If you’re not planning to rent it out or run a hot tub back there, sometimes simple really does win.
Totally agree—sometimes “good enough” is actually perfect. I did the bare minimum for my shed office, just some weatherproof cords and a power strip, and it’s been fine for years. Sure, it’s not up to code, but I’m not running an Airbnb back there. If the budget’s tight, I’d say don’t overthink it unless you need all the bells and whistles. Sometimes the city rules just make things pricier than they need to be...
Simple Is Cheaper, But Codes Can Be a Headache
I get where you’re coming from—sometimes it feels like the rules are just there to make things harder. I built a little studio in my backyard a couple years ago, and honestly, I started out thinking I’d just do the basics: insulation, some extension cords, maybe a portable heater. It worked fine for a while, but then I started wondering about resale value and insurance. That’s when the “good enough” approach started to feel a bit risky.
Did you ever worry about stuff like that? Like, if something happened (fire, storm, whatever), would insurance even cover it if it’s not up to code? I ended up biting the bullet and hiring an electrician to run proper wiring. Cost more than I wanted, but at least I sleep better now.
Curious—do you think the city actually checks on this stuff unless someone complains? Or is it more of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation for most folks? I always wonder how many people are just winging it out there...
Honestly, you nailed it—“good enough” feels fine until you start thinking about selling or something going wrong. I’ve been down that road more times than I care to admit. The temptation to just run an extension cord and call it a day is real, especially when you see how much the “right way” costs. But man, insurance companies love any excuse to wiggle out of paying, and not being up to code is a golden ticket for them.
As for the city checking, in my experience, it’s usually pretty quiet unless you’ve got a nosy neighbor or you’re doing something really obvious. Most folks seem to fly under the radar. But all it takes is one complaint or a random inspector driving by, and suddenly you’re explaining why your “shed” has a full bathroom and kitchenette. I’ve seen people get away with stuff for years, then get hit with a stop-work order or have to rip out half their wiring because someone noticed a new window from the street.
I get the frustration, though. Permits and inspections feel like a money grab sometimes, but they do save your bacon if something goes sideways. Plus, if you ever want to rent it out or sell, buyers are getting savvier about checking permits and insurance. I had a buddy who tried to sell his place with an unpermitted guest house—deal fell through when the buyer’s lender caught wind of it.
If you’re just using it for yourself and don’t mind rolling the dice, plenty of people do. But if you want peace of mind (and maybe to avoid awkward conversations with city inspectors), biting the bullet upfront is usually less painful than fixing it later. Trust me, patching drywall after an inspector tells you to tear out your “creative” wiring job is not fun... learned that one the hard way.
That’s the truth—nothing like having to explain to a city inspector why your “storage shed” has recessed lighting and a rain shower. I’ve always wondered, though, has anyone here actually managed to get insurance to cover something that wasn’t permitted? Or do they just laugh you off the phone?
has anyone here actually managed to get insurance to cover something that wasn’t permitted? Or do they just laugh you off the phone?
Honestly, I’ve tried this once and let’s just say the insurance rep didn’t exactly burst out laughing… but there was a long pause and some serious “uhh, let me check with my supervisor” energy. In my experience, if it’s not permitted, they usually won’t touch it—especially if you ever need to file a claim. They’ll find any excuse to deny coverage. It’s tempting to cut corners, but man, it can bite you later. Those recessed lights in the “shed” are a dead giveaway too.
