Out building - shed

Jupiter01 · 2026-07-31T09:35:48+0100

Slightly odd one. I am planning to build a shed away from the house. It will be constructed from timber and will stick some upvc windows and doors in it. I am planning to fit a toilet in one section of it and potentially in the future, may have a chest freezer, washing machine dishwasher. It’s not going to be habitable and the toilet will be rarely used.
Do I need to insulate this or take any other special measures?

noseall · 2026-07-31T10:13:59+0100

Jupiter01 said:
Slightly odd one. I am planning to build a shed away from the house. It will be constructed from timber and will stick some upvc windows and doors in it. I am planning to fit a toilet in one section of it and potentially in the future, may have a chest freezer, washing machine dishwasher. It’s not going to be habitable and the toilet will be rarely used.
Do I need to insulate this or take any other special measures?

Shed, lol.

Reminds me of the Alan Partridge scene where he asks for a tonic water. Then asks for a slice of lemon. Then asks for some ice. Then asks for it to be topped up with gin.
So a gin and tonic then.

Jupiter01 · 2026-07-31T10:30:50+0100

noseall said:
Shed, lol.

Reminds me of the Alan Partridge scene where he asks for a tonic water. Then asks for a slice of lemon. Then asks for some ice. Then asks for it to be topped up with gin.
So a gin and tonic then.

LMAO. Just some future planning.

mrrusty · 2026-07-31T18:18:30+0100

Just build it from SIPs and have all the structure and insulation together. They are not expensive https://www.simplysips.co.uk/products/

Jupiter01 · 2026-08-01T03:16:17+0100

Fundamentally, why is insulation required if this is not going to be habitable? What are the consequences of not insulating this?

jj4091 · 2026-08-01T05:57:21+0100

Does going to the loo and using appliances not count as habitation

mrrusty · 2026-08-01T07:34:25+0100

Does going to the loo and using appliances not count as habitation

No. Think about home gyms. still incidental use as long as no sleeping. there are planning and building control limits to comply with to ensure permitted development though

noseall · 2026-08-01T07:39:14+0100

jj4091 said:
Does going to the loo and using appliances not count as habitation

Kinda gets you thinking why folks would need a loo in the house and another loo a few yards away in a cold shed...? And a washing machine and dishwasher....

Jupiter01 · 2026-08-01T09:33:02+0100

I might be missing something but unless I am looking to have heating in there, which I’m not, do I really need insulation? I appreciate that the fridge may have to work harder in colder months.

I wasn’t sure about condensation and mould build up. Will that be a consideration?

noseall · 2026-08-01T10:15:27+0100

Jupiter01 said:
Fundamentally, why is insulation required if this is not going to be habitable? What are the consequences of not insulating this?

Washing machine - dishwasher - loo = mould?

jj4091 · 2026-08-01T10:37:09+0100

Some freezers will not operate if the surroundings are below a recommended temp.

yorksbuilder · 2026-08-01T10:55:31+0100

Jupiter01 said:
What are the consequences of not insulating this?

At the very least, burst water pipes from frost?

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Out building - shed

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