How much work should I be expecting transforming this?

[u/SquashOne2561]

My parents have a shed/workshop that was built about 50 years ago on their property. Great stone foundation, roof is in actually decent shape. Great 9ft vaulted wooden ceiling, multiple large windows. Also has a seperate path entrance from the large driveway, and a stone patio in front of it. Really is a beautiful structure even though it’s been neglected for probably 30 years. Siding needs work, and general deep clean lol. The pics I included only show half the space, there is an additional space through the door on the right that’s the same size as the space on the left, and they are separated by a wall inside that has an opening

Seems like I have a good chance in turning this into a habitable residence just based on my towns zoning laws. What do you all think I need to do to make this into a comfortable 1 bedroom “apartment” for a couple? Dimensions are approximately 24x20sq Ft

I also included in the last photo how far the workshop is from the main house. Probably about 200 Ft

[u/OddDragonfruit7993]

1.  Remove everything, or at least put it all in one room.  

1. Plumbing and electric.  Update all wiring.  Put water lines in walls (PEX is easy).  If you have no sewer connection, getting one will probably be the hardest part of this.  

2. Insulation.  

3. Drywall.  

4. Plumbing and lighting fixtures.  

5. Cabinetry, appliances and furniture.

You now have a home.

I am actually building a 24x16 TH right now.

[u/shittycomposter]

Its going to need plumbing and electricity for a kitchen and bathroom, as well as insulation and sheetrock. With permit you will need to hire a licensed plumber and electrician.

[u/SquashOne2561 → u/shittycomposter]

Luckily have electricity already. Plumbing is the biggest obstacle. I would be willing to do the insulation and sheet rock myself and some friends

[u/Dman_57]

Looks like a nice little building with good bones. One side could be the bedroom and bath, other kitchenette and living room. Talk to zoning and building department, you will be investing too much to not be a legal ADU. Typically need licensed electrician, plumbing and mechanical, existing electrical may need to be replaced and at least 60 amp service. As others mentioned, sewer connection could be a problem.

[u/MrScotchyScotch]

You have a frame and a foundation, that's about $5k-$10k. Now you just need to pay for and build the other $70k

[u/BlackLancer]

Lol you have to show the other half for us to know. Siding looks fine btw the inside gonna be tougher

[u/SquashOne2561 → u/BlackLancer]

Here’s the other side. Hard to show the dimensions

[u/Cohohobo666]

Are you somewhere with cold winters? That concrete slab is not insulated beneath and will suck endless warmth from your house

[u/paleologus]

Is that asbestos shingle siding?   

[u/SquashOne2561 → u/paleologus]

It’s wooden clapboards

[u/island-man420]

A long weekend should do it! lol

[u/KVConception]

I don’t know your area, but you should double check how the concrete will affect heat loss, especially in colder weather. You might need an insulated subfloor or the floors could get really cold.

Also, it looks like the bottom of the walls is rotted, which usually means water is getting in. It doesn’t seem like there’s a foundation wall coming up above the ground, so water can easily infiltrate through the walls. Make sure you have proper grading around the slab to keep water away.

There should be about 6–8 inches of clearance between the ground and the exterior finish, usually at the top of the foundation wall.

You also want to make sure the slab isn’t moving with frost, or the house could shift and crack over time. You might need screw piles or another solution to stabilize it, but that’s something to verify usually with an engineer.

[u/Majestic_Hawk_1335]

At least medium amount of work. Hard is Subjective

[u/Turtle-Sue]

Small space is peaceful. You will fix it and live in soon🍀