One Man Shed Build - Backyard Studio, Home Office, Guesthouse

I built this simple structure mostly to reclaim more space in my home. It will double as an office / studio space as well as an occasional guest house.
This video is not meant as a step by step guide, rather a documentation of my experience. I find these types of videos helpful when I am researching projects so hopefully you can get something out of it. I do not claim to be an expert in construction but if you have any questions leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer them.
The interior is still a work in progress and I will be adding a deck in the not too distant future.
Subscribe if you want to motivate me to make more content.

[@schuinfagner]

Good build.

[@daveh2938]

What an amazing build !!!!

[@bobbydelcavallo7181]

Absolutely marvelous 🥳🥳🥳

[@eduardoescandon7928]

Awesome 👏 strong build

[@MadskillsBeatz]

Wow, great job looks awesome.

[@matthewpickard5575]

Nice work 👏 👌

[@itstaco1]

Amazing work Gino! Loved the whole process! I’m sure this was a challenge, but it came out beautifully!

[@myrnam.riveraroman3760]

Excelente trabajo ❤

[@myrnam.riveraroman3760]

Waooo quedó hermosa me encantó ❤

[@ColtonArrow]

sweet build dude. Thx for sharing

[@virginiatolles1664]

Beautiful work. You paid wonderful attention to detail, and it shows!

[@matthewgourdin2174]

Nice job!

[@jimrosson6702]

Wow amazing work

[@jaflolara]

That's a solid and giant chicken coop, I love it. nice work!

[@samanthataylor6497]

Freaking AWESOME!! This helped answer many questions I was thinking of to turn my shed into a useable hangout/guest house!

[@gino.varisano]

Glad I could help!

[@mikep2286]

Nice work!

[@Bert1010]

You’re amazing man.

[@InnardOrchard]

beautiful build this is exactly what im wanting to do

[@rejaneberclaz3331]

You are Professional❤

[@nirajcit]

Immediately, liked and subscribed by watching your video.

[@silaswatt6519]

Very nice build

[@TheBuddyClack]

Well as one! Well made video as well.

[@lrparrish227]

Very nice!

[@DuduPMoreira]

Belo trabalho

[@wbklausmeyer]

That's pretty great

[@Ydnar6929]

Well done - both the building and video editing.

[@Emronia]

Amazing!

[@michaelthompson6452]

Awesome 👌

[@jennyfromtheblock1985]

Awesome cuts for your blocking. Wish i would of thought of that with my shed roof container home. Also the weight to help you out made me chuckle. I had buckets of rocks hanging on my build at times. When its just one person you just make ut work.

[@gino.varisano]

Haha yeah, ratchet straps and weights were tied for employee of the month on this build

[@thecarolinarealestateteam943]

😂@@gino.varisano

[@insanedrummer89]

bad ass studio bro

[@SteveSirica]

That’s awesome. This exactly what I need to build when I replace my existing pool house/shed. I think the only thing I would do differently is a metal roof. Thanks for the DIY video. Great job!

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks! Yeah metal roof would be nice and probably way faster. I went with shingles to try to match my house a little more.

[@DuduPMoreira]

Aqui no Brasil ainda não é muito comum a construção de casas em madeira. Normalmente as casas são de alvenaria. Mas estou planejando construir a casa do meu sítio em wood frame.

[@swaffy101]

Nice!

[@dustinclark8946]

For me a few windows for ventilation and light. But looks great!

[@tanasarahdesign3781]

I am so pleased to see you all suited up to work with insulation. Too many times I see people on KZbin ignoring all safety precautions when working with insulation.

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah definitely don’t want to be breathing that stuff in. Rock fiber in the lungs can’t be good

[@zachgoestoeuro]

@@gino.varisanois it Rockwool?

[@gino.varisano]

@@zachgoestoeuro it is

[@alabastardmasterson]

That's bc you don't know anything about insulation. You lost the 1st battle

[@zachgoestoeuro]

@@alabastardmasterson wut?

[@ElementX32]

Sir, you did an awesome job. The only additional thing I would've liked to see in your shed is hard-wired with ethernet cable, but that's just because I'm a geek.

[@gino.varisano]

Haha. I actually did that a few days ago ‘cause I’m also a geek

[@jerrystout3032]

Great 👍job Pete!!?

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks! Pete is my father

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I am gearing up to build a small wood shop in my back yard. This is exactly how I have been thinking of doing it. I'm not interested in concrete. And, I don't like two pitch roofs for small out buildings. Eventually, I plan to add a ground level porch and cover it by building off the high side of roof. In fact, there's very little of this I would change. Great build!

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks. Sounds like a fun project. I want to add a deck that extends to the pool on mine. If I were to build it again I might reinforce the way the side overhangs attach. They aren’t going anywhere but if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall it might be a lot of stress on the one rafter they’re tied into.

[@dejurniybizon294]

Hey, great job! How much did it cost you to build the shed? What state do you live?

[@PeterCheung-qx2si]

Good.

[@JamesLawrence-hv4ti]

Top notch chill zone🤙🏻 btw does the vapor barrier you layed under the sub floor also de-squeek effectively? (replaces adhesive?) jw.. nice vid thx

[@gino.varisano]

It creaks a bit when you walk, not too bad, will probably change with the seasons

[@dentonfergus]

This was amazing! You did such a fantastic job, question to you sir is what did you use to make the windows up towards the ceiling? Is it plexiglass perhaps?

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks! Yes it is plexi

[@ChristianPostier]

@@gino.varisano Came to ask same question, looks great!

[@daspicsman]

Fastest chop saw in the west!

[@gregmize01]

ROCKWOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gino.varisano]

Haha, hell yeah brother!

[@alextomanovich8486]

I saw you put the boxes flush with the studs instead of out to the little bumps that bring it out 1/2" for the drywall. Also you put all the outlets in before the drywall? Was that just an oversight? Seems like it would make things very difficult afterwards for you. Other than that, the shed looks awesome. I wish i could get motivated to do the stuff on my to do list

[@gino.varisano]

I was waiting for someone to notice that haha. It was a mistake I fixed off camera before adding the drywall.

[@waltwalt9608]

Awesome work! Trying to tackle something similar as well. Where did you get your plans for the shed? Share the source??

[@gino.varisano]

I would gladly share plans but I didn’t follow any, just kinda made it up… “The efficient carpenter” is a good book on framing if you’re interested in learning the basics of home construction. I thought maybe I could draw some plans up for interested people but I haven’t had time to do it yet.

[@waltwalt9608]

@gino.varisano Thanks. I will check that book out. I have some of the tools just a bit intimidated on the task and the time it will take to build.

[@miles99]

Nice build! You should use those instruments to put some music in the video!

[@gino.varisano]

Haha yeah maybe on the next one

[@ThisIsSoRelatable]

Every thing done so well and neat and awesome you do your self and great design but I do think the floor should have been a slab to make the building last forever , but still good job

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks. It’s true, slab would have been ideal for longevity

[@coolinken]

Very nice. I wonder though why you chose not to anchor it and left it floating? There's no concern of it shifting off that board base due to high winds, especially with the roof overhang?

[@gino.varisano]

I’ve considered this, but I previously built a very similar shed and have observed it through different seasons and very heavy winds. It hasn’t budged an inch. This one is considerably heavier with all of the the finishing elements so I think it will be good.

[@regnor166]

I missed something or the building is not tied to the ground ? Awesome building with quality materials.

[@gino.varisano]

No it is built on skids. I may anchor the base in the future but honestly I think if winds are strong enough to move this thing they’re probably going to be strong enough to just rip it apart.

[@gerardoliverdunne4491]

great job and excellent damp proofing. The overhang. Im not a fan of it, it feels unfinished. Is it draft proof on a windy day? It feels like it would not be airtight left unfinished like that.

[@gino.varisano]

It’s not drafty at all but I agree it’s not as visually pleasing as it could be. I considered finishing the soffit with cedar but ultimately I just didn’t want to spend any more time/money on the build.

[@geebuse9031]

What type of siding did you use? great build.

[@gino.varisano]

LP smart side

[@DJQuackers123]

Nice work. I might have missed it but how did you get power to the building?

[@gino.varisano]

It’s not in the video but I trenched a line from my house.

[@drumswest5035]

How will the "shed" handle frost heave, it will probably have differential settlement on a structure that big.

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah, over time it might.. if it gets too bad I figured I could always jack it up and level with pavers or something

[@ChrisSche]

Really cool. How much did that cost to build in materials?

[@gino.varisano]

Probably around $15k including the split unit and power run.

[@mattnormandrums]

Came here looking for a space similar to what I would like to build. As a drummer, seeing the kit and the desk setup assured me a build like this is what I am after. Do you mind sharing what a build like this cost? And the square footage? Thanks

[@gino.varisano]

The floor is 12ftx24ft. I didn’t keep super great track of expenses but total cost was around $15k including running electric, paint, and the mini split. I need to make some more acoustic treatment before I go deaf, drums are so loud in there haha

[@mattnormandrums]

@@gino.varisano sweet, thank you for sharing this!! Yea, I started using Eargasm earlier plugs, $40 on Amazon, and they’re great for protecting the ears but still hearing the kit.

[@iliaskyvos953]

What's that material you put on the outside and whats that material you put under the laminate floor? Gr8 Job! you made me dream

[@gino.varisano]

The exterior material is called LP smart side. Also called T1-11. Under that is a tyvek house wrap that serves as a moisture barrier. The floor is bamboo hardwood, under it is pergo underlayment.

[@iliaskyvos953]

ty so much @@gino.varisano

[@craigforbes4881]

Gino, this is awesome. What are the dimensions?

[@gino.varisano]

The base is 12x24

[@sneakydemon1198]

was it just cost being the factor on single pane glass for the windows? That will cost a huge effect on cooling/heating.

[@gino.varisano]

Cost/dimensions was the reason I made them myself. I could go back and double them up pretty easily if need be, I was gonna wait to see how it handled winter.

[@JMolina94.]

This is nice!! What are the dimensions? And what size rafters did you use?

[@gino.varisano]

The floor is 12x24 ft, walls are 10ft on one side 8ft on the other, rafters are 2x6s ~16ft

[@michaelfahim5878]

Turned out great? What size shed was this and do you know the pitch on the roof?

[@ejRecording]

thats what im wondering too

[@gino.varisano]

the base is 12x24. there are 2 ft of rise over the 12 ft of run

[@christophercraft6683]

I might be totally wrong but isn’t the window/ door flashing supposed to go on the inside of exterior sheathing? I have concerns of water infiltration getting behind the siding and seeping into the nooks and crannies. Loved watching though. I could watch framing videos all day!

[@gino.varisano]

That would probably have been smarter. I’m certainly no expert. It does have caulk and a pretty wide asphalt tape sealing it up so I’m not too concerned about water but definitely worth looking into if you’re building something.

[@cliffanderson7544]

Awesome build! What was the total cost. Im thinking of doing a build like it!

[@gino.varisano]

I didn't keep great track of expenses but I think it landed around $15k including the AC split unit and power run. More than I wanted to spend for sure haha

[@cliffanderson7544]

Thanks!@@gino.varisano

[@justinjones6810]

What brand of flooring did you use it's looks like laminate flooring

[@gino.varisano]

Cali bamboo. Not laminate, although that would be a much more economical option

[@josereal4200]

The hydraulics on your bucket are going out

[@gillgong109]

I thought the foundation always needs to be concrete. Will this gravel move? What if lots of rain get into the foundation? Thanks.

[@gino.varisano]

There are many ways to build. You could put it on a concrete pad or foundation. A gravel pad is a common option for small buildings. The compacted gravel is stable and provides quick drainage. I definitely wouldn’t build this way if it were in an area with flood risk but generally no, rain does not get in. An added protection would be to add flashing around the exposed areas at the bottom.

[@2high686]

@@gino.varisanois the membrane you put underneath the gravel permeable? I know gravel is good for drainage but it looks like a solid plastic sheet which would create a pool of water rather than drain.

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah it’s water permeable. It’s a woven landscaping fabric that I use as a row cover in my garden.

[@dliveinternational2754]

Nice work! What is the size the shed?

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks. The base is 12x24ft

[@charmnGUY]

Dang that's solid, a little overbuilt and must of cost a fortune

[@gino.varisano]

Welp, it definitely wasn’t cheap!

[@IsaacC20]

Did you design the shed yourself and then model it to get material estimates? It looks like you ordered everything before the build.

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah I knew I was going to build it 12x24 to minimize cuts and keep it mostly full sheets of plywood and I knew I would do 16inches between studs/ joists/ rafters so calculating how many of everything you need was pretty simple. There are framing calculators online that can make it even easier. And then I added a little extra of everything to account for mistakes and warped wood etc.

[@jakerivera4913]

Nice…I need you to come to my house and build me one.

[@MrCubi2011]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rayreyes2490]

awesome project, also I love the "the Crew Varisano" mom and baby helping setting up the door😂👏👏👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gino.varisano]

Haha thanks, the baby was a big help

[@lukesmith3283]

Where does one go to school to learn basic house/shed/barn construction? No plumbing or electricity just cement slabs/stick framing/brick and mortar etc? Is there a certain trade school or college program? I would like to learn how to build a home/shed/barn etc.

[@gino.varisano]

I'm sure there are many trade schools you could check out. I don't know anything about them unfortunately. These days though, if you are serious about it and motivated you can learn all of the basic concepts pretty quickly on youtube and from there just start building / fixing things. Start with small projects and a few basic tools and work your way up. If you want to do it for a living I'm sure there are plenty of entry level construction type jobs you can get doing grunt work but if you are reliable, tolerable to be around, and anxious to learn people are generally happy to show you the ropes.

[@SCB777]

How much would it had cost you roughly to add a full restroom with shower?

[@gino.varisano]

Hard to say, in my case I would have to dig a drain line through my yard to tie into septic and run water lines from my house so it would probably be at least another few thousand

[@paraelwares]

It would be great if you had measures and timber sizes. I really would like to give it a try! Thanks.

[@gino.varisano]

The base is 12x24ft constructed of pressure treated 2x8s and topped with pressure treated plywood. The walls are 8ft on one side 10 ft on the other 2x4s. The roof is 16ft 2x6 rafters and also topped with pressure treated plywood. Spacing for everything is 16inch on center. And the roof overhangs about 2ft the whole way around give or take a few inches.

[@paraelwares]

@@gino.varisano I had a feeling you'd respond promptly. Only a few minutes! Thanks for the info. Subscribed (I say all this for others to see). Thanks again. 😀

[@randomcampbell3440]

​@gino.varisano hi, great work. Curious what you spent minus the the rocks underneath? Thanks!

[@gino.varisano]

Total was probably about $15k the rocks were a few hundred

[@Teegray1124]

What siding did you use.

[@gino.varisano]

The product I used is called LP smart side

[@stilltrippin4687]

What did you put under the floor?

[@gino.varisano]

I put reflectix under the plywood just as a simple insulation that wouldn’t become a home to rodents etc. and under the hardwood I put pergo underlayment.

[@paraelwares]

Hello Gino, is there any way that you could provide the plans for the shed? Or maybe point to the sources you used? Thank you. :-D - (Edited a few instants later: I just saw your response to my same question a few answers down. I'm checking on The Efficient Carpenter now. If you do have the time to draw those plans, let us know! Thanks). 😀

[@germandiaz1651]

What size is this? I want to make one for my wife and I

[@gino.varisano]

The base is 12ft x 24ft walls are 8ft on the short side and 10ft on the tall side

[@allenzackery1639]

How is the roof going to breathe ? It's locked in ! Is this a all season shack ? Really probably should have been off the gravel. And insolated under also... Otherwise nice job.....

[@gino.varisano]

yeah i guess you're right, I mostly only added the interior vapor layer on the ceiling to keep rockwool dust/ fibers out of the space. I didn't want to insulate the underside any further because it would become a rodent's nest in no time and I have seen other builders in much colder climates use this method effectively enough. We will see how the split unit handles the cold which will determine how much winter use it gets.

[@allenzackery1639]

@@gino.varisano copy ! You can always add a roof on top ? Without disturbing the inside ? Good luck ? And keep up the good work !!!

[@royhazwan]

what is the length and width of your design bro?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24

[@jasonbutler419]

I love it! What is the square footage?

[@gino.varisano]

Thanks! The base is 12x24

[@michaelshelnutt3534]

What size was this building?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24

[@pawelmalczyk]

No floor insulation?

[@gino.varisano]

None besides the reflectix. I figured it would just become a home to rodents in no time and honestly I have no trouble keeping it warm.

[@Khrisdamion]

How much did this build cost ?

[@gino.varisano]

Somewhere around $15k including the split unit and the cost of running power out from my main panel

[@MarekUrbanowiczGuitar]

Do you mind sharing budget?

[@gino.varisano]

I spent around $15k

[@JuanGinez]

What are the dimensions of the this room?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24 ft

[@ragnarokpxn5196]

Whats the size or dimension?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24

[@coryr6359]

anyone know what dimensions this build is?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24

[@RabbyRabb]

What are the dimensions of this building?

[@gino.varisano]

Floor is 12x24. High wall is 10 ft. Low wall is 8 ft. Rafters are about 16ft

[@Flashnewstv1]

Hey, what are the dimensions?

[@gino.varisano]

the base is 12'x24'

[@danielsaldivar5622]

Termites?

[@gino.varisano]

Everything at the ground level is pressure treated. And it’s easy enough to inspect the underside. Beyond that termites are always a threat when building with wood.

[@nemosparadise9442]

What was is the dimensions? Please and thanks

[@gino.varisano]

Floor is 12x24 walls are 10ft and 8ft

[@nemosparadise9442]

@@gino.varisanothank you 👍🏼

[@dalisrodriguez972]

What are the dimensions?

[@gino.varisano]

12x24

[@jerrystout3032]

Where's the potty???

[@falkortechnologies8039]

20:17 Your tractor has a hydraulic leak. Dont stand under that thing!

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah that’s been on my long list of things to tend to. I’ll fix it soon

[@RicardoTBS]

but the wood should not be touching the ground. should have a base. 🤔

[@gino.varisano]

Skid foundation on a gravel base, very common way to build small structures. Compacted stone keeps it stable and provides easy drainage to keep the wood from staying wet. The skids and floor are also pressure treated rated for ground contact.

[@danielgrabske3545]

Why didnt you just poor a slab .By the time you get that built in about 5 years all that wood for flooring could be rotting, or even atleast putting everything on piers for better option. Just trying to understand your reasoning not to be insulting.😮

[@gino.varisano]

Good question. Mostly cost/complexity, to retain the ability to move it if I want/need to, and to keep it legally a “utility shed.” With the overhang and gravel the base never really gets wet so decay should be quite slow. The whole thing is a learning experience for me so maybe I’ll live to regret that decision.

[@ahikernamedgq]

@@gino.varisanoor maybe it will be just fine the way you built it (great job btw) and maybe you won’t have anything to regret..

[@jacklabloom635]

@@gino.varisano, I understand your choice. Rock is a lot less expensive than a concrete slab. If those are ground contact rated 4x4s on the bottom, they will last at least 20 years sitting on rocks. I have used ground rated treated lumber sitting directly on the ground for raised flower beds. They have been down 23 years so far. Your bottom 4x4s will never be in wet conditions long, as the water drains rapidly on the rocks. You did a great job on that shed.

[@Highgear145]

Your tractor is leaking hydraulic fluid

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah, it’s on my list

[@darlaballenger2357]

Wish I could see what your doing. It's going to fast

[@gino.varisano]

Yeah, didn’t want the video to be 3hrs long. Anything in particular you needed to see more clearly?

[@darlaballenger2357]

@@gino.varisano no just learning it all. Thanks