This year, creative couple Michael and Christina Hara got a kid-free retreat just steps away from their back door, thanks to a recent amendment to the Minneapolis building code that lets accessory structures under 200 square feet circumvent the traditional permitting process.

$75 Permit	$150 Site Upgrades	$1,700 Foundations
$1,265 Framing	$2,250 Cladding	$750 Roofing
$1,150 Insulation	$3,750 Windows & Skylights	$1,120 Flooring
$1,525 Interior Finishes	$1,175 HVAC	$650 Electrical
$1,125 Built-In Cabinetry	$1,560 Furniture
Grand Total: $18,275

The Haras carried out the project, called Fish Scale Studio, over eight months. They did all of the design and construction themselves—for just $18,275—in order to carve out “space for creativity and respite from our chaotic, toddler-filled house,” as Michael explains.

The studio is a multipurpose destination for the hardworking pair (he’s an architect and product designer; she’s a fashion designer). The space includes a reading nook, library, workstation, and table for large projects or meetings. Almost everything, from exterior lighting and interior furnishings, to the turntable and speakers, were designed and built by the creative couple.

Related Reading: A Weekend DIY Turns a Neglected Garage Into a Backyard Hangout For $13K

Project Credits:

Architect: Michael Hara

Construction and finishes: Michael and Christina Hara

Custom Audio Equipment: HIFI/MPLS

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Budget Breakdown: A Creative Couple in Minneapolis Build a Multipurpose Backyard Studio For $18K