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Ever wish you had a guest house in your backyard for those times when you have people over on an extended visit? If you have a garden shed, you may already have one! You just need to convert it so it fills its new purpose. So how do you turn a shed into a guest house?

• Check with your local building department in case you need permits for plumbing or electricity installation. Some locales also have restrictions. For example, you may not be allowed to install a toilet, because that would make the guest house a separate residence on the same lot. This is okay in some areas, but in others, it is not permitted.

• Figure out what you will include in the guest house. Will it have a kitchenette? A bathroom?

• Look up small guest house plans. If you already have a backyard shed to convert, use that, but if you don’t, you can shop around for a shed guest house kit. These kits are designed to be simple and easy to follow even for people who don’t do a lot of DIY projects.

• When planning your layout, start thinking about storage immediately. One of the nice things about a guest house is that you do not have to keep much in it aside from furniture and utilities. Your guests will be the ones bringing luggage along. You still want to provide them with some options for where they place their stuff though. Some wall shelving units may be helpful. Try to pick shelving that will not intrude on floor space.

• Also consider décor. Even though décor may be the last thing on your mind, you want the space to have enough softness to it to actually be a comfortable place to stay. Look for ways you can brighten it up with curtains, paintings, and decorative furniture—without making it cluttered.

• Try to pick a flexible plan when you set up bedding. One queen-size bed may seem like the easiest choice, but that wouldn’t be an ideal setup for all guests. Instead, think about installing a queen size bed and a long couch which can double as a twin size bed. This provides more options for your guests.

• Think about creating a pathway leading from the guest house to the main house. If your shed is in the garden and you are unable to install a bathroom, your guests will need to walk back and forth at night. Make a clear, safe path and light it well so they can find their way safely.

Don’t be afraid to spend extra time and effort planning your shed conversion before you start in on the project in earnest. If you make mistakes during the planning stage or skip important steps, it will cause a lot of hassles later. If however you put a lot of thought into your plans, you will be able to create a beautiful and functional guest house in your backyard!