Not everyone can have a man cave, basement, or even a home office. If you have space outside, however, then you can absolutely build one. Building an independent gamer’s shed or outbuilding is a great way to customize your space to perfection. You don’t need to worry about bothering anyone else in the house with noise, can customize the shape and scope of it exactly to your needs, and can often get that shed up and ready to go far faster than a fully integrated extension.
This checklist will give you a great scope of ideas of what you want to include, from simple structural elements to gaming essentials.
Build Your Shed or Cabin
First, decide how you plan to build your shed or gamer’s cabin. You could have builders come in and literally build it from the ground up. You can also opt for a pre-finished building that is built off-site and assembled on your property. This option is fast and effective.
Whether you choose a custom or pre-built option, you’ll still want to ensure it’s properly integrated into your backyard landscaping. If your property is on an angle, for example, you’ll need to create an extended deck or add stairs to get into and out of your shed. This means having everything to code, from the foundation to the residential railing systems you choose. For ease of use, choose hard-wearing, low-maintenance materials like aluminum for your siding and railings.
Get Your Planning Permits
Once you have the plans and scope of your gamer’s cabin, it’s important to get the necessary permits before you start building. Having the plans, including how the cabin or shed is going to link up to your electrical grid or, if you plan on adding a bathroom, plumbing, is essential.
You will need to submit the full planning application to your local municipality and get approval first. Once you have that, you can bring in the builders.
Add Additional Soundproofing
While you should always add insulation and double-glazed windows to any outdoor unit you plan to spend time in, gamers should consider additional soundproofing. This can help avoid any noise complaints if you enjoy loud gaming or listening to music while playing.
You can do this by adding soundproofing boards to the walls of your cabin or shed. You can do this by adding acoustic panels to your walls or using mass-loaded vinyl. Carpets, bookshelves, and other wall or floor ornaments can also help absorb sound.
Improve Security
Having your gaming setup in an accessory unit can give you the space you need to really spread out and invest in your tech, but that same tech can be at risk. That’s why you’ll also want to add:
- A reinforced door and lock
- Storm shutters or other window protections
- A burglar alarm and/or door camera
You should also catalog what you are putting in the space and invest in contents insurance.
Get Ready to Enjoy Your New Space
Ultimately, you are building a home office. Use the office for gaming, or enjoy it as a mixed-use space where you can work during the day and game at night.
