In my last post, I described why I was ready to start building my dream studio. Be sure to check out “Building a Dream: Part I.”

It will not be a surprise to hear that once I decided to build a backyard studio, I wanted it done as soon as possible! I needed to get my creativity back, ASAP, and I felt like an inspiring space would be key!

After driving around our county looking at tons of options, I found Jamie at Outback Sheds. He felt confident that we could get the project done on a reasonable budget and sooner than a year away. When Jamie and I first spoke, I explained to him my goals for the project and showed him examples I had found on Pinterest. He showed my plans for the different types of structures he typically built and we decided to work from an lean-to structure model.

Figuring out the dimensions was the first step. We had a wide but shallow area in which to build the structure and I wanted to maximize the northern and eastern exposure. After looking at our property and space we hit upon an 8 x 15 foot structure. That was key for two reasons. At 120 sq. feet we were not going to have to permit the structure (a big time-saver), and it’s long, narrow design would allow me to have space for both my office work and my artist practice.

Once we knew the dimensions and style, I needed to determine the window and door situation! Maximizing and planning my light source was a big priority! At first I really wanted fancy triangular transoms and side lights on the french doors. Jamie sent me drafts of the front and side elevation of the north and eastern walls.

We soon learned that the sidelights for the french doors and triangular transoms were going to blow our budget, so we removed them and widened the windows. We also made some edits to the northern-facing elevation. I liked the wider windows to let in as much north light as possible. And I was psyched to add a rectangular transom to let in the additional light. We hit upon the perfect design and Jamie penciled us into his schedule!

Before the build could occur, we needed to ensure that the studio would have electricity. Outback Sheds would build the studio structure, but would not provide the wiring. I ended up working with a local freelance contractor who came out and advised me on the best way to get power to the studio. We planned out the number of interior and exterior lights, as well as outlets and air-conditioning to make sure our current house powerbox had enough supply. He actually dug 100 feet of trench from the box on the side of the house to the studio location. This trench ensured the electricity was run to code. This was no small feat and required avoiding sprinkler lines and tree stumps! I definitely did not anticipate what it would take to get power out there. If you are looking to do a project like this one, you will need to take this into account when placing your structure.

As part of this planning, I also learned that I would not be able to run a waterline to the studio. Ultimately, it was going to make the budget for this project many, many thousands of dollars more than originally planned and so I made the choice to wash my brushes in my garage. Someday, I might do a little bathroom addition, but for now it’s an easy and cost-efficient solution.

Now that all of the wiring was ready, we just had to build the thing!

In my my next post, “Building a Dream: Part III” I will show you Jamie and his team building the structure!