Old shed on duplex property

[Brett Sorrell]

Hey y’all, I just bought my first househack! It needs a lot of work, but my main thing I need help with is this old shed behind the property. It’s not big, but it’s got a concrete slab and power hooked up to it. The roof needs replaced and it would take a lot of work to make it look nice. Right now I’m thinking of just pushing it over because I have no idea what to do with it. Any ideas? I’m thinking this duplex has air b&b potential since it’s pretty close to the chiefs stadium otherwise it would be a long term rental any ideas would be awesome!!!

[William Sing]

@Brett Sorrell,

Great points to consider! If you're thinking of turning the shed into its own unit, it would require some serious upgrades—like adding a separate electrical panel, sewer, and water connections. That can quickly add up, especially if you're looking to make it an Airbnb. You’ll definitely want to dig into the zoning and permit requirements for your area to get a clear picture of what's allowed and what the associated costs might be.

Also, don't forget to factor in things like parking and whether you'd need to add a kitchenette to make it a viable short-term rental (STR). These are critical aspects that can influence not only your budget but also the overall feasibility of the project.

However, if you’re looking for a lower-cost value add, turning the shed into a high-quality storage space could be a solid first step. Future tenants would likely appreciate the extra storage, and it could make your duplex more attractive in the long run without the hefty upfront investment that a full conversion would require.

Another idea is to repurpose the shed into a functional office space or a private workout area. With more people working remotely, a dedicated office could be a big draw, and a workout space adds value without requiring extensive renovations. These options would still keep your costs down while offering practical benefits that could attract a larger demographic of renters.

Starting with one of these simpler conversions also gives you the flexibility to explore more ambitious plans down the road once you have a better understanding of the property's potential and your own budget constraints.

Hope this helps clarify the options. Whatever you choose, it’s all about balancing cost, effort, and potential return!

[Brett Sorrell]

Thank you so much for the insights! I have not thought about the gym space or work area, that is a great idea. I will post here when we decide what to do :)

[Peter Mckernan]

Quote from @Brett Sorrell:

Hey y’all, I just bought my first househack! It needs a lot of work, but my main thing I need help with is this old shed behind the property. It’s not big, but it’s got a concrete slab and power hooked up to it. The roof needs replaced and it would take a lot of work to make it look nice. Right now I’m thinking of just pushing it over because I have no idea what to do with it. Any ideas? I’m thinking this duplex has air b&b potential since it’s pretty close to the chiefs stadium otherwise it would be a long term rental any ideas would be awesome!!!

 I believe unless you see a use for it (having a landscaper keep mower in there, or other handyman stuff) do not spend the time and money; take it down.