About this gable shed and outhouse
These two small buildings were built for a family getaway property at Pinantan Lake, about 45 minutes north of Kamloops in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia. One is an 8′ x 8′ gable shed (64 sq/ft) and the other is a 5′ x 5′ outhouse (25 sq/ft). Both have teal LP SmartSide siding, brown trim and a metal gable roof. They cost about $8K delivered.
A property at the end of a dirt road
Our client searched for years for the right property and finally bought a rural lot on the shore of Pinantan Lake. The 50+ acre site sits 25 km down a narrow dirt road. It has a history as a place for families and pioneers, and the remains of a 125+ year old homestead are still on the land.
The short-term plan called for an outhouse and a well pump shed, with room left for more buildings later. We delivered both to the site on a trailer.
The 8×8 gable shed
The shed has a simple gable roof with 6″ overhangs on every side and a metal roof that sheds snow. We customized the doors: a pair of brown-trimmed double doors opens across the front, so the whole width of the shed is easy to reach.
The 5×5 outhouse
The outhouse is a small gable building on the same teal siding and brown trim as the shed. It has a single door, a small side window and a plywood interior. The same metal roof keeps it dry and sheds snow.
Details that last
Out on a remote lot, small details matter. Both buildings use LP SmartSide siding, black strap hinges, trimmed window and door openings and a roof edge with a deep fascia.
| Location | Pinantan Lake, British Columbia |
|---|---|
| Design | Gable shed and outhouse |
| Size | Shed: 8′ x 8′ (64 sq/ft). Outhouse: 5′ x 5′ (25 sq/ft) |
| Overhangs | Front and rear 6″, sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Doors | Standard doors, customized |
| Roofing | Metal |
| Customization | Doors |
| Project cost | About $8K delivered |
| Permit status | Both buildings are under 10 m² (107 sq/ft): a building permit is usually not needed. Zoning still applies. |
What to plan for a remote site
- Delivery: a finished shed on a trailer can go where a build crew can’t easily work. Check the road, the gates and the turning room before delivery day.
- Foundation: small buildings can sit on skids or simple blocks. Level, well-drained ground matters more than the foundation type.
- Roof: a metal roof sheds snow and rain well.
- Rules: permit and setback rules change by location, and a rural lot may follow a regional district’s bylaws. Check with your local government.
Frequently asked questions
How big are these buildings?
The gable shed is 8 feet by 8 feet, which is 64 sq/ft (about 5.9 m²). The outhouse is 5 feet by 5 feet, which is 25 sq/ft (about 2.3 m²).
What did the project cost?
The shed and outhouse together cost about $8K delivered to the property. Delivery cost depends on the distance and the road.
How were they delivered?
We delivered them to the site on a trailer behind a pickup truck.
Do small buildings like these need a permit?
Usually not. Most BC cities allow a building under 10 m² (107 sq/ft) without a building permit, but zoning and setbacks still apply. See the Shed Rules by City and Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guides, then check with your local government.
More outbuildings to explore
See the 8×10 North Vancouver Convertible Shed, browse all Tough Structures projects, see more Backyard Outbuildings, or check the Shed Rules by City.