It’s been several months since the studio shed first arrived in the fall of 2024, and the project has been steadily moving through its major phases: digging the trench and running main power, internal electrical wiring, installing the mini split, adding insulation, and getting some initial lighting in place.
One of the realities of the DIY route is learning to work in a space while it’s still under construction. I’ve been using the shed as my workspace during the day since I needed somewhere to work from home, but it’s definitely been a work in progress – literally. Without the full roof insulation complete, the mini split can only do so much, which means I can only work out there during certain parts of the day when it’s not blazing hot.
Despite the challenges, the space has already become something I didn’t expect. I finally have a place to get out of the house when I need to record webinars or handle other online work without interruption.
It’s also turned into a small creative sanctuary – many mornings I’ll head out there for a workout and some writing before my family gets up. My current setup is pretty minimal: just a desk for my laptop and a light I brought out for video work, but even this basic arrangement has been surprisingly valuable.
As great as it is to have the space, I’m getting tired of working in what’s essentially still a construction zone. I knew this would happen at some point in the project, and while it’s annoying, it’s just part of the DIY process. But it also serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate purpose of this space: creating a dedicated area where I can explore and experiment with multiple mediums without having to clean up every time I want to get back to work.
Between the fiberglass shards and sawdust on the ground, I find myself longing for the next phase of the project: fully moving in, when the ‘construction’ phase is finally over and I can start bringing in everything I’ve kept away from the mess – books, instruments, and all the other pieces that will make this a proper studio space.
What I love about this phase is it has a clear finish line. The construction phase will be complete, and this will finally be a true creative space. Having this clear milestone helps solve some of the ‘scope creep’ that comes with DIY projects.”
Here’s what’s on the move-in checklist:
That’s it. Three clear items that will transform this from a construction zone into an actual studio space.
I’m really looking forward to this next phase. There’s something exciting about finally being able to bring in all the pieces that will make this space truly functional – and being able to work without dodging construction debris.
What I’m most excited about the next phase is I can start the real design part of building out the inside: working on a custom desk that emphasizes mobility, adding in shelving that’s both practical and creatively inspiring, and even finally having space for a drum set. There’s plenty to come and I’m grateful to have you following along this journey.