Just make sure it has a good roof and use it. That's not worth putting any time or money into beyond cleaning.

We have only lived here a year and this building took a back burner to other pressing needs. But, this is the source of our electricity that runs the fountain that keeps our pond aerated and healthy. So we kind of need to keep it. Instead of letting it collapse, I’d rather turn it into something we can use. Foundation seems good....no cracks or anything. No leaks from the roof on the inside. As a painter, I’d like to have an area to paint in...and reclaim it from the feral cats that claim it in the winter!

Just keep a good roof on it and keep debris from piling up around the base of the walls and it should last quite a while.

If you want to learn how to do the necessary repairs---and there is no reason you cannot learn/do those jobs, you need to make a list of the areas that need attention.

Roof/roof structural members(rafters/ceiling joists), foundation, flooring joists/subfloor, framing and the electrical feed/fuse panel. Also find out what insulation is present. That would be necessary for conditioning the shed---to include insulating the ceiling and floor.

Now, to use the building as a studio, you will need water and toilet facilities. You seem to have the water, so research(starting with local code requirements on waste disposal) You may not be able to have toilet facilities but could have grey water(sink drain) possibilities.

The electrical will have to be upgraded by a licensed electrician---with a permit. You will need a minimum 60 amp circuit breaker panel, several wall receptacles, a couple of lighting fixtures, and the heater wiring inspected. If you decide to use air conditioning, a window unit should be sufficient. And a radiant quartz heater would be enough, unless the temps get way cold.

Once those areas are fixed/judged acceptable, you can learn how to install flooring/wall treatments, trim, and whatever else you want/need.

You Tube is chock full of How To videos---there will be numerous ones for each subject, so look at several to find the best overall methods.

You can learn how to properly install windows(even in a solid wall), replace doors(might be a good idea for that one) and install a storm door(protects the entry door).

It seems like a LOT of areas/work and it actually is, but taking one area/job at a time, you could probably get it done in less than 18 months(provided you have the money and about 4 hours a day three or four days a week(or 8-10 hours on weekends).

Start with a match. Then rebuild something that isnt rotting away before your eyes because of an improper foundation, inadequate framing, and decades of deferred maintenance.

I would start by cleaning it all up and removing all of the debris ... the leaves, the peeling floor tiles, the curtains, the falling down lattice, the dead vines hanging from the eaves, the weeds growing up all around, etc. Once it's cleaned up, you can better assess whether it's worth moving forward to convert it to an artist studio. Regardless of whether you choose to do that or not, a thorough cleaning will improve the look of it.

I agree with Sophie - it's a tear down. It doesn't look structurally sound to me.

Definitely a tear down. Sorry. In the long run you'll get a nicer space.

Sophie had the bet idea - a match - just haul away the stuff that doesn't burn.

Jellytoast thinks wall paper and window treatments can hold up a building.

Read my post, geoffrey. Did I say a thing about decorating? Did I say cleaning would improve it structurally? No, I said cleaning would improve the look of it. And it will. Besides, the OP already said the building was going to remain.

Thanks everyone! The building is going to remain, the lower level that you can't see in the pics is solid construction and like I said, it houses the electrical panel that we use for the pond. I see no need to tear all that out. I'll clean it out really well over the next couple of weeks and figure out where to go from there. I was just wondering if this was a task I could do myself or if I needed to hire someone to rehab it. I guess I'd rather see the potential in it than the expense of tearing it down and starting over. Thanks for the responses!

Good luck! I think it's a great place to practice and gain some DIY skills.

You can do it. It won't ever be a great space that's really the level of a house.