When most people think about adding a shed to their property, they imagine a simple storage space for tools, lawn equipment, or seasonal items. But today’s sheds can be so much more than storage. With the right planning, a shed can transform into a workshop, backyard office, guest house, or hobby space. To achieve this kind of versatility, many homeowners choose to add electrical wiring or plumbing.
At Schrock Buildings, we specialize in creating high-quality sheds that not only look great but also meet your specific lifestyle needs. Whether you want outlets for power tools, lights for nighttime use, or running water for a garden setup, thinking about electrical and plumbing in advance will ensure your shed is ready for the future.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning for electrical and plumbing before buying a shed.
Why Plan for Electrical or Plumbing in a Shed?
Adding power and water can take your shed from a simple outbuilding to a highly functional space. Here are some common reasons people plan ahead:
Workshops and Hobby Spaces: Lighting, outlets, and heating or cooling units make it possible to spend hours comfortably working on projects.
Backyard Offices: A powered shed can handle computers, printers, Wi-Fi routers, and lighting for a professional setup.
Guest Houses or Studios: Plumbing makes it possible to add sinks, bathrooms, or even small kitchenettes.
Gardening Stations: A water source right inside the shed saves you from hauling hoses or buckets.
Storage with Climate Control: Electrical systems can power dehumidifiers or small HVAC units to protect valuables.
If you wait until after your shed is built, adding these systems can be more complicated and costly. By planning before you buy, you’ll save money and avoid headaches.
Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use the Shed
The first step is to be clear about your goals. Ask yourself:
Do I just need electricity for lighting and a few outlets?
Do I plan to run large equipment or appliances?
Would plumbing make my shed significantly more useful?
The answers will guide everything else, from shed size and placement to the foundation and building materials.
At Schrock Buildings, we encourage customers to think long-term. Even if you don’t need plumbing or electrical today, you may want it down the road. That’s why planning ahead is so valuable.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shed Size and Design
The more features you want, the more space you’ll likely need. Running electrical or plumbing in a shed requires enough interior room to house outlets, switches, pipes, and fixtures without crowding the space.
Schrock Buildings offers a variety of shed styles and sizes, so you can design a structure that fits your property and your needs. Whether you choose a compact unit for a small backyard or a large shed for a multipurpose workspace, our 3D Shed Builder Tool allows you to customize the size, layout, and features before construction begins.
Step 3: Plan for Electrical Needs
Electrical planning is usually the most common upgrade in sheds. Here are the main points to consider:
Lighting
Overhead lighting is essential for work areas. Decide whether you want basic fixtures, recessed lighting, or something brighter for detailed tasks.
Outlets
Think about how many outlets you’ll need and where they should be placed. For example:
Along workbenches
Near a desk for office equipment
Close to the door for outdoor tools or decorations
Heating and Cooling
If you want year-round use, you’ll likely want a small HVAC system or space heater. This requires additional planning for electrical load capacity.
Safety
Electrical installations should always be done by a licensed professional to ensure your shed is safe and code compliant.
Step 4: Plan for Plumbing Needs
Plumbing requires more consideration since it involves water supply and drainage. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Sink Installations
A simple sink can make a shed more functional for gardening, crafts, or a workshop.
Bathroom Setup
If you’re creating a guest house or studio, you may want a toilet and shower. This requires both water lines and proper drainage.
Drainage Solutions
Unlike electrical systems, plumbing needs gravity-based or pumped drainage. Planning the right foundation is key to avoid costly retrofits later.
Step 5: Foundation and Utility Access
Both electrical and plumbing work best when your shed is built with access in mind. That means choosing the right foundation:
Concrete Slabs: Great for plumbing since pipes can be integrated during installation.
Gravel Pads: More affordable but harder to adapt for plumbing.
Block or Pier Foundations: Allow easier access underneath for electrical conduits or small plumbing adjustments.
At Schrock Buildings, we’ll help you evaluate your property to find the best foundation option for your needs.
Step 6: Budgeting and Costs
Adding utilities will increase your shed’s overall cost, but the investment pays off in usability and property value. Here are a few budgeting tips:
Get a clear estimate from a licensed electrician or plumber before installation.
Factor in the cost of additional permits.
Add a buffer to your budget in case you decide to expand functionality later.
By planning for these costs upfront, you can avoid budget surprises and make sure your shed project stays on track.
Step 7: Permits and Regulations
Every area has different building codes. If you plan to add electrical or plumbing, permits are usually required. A professional installer can guide you through the process, ensuring everything is up to standard.
When you work with Schrock Buildings, our team will help you navigate the initial planning so you can move forward confidently.
Step 8: Work with the Right Builder
The quality of your shed determines how well it can handle upgrades like electrical or plumbing. Not every shed on the market is built to last or designed with utility installations in mind.
Schrock Buildings takes pride in building strong, customizable sheds that meet your vision. With durable materials, careful craftsmanship, and the ability to personalize your design, you’ll have a shed that’s not only attractive but also ready for practical upgrades.
The Schrock Buildings Advantage
When you buy from Schrock Buildings, you’re not just purchasing a shed. You’re investing in a structure that can grow with you. Our sheds are designed with long-term durability in mind, making them an excellent choice if you want to add electrical or plumbing.
We also make it easy to design your ideal shed with our 3D Shed Builder Tool. This online tool allows you to experiment with layouts, colors, doors, windows, and more so you can visualize your shed before it’s built.
And if you need personal guidance, our team is always ready to help. From the first design conversation to the final delivery, we’ll ensure your shed is a perfect fit for your needs.
Final Tips for Planning Electrical and Plumbing
Think long-term, not just about immediate needs.
Place your shed where it’s easiest to connect utilities.
Choose a foundation that allows for access and upgrades.
Always hire licensed professionals for electrical and plumbing work.
Partner with a shed builder who understands how to prepare for these upgrades.
Start Planning Your Shed Today
If you’re ready to design a shed that works for your lifestyle, Schrock Buildings is here to help. Use our 3D Shed Builder Tool to create a custom design, complete with the right size, layout, and features for your future electrical or plumbing needs.
Have questions or need expert guidance? Contact us today and let our team walk you through every step of the process. With Schrock Buildings, you can be confident that your shed will be built to last and designed to serve your needs for years to come.