About this convertible shed
This shed is 8′ x 10′ (80 sq/ft) and sits in a backyard in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It has dark slate-grey LP SmartSide siding, a white craftsman fiberglass door with a window beside it, and a galvanized steel shed roof. It was built as a gable-roof shed, then moved and re-roofed as a shed roof. That change is why it’s called the convertible shed.
A shed that changed its roof
Our client wanted a new craftsman shed in the backyard. While he was choosing the spot, he looked at where his neighbours’ sheds sat and decided to place his new shed right up against the property line. We told him about the municipal setback rules, but he went ahead.
The shed was about 80% built when the neighbour complained about its size and how close it was to the line. As a compromise, the client agreed to move the shed and change the roofline to cut down the neighbour’s view of it.
The challenge was that the shed was nailed, screwed and glued together, so taking it apart and moving it wasn’t an option. The fence and the rock wall were also too close to use jacks to lift it. After a lot of thinking, we raised the building with airbags, slid rollers under the floor and moved it by hand. Then we cut the roof off and re-framed it from a gable roof to a shed roof.
The finished shed
The new shed roof cuts down the sightlines for the neighbour. It has a 12″ overhang at the front and rear and a 6″ overhang on the sides. The white fascia stands out against the slate-grey siding, and the white door and window trim match it.
| Location | North Vancouver, British Columbia |
|---|---|
| Size | 8′ x 10′ (80 sq/ft) |
| Design | Custom craftsman shed, changed from a gable roof to a shed roof |
| Overhangs | Front and rear 12″, sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Door | Craftsman fiberglass |
| Windows | 30×36 |
| Roofing | Galvanized steel |
| Customization | Roof |
| Permit status | Under 10 m² (107 sq/ft): a building permit is usually not needed. Zoning and setbacks still apply. |
What to plan before placing a shed
- Setbacks: every city has a minimum distance from the property line. Check it before you pick the spot, because moving a finished shed is hard.
- Neighbours: a quick chat before the build can save a lot of trouble. A lower roofline on the side that faces them can also help.
- Roof style: a shed roof sheds rain to one side and keeps the building low on the property line. A gable roof gives more headroom in the middle.
- Tight access: a fence or a wall can block a crane or jacks. Tell your builder about them early.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this shed?
It’s 8 feet by 10 feet, which is 80 sq/ft (about 7.4 m²).
Why is it called a convertible shed?
It was first built with a gable roof. After the neighbour complained about its size and nearness to the property line, we moved the shed and re-framed the roof as a shed roof.
How was the finished shed moved?
We raised it with airbags, slid rollers under the floor and moved it by hand. A fence and a rock wall were too close to use jacks.
Does an 80 sq/ft shed need a permit?
Usually not. Most BC cities allow a building under 10 m² (107 sq/ft) without a building permit, but setbacks and zoning still apply. See the Shed Rules by City and Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guides, then check with your local city hall.
More outbuildings to explore
See the 8×8 Gable Shed and 5×5 Outhouse at Pinantan Lake, browse more Backyard Outbuildings, read Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit, or check the Shed Rules by City.