diy guest house
Brittany Hambleton
Brittany Hambleton
December 13, 2023 ·  3 min read

This DIY Backyard Guest House Can Can Be Built In 8 Hours

Tiny homes have exploded in popularity over the last several years, thanks to television shows like Tiny House Nation, Tiny House, Big Living, Tiny House Hunters, and more. While many of us are fascinated by this somewhat alternative way of living, we may not all be ready to take the plunge and move into a tiny home of our own just yet. For those of you who want to dip your toes into the water of tiny home living, there are several options available for you to purchase and build your own DIY backyard guest house, that can be converted into a studio, a garden house, a pool house, or any other use you can think of.

Build Your Own Backyard Guest House

When the DIY Allwood Solvalla Studio Cabin Kit hit Amazon’s virtual shelves, it caused a frenzy and sold out very quickly. The kit was restocked in mid-May and sold out again [1]! Luckily, you can purchase the kit for this tiny home, as well as many others, straight from the retailer.

The Allwood Solvalla Studio Cabin Kit

This 172-square foot cabin works well in a variety of settings and can act as a guest house, home office, granny suite, or a small retail space. It can even be set up on the rooftop of a multistory building.

The kit comes with do-it-yourself instructions, requires only a minimal amount of tools to be put together, and can be assembled in approximately two days by two people. The design consists of two 86 square foot units, which should not require a permit since most communities permit structures under 100 square feet to be built without one.

The kit costs 6 750 dollars, with financing options available. You can purchase one on Amazon or on the Allwood website.

Image Credit: Allwood

Read: Eco-Friendly Tiny House in The Woods Cost Under $14K

Allwood Claudia

The Claudia is slightly larger, at 209 square feet. With windows on three out of the four walls, the design of this little cabin is popular because it lets in a lot of light. According to the website, it is an ideal choice for a pool house, summer house, family guest house, granny suite, home office, or standalone retail space. 

Because it is a bit bigger, two adults would take approximately three days to put the Claudia together. This model costs 8 850 dollars, and for an additional cost you can purchase subflooring plywood and additional thermal panels to make it suitable for use during colder weather.

You can purchase the Claudia on Amazon or on the Allwood website.

Image Credit: Allwood

Allwood Arlanda

The Arlanda is even larger than both the Solvanna and the Claudia. At 227 square feet, this design gives you the option to put up a wall to have a separate bedroom and living area, or to add a bathroom.

Assembly for this product will take two adults approximately four days to complete, and the kit costs 9 190 dollars. You can purchase it on the Allwood website.

Image Credit: Allwood

Allwood Sauna

Allwood also carries a number of DIY saunas, including the Allwood Barrel Sauna 220. The barrel shape, while not creating less space for the user, decreases the space that needs to be heated by 23 percent by eliminating corners. The round shape also allows for better air circulation, allowing you to enjoy longer sessions in your sauna for a lower cost.

The kit comes with all the essentials of a sauna, and can comfortably seat four adults. It costs 3 990 dollars and is on the Allwood website. Larger versions like this one are also available.

Image Credit: Allwood

Additional Requirements

It is important to note that none of these tiny cabins come equipped with HVAC or electricity, so if you truly want to turn it into a stand alone living space, you will have to install those things yourself. Most of them also do not come with a bathroom, so if you wish to have one you will likely need to add an addition, and handle the installation of plumbing separately.

If, however, you just want a small space to act as a studio or pool shed, these backyard guest houses come with everything you need.

Keep Reading: Woman Spends $4,000 Transforming Shipping Container Into An Unbelievable Home

Source

  1. Amazon’s Insanely Popular Backyard Guest House is Back in Stock.” House Beautiful. Elizabeth Gulino. May 16, 2019.