6. Asphalt Roofing Shingles
7. Siding panel
8. Paints

Through my research, I found various popular options for the foundation, such as:

• concrete piers
• floating foundation
• concrete slab

Considering the size and weight this home office needs to support, I decided to go with a concrete slab.

The foundation is the only step of this build I didn’t personally handle. Concrete work is tricky; it involves a chemical reaction that requires precise planning and accurate timing at each step. Unlike other tasks where I can take it slow and correct mistakes, concrete work allows no room for error. With no experience in concrete work, I decided to hire a professional.

I was able to watch the workers handle the preparation, which included

• land leveling and compacting,
• installing the formwork (the lumber around the boundary),
• placing the reinforcement.

On the final day of pouring the concrete, the crew finished the pour and surface within one day. It was truly amazing.

I'm glad I made the right decision not to take on this daunting task myself. I knew I would have made many mistakes and seriously endangered the project. Once the concrete is poured, I just need to water it regularly for a while to ensure it cures fully and reaches its maximum strength.

Before starting the framing, I used CAD software to model the house, which gave me concrete ideas and a clear visualization of what the finished project would look like. Think about it, If you can model it in detail, including the size and position of each piece of lumber, you should be able to bring it to reality.

• My design in Sketchup

To do it correctly, I asked myself, 'What will I use this shed for?' I knew it would serve as both my home office and workshop, which helped me determine the layout, size, and other details such as the number of rooms and whether to include a loft space. For example, I divided the shed into two rooms with an interior wall: half serves as my home office, and the other half serves as my workshop for woodworking and metalworking.

I also did my homework beforehand by taking a few online courses, reading several books to understand the principles of building a house, and watching countless YouTube videos. This gave me a solid understanding of how to get started and familiarize myself with the steps involved.

After doing my research and homework, I felt confident in answering questions like:

• What is the standard way to build a house or shed?
• What tools do I need?
• What kind of nail gun should I use?
• What size of nails?
• How do I fasten the wall to the ground?
• How do I connect the walls?
• What kind and size of lumber should I use?
• What does '16 on center' mean?
• What is the standard way to frame a wall, window, door, and roof?
• What is the standard height of a house and a window?
• What are the standard width and height of a door?
• What is house wrap, and do I need one?
• What are the bottom and top plates, and how many top plates should I use?

These are just a few of the many questions I needed to answer. I documented all the answers, steps, and details, and then put them into practice.

Framing the roof was one of the most challenging steps in constructing my home office. From the design and planning to the final implementation, I spent a lot of time ensuring it was done correctly. I wanted more space inside the office, so I chose a gambrel roof design. The design underwent several iterations. The traditional way of securing the different pieces of the trusses didn’t suit me because of the wide span, so I had to redesign and reinforce the trusses.

Putting up the trusses was certainly not a one-man job. I gathered a bunch of good friends to help. Together, we were able to put up 22 trusses onto the roof in one day!

Framing the skylight window proved to be quite challenging. Initially, I installed all the trusses to establish a solid framework. Once the trusses were in place, I carefully measured and marked the location for the skylight. After ensuring the positioning was accurate, I made the necessary cutouts in the roof. Next, I framed the skylight window, taking extra care to ensure it was properly aligned and securely integrated into the existing trusses. This approach allowed me to maintain the structural integrity of the roof while accommodating the skylight

To sheath the house, I used oriented strand board (OSB) and secured it to the exterior of the walls with a stapler gun and crown staple. This provided a sturdy base for the subsequent layers of the exterior finish.

To tackle the roof sheathing, I invested in scaffolding, which allowed me to safely and efficiently carry the OSB sheets onto the roof. This task required considerable strength and effort, so having a helper is preferred.

For the roofing material, I opted for shingles due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. Before starting, I thoroughly researched the process of installing shingles, including the application of underlayment and the correct nailing techniques. I made sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for spacing and placement to ensure a weather-tight seal and long-lasting roof.

I used a house wrap and stapled it around the house to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and wind. House wrap acts as a barrier, preventing water from infiltrating the walls while still allowing moisture vapor to escape, which helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

For the exterior finish, I chose Engineered Treated Wood Siding, commonly known as SmartSiding. This material is renowned for its strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting protection. Additionally, SmartSiding offers a visually appealing finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of the shed. The engineered wood is treated to resist termites and fungal decay, ensuring that the siding remains in good condition for years to come. The installation process was straightforward, and the final result was both functional and attractive

For the trim, I also used SmartSiding panels, ensuring a cohesive look with the rest of the exterior. I carefully measured and cut the panels to the required length and width, then attached them to the corners of the house and around the windows. This not only provided a polished finish but also covered any imperfections or gaps at the edges, contributing to a more refined appearance. The trim enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, giving the house a neat and professional look. The uniformity of the SmartSiding panels in both the siding and trim creates a seamless and attractive exterior.

To conclude this guide, here's a walkthrough of Phase 1 of the build. This phase includes the foundation, framing, sheathing, roofing, and siding, showcasing the structure's progress and the exterior's final appearance.

In the next section, I will focus on the interior aspects of the project, including furnishing the space and installing the electrical systems. This will cover everything from interior layout and design to wiring and fixture installation, ensuring that the shed is both functional and comfortable. Stay tuned for detailed instructions and tips on completing these next crucial steps.