Rain City Guide

This is not your father’s woodshed

Robert Gray Smith on 06 16, 2006

[photopress:hmphoto3.jpg,thumb,alignright]I’m not talking about the steel side or rubber maid monstrosity of ugliness you pick up at Home Depot. Nope, these are modern architecture with designer finishes. I’ve been thinking about writing this article ever since I saw the well designed sheds by Coast Cabins at the home show a year ago. A recent article in Business Week on the same topic spurred me to get around to it. I’ve often thought of adding more space to my existing home (especially since my son came along – he’s 5 months now) but not really in the budget range yet for the massive remodel I’d like to do. So I thought about putting up one of these sheds as an office and/or guest space. No waiting weeks for contractors, off-track budgets and even better – no permits.

• These still fall under local ordinances or CC&Rs for outbuildings, so you need to check your neighborhood rules.
• In King County you can do up to 200 square feet without a permit
• I live in the City of Bellevue where it is up to 120 square feet without a permit

[photopress:shed_10_12_image01.gif,thumb,alignleft]If you want to go a little more contemporary, there’s a great system designed by architect Michael Graves for Target (yes, that Target — with the bull’s-eye). Or if you like modern ala The Dwell home, check out modern-shed.com,

To some people this might seem a bit trashy, but as the Business Week article said “just think of it as a backyard room“. Me — I’m thinking of heading to the woodshed.

About the Author: Robert Smith

• Author's website: http://www.robertgsmith.com
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What do I know about Washington Real Estate? I’m a native Washingtonian – I grew up in south end of Seattle, in the Seahurst neighborhood, where my parents still reside. My twin brother and I are the youngest of 6 children (5 brothers, 1 sister) all of whom live in the local area. I attended the University of Washington where I majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. I come to Real Estate as an escapee from the high-tech industry. I spent 15 years in that industry, starting out with 4.5 years in marketing at Microsoft. I went on to run my own consulting company for 12 years and then helped start a second company, Resolute Solutions Corporation. During my high-tech years I invested in rental properties and did pretty well at it. So after 15 years in high-tech I decided to make a change and joined Coldwell Banker Bain.