A “bunkie” is a small structure that resembles a tiny home or shed. Easy to move, bunkies are often constructed in backyards or garages before being moved to their final destination on-site to be used as a cottage or vacation property.
These cute and compact residences are popular in large part thanks to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of construction.
Prefabricated bunkies are easily available from online sites and some hardware stores. Constructing a bunkie from a kit is a popular option as they’re generally easy to follow and most kits come delivered with everything needed to fully complete the bunkie assembly. For those less keen on a DIY project, handypeople can be hired to construct a custom bunkie to your individual specifications.
While prices vary depending on the size of the bunkie and quality of materials, prefab kits can range anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 and custom builds can cost even more. Any work needed to place the bunkie might cost extra as will insulation, wiring it with electricity and any interior finishes.
10 reasons to build a bunkie
- Home office
Working from home is great but working at home can be a challenge. Separate your work from homeline with a bunkie to use as a cozy home office outside of your regular living space
- Guest house
Hosting guests can be a great time but giving them a bit of their own space can be good for both host and visitor. Decorate your bunkie with soft linens and homey touches to help your guests feel relaxed and comfortable.
- Playhouse
Let your kiddo’s imaginations run wild in their own unique play space. Give them free (but safe) rein to do what they want without worrying about it affecting the condition of your home or any precious or expensive items within.
- Home gym
Having a designated space for working out can be a game changer. Use a bunkie to store your weights or workout equipment and never again have to worry about skipping the gym because it’s too far away.
- Tiny home
Tiny homes are a popular choice these days as they offer the essential roof-over-your-head in an economy that makes it difficult to purchase a large home — But it’s not for everyone. Experiment with extreme downsizing by living in your bunkie and see if you can make it work.
- Library
Adding a few bookshelves and a comfy chair and you might never want to leave your library bunkie.
- Craft studio
Keep organized and set up your bunkie with a crafting table with storage for your sewing, scrapbooking, beading, or any other kind of creative projects.
- Yoga and meditation
With natural design and enough space for a yoga mat, a bunkie can be a serene location for stretching and meditation.
- Recording studio
Launch a podcast or record some music by soundproofing your structure and wiring it to use as a custom studio.
- Potting shed
More in line with what you would expect from a structure of this size and form, using a bunkie as a simple potting shed with storage for plants and pots and soil might be the easiest and most obvious use of all.
