The “work from home” revolution is very much upon us, an increasingly popular choice for business owners and freelancers who wish to enjoy the enhanced work-life balance this choice affords.
As one would expect, the “work from home” revolution has led to a considerable rise in the number of people choosing to convert a room in their home into an office. Every guide to working from home encourages such a step, as a designated office space affords greater flexibility, a more managed schedule, and higher efficiency than just setting up a laptop on the kitchen counter.
However, as useful as a bedroom-to-office conversion can be, there is another way of achieving a working space for those who work from home: a garden office.
What is a garden office?
The term is used to describe an external structure, secondary to your main home, that is used for work purposes only. The use of “garden” is more meant to reflect the physical space, rather than suggesting an office that is exposed to the elements. You could build a “garden” office on any available outdoor space – such as your driveway – if you preferred.
What are the benefits of a garden office?
- A garden office ensures all bedrooms in your home remain just that; bedrooms, rather than office space.
- An external office ensures a completely self-contained, quiet space so that you can work without any distractions.
- A garden office is a more professional choice if you host clients or customers at your place of business.
- This kind of office also allows for a thorough separation of “living” and “working” space, ensuring the two worlds are kept truly distinct from one another.
- If you opt to build a garden office that is essentially a shed, then you can deconstruct it if you move home, which provides a great deal of flexibility.
- If you opt to build a garden office that is a more permanent structure, this will likely add value to your home when you come to sell in future.
How do I build a garden office?
- You may need to obtain permission from your local authority, so it’s always best to check this first before commencing your project.
- You will need to clear space in your garden, removing the turf and any patio slabs or decking that may be in the way – essentially returning the area to bare earth.
- You will then need to source your building materials. If you are opting to build a shed to use as an office, then this should be relatively simple – most sheds will come pre-fabricated with everything needed to get up and running. Alternatively, if you’re looking to build an actual outbuilding, you’ll need to take the time to find the right bricks, roof materials, and browse more details here regarding steel pipes that are suitable for the foundations.
- Whether you can construct the finished building yourself depends on your experience and expertise but, if in any doubt, contact a builder for further assistance.
In conclusion
The benefits of a garden office far outweigh those offered by conventional bedroom-to-office conversions, so it’s definitely worth considering this choice if you wish to take your ability to work from home to the next level.
