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It was Ben Franklin who said, “Guests, like fish, begin to stink after three days.” A little privacy for you and your guests can make that time easier on everyone, but unless you’re living in the east wing and your guests are living in the west wing, that privacy can be difficult to find.

Enter - the guest house.

Now, we know that may sound just as far-fetched as the idea of a house with separate wings is to most people. But when your guest house is a steel shed conversion, it’s much more attainable.

The first thing you’ll need to do is consider the size of your shed - whether it’s an existing shed or you’re starting from scratch - and the kind of amenities you want to offer your guests. Will it simply be a place to sleep, or will it be a fully functioning guest suite?

Once you’ve made those decisions and you know if you’ll be adding or including electrical, plumbing, etc., be sure to check in with your city or county planning and zoning department so you can make sure your project is up to code. Have an HOA? Be sure to check those regs, too!

Let there be light

If your shed doesn’t already have electricity, you’re going to need to add it for your guests’ convenience and comfort. They’ll need light to see by, and depending on your climate you’ll need to power a heating system, air conditioner, or both. If you want to be a really great host, be sure your home wifi reaches your guest house, too.

Let there be … water

It’s not a necessity, but it your steel shed has the space and your budget can swing it, consider adding at least some basic plumbing features like a toilet and a sink.

Let there be airflow

Not all sheds have windows. But all guest houses do. The great thing about VersaTube steel sheds is that with our window frame kits, they are a relatively easy add. Before you start adding windows, though, think about the placement of the furniture, the sink and toilet, privacy and cross-ventilation.

It’s the extras that make it special

Furnish your guest house with all the things that you’d appreciate if you were a guest. Include a small refrigerator for cold drinks; a table and chair for eating, writing or working; plenty of outlets for charging devices (USB outlets are very convenient), lamps, a comfortable bed or two, and extra linens.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at some of our standard garage and utility shed models; many of these would easily convert into guest houses. Or, design your own from scratch and we’ll ship your kit with the window and door placements exactly where you want them. Either way, you could be only a few weeks from solving your guest problem. Ben Franklin would be proud.