The number of people working from home is on the rise.  All these homeworkers need a suitable work environment at home and a garden room could make the perfect office.  We recently built a garden room which is a shared space for work and relaxation. Over the months that followed the construction, we’ve seen first-hand the change in our personal and work lives. In this blog post, I will outline the benefits of building a garden office in your garden.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people working solely from home almost doubled in a decade between 2008 and 2018.  The numbers rose from 884,000 to 1,542,000 in the UK.  The number of people who work from home but in a different building and also those who work remotely with the home as a base also rose considerably.

Many companies are embracing a more flexible working attitude and allowing employees to work from home when possible.  It can lead to greater employee satisfaction as they can work without distraction, with more flexibility and also avoid the costly daily commute.

There has also been a rise in self-employment too with many people starting their own businesses from home.  Both my husband and I are self-employed with my main working base at home and my husband working at customers’ houses, but also at home regularly too.

Why choose a garden room for a home office?

As the popularity of working from home continues, so does the need for a separate working environment away from the hustle and bustle of the main house. A home office is one solution, but perhaps an even better idea is a garden room office that is totally separate from the home.  Here are some of the reasons you should choose a garden room for a home office:

• Dedicated work space to be productive.
• Less distractions and noise.
• Separate work environment to keep work and home life separate.
• Professional office to meet clients in or to hold work meetings.
• Being surrounded by greenery can improve your mood and productivity.
• No commuting. If you’re considering renting an office space then a home office will save you time and money on the commute.

The benefits of building a garden office

Whilst you might be considering extending your existing home to create an office or converting an existing room, there are many more benefits to building a dedicated garden room office.  So whether you decide to build your own or hire a professional garden room company there are a number of reasons this approach outweighs an extension. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits and explore some of the less common reasons why you might invest in a garden office.

A garden office creates more space

By opting for a garden office, you can significantly increase the available space for your work area without sacrificing any rooms or living areas within your existing home. Unlike traditional home office setups that often require repurposing an existing room, a garden room offers a unique advantage of creating an entirely separate workspace. Here’s why a garden office is a smart choice for creating more space:

1. Additional Room: Constructing a garden office adds a brand-new room to your property. This means you can enjoy the luxury of a dedicated workspace without encroaching on the limited space inside your home. Whether you need a quiet environment for focused work or a professional setting to meet with clients, a garden office provides a separate room solely designed for your work-related activities.
2. Versatile Space: While primarily serving as a home office, a garden room can be designed to have multiple uses. It offers the flexibility to adapt the space for various purposes beyond work. Whether you want a yoga studio, an art studio, a hobby room, or a quiet reading nook, the additional room provided by a garden office allows you to explore different possibilities and meet your evolving needs.
3. Uninterrupted Home: Opting for a garden office ensures that your existing home remains untouched. You won’t need to sacrifice an existing room or disrupt the flow of your living spaces to accommodate a home office. This allows you to preserve the functionality and aesthetics of your home while still enjoying the benefits of a dedicated work environment.
4. Storage Solutions: With a garden office, you can integrate storage solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Adding shelves, cabinets, or built-in storage units within the garden room provides a convenient space to keep your work-related items organised and easily accessible. By incorporating storage into your garden office design, you can effectively maximise the available space and minimise clutter in your main living areas.
5. Work-Life Separation: Having a garden office promotes a clear separation between your work and personal life. Physically stepping into your garden room creates a psychological shift, helping you establish boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This separation allows you to better focus on your tasks during work hours and fully unwind and relax when you’re done for the day.

By embracing the concept of a garden office, you not only create an additional room for your work needs but also open up possibilities for versatile space utilisation. The presence of a dedicated workspace outside your home ensures that your living areas remain undisturbed while providing you with a functional, organised, and separate environment to carry out your professional activities effectively.

Garden rooms have multiple uses

Your garden room doesn’t have to be solely a work office.  It can be a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the home for other important tasks too.  It can also have many other purposes such as a games room or hobby room.  If you have enough space for a large garden room then you can split it into part office and part hobby room.  It will basically create another room on your property that can be repurposed for whatever you desire in the future.

Professional garden office room company https://gardenofficerooms.co.uk/ have some great suggestions for what their garden rooms can be used for: “gyms, studios, kids playroom, studio apartment, yoga room or guest room”. 

Hopefully this will inspire you to see they don’t simply have to be an office.  They have multiple uses and are a great investment as a useful room for all ages, even as lifestyles change.

Most garden rooms don’t require planning permission

If you keep your garden room within certain size limitations then it is unlikely you will need planning permission.  This means you can simply crack on and build your garden room without delay. 

Permitted development rights apply to outbuildings, meaning they do not require planning permission, provided they adhere to the following limits and conditions:

• Outbuildings should not be located forward of a wall that forms the main front-facing part of the dwelling.
• Single-storey outbuildings and garages should have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of either four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for other roof types.
• If a building, enclosure, or container is within two metres of a boundary, the maximum height should not exceed 2.5 metres.
• Verandas, balconies, and raised platforms are not permitted, except for platforms that are no more than 0.3 metres in height.
• The combined area covered by additions or other buildings should not exceed half the total land area around the “original house” (the house as it was on July 1, 1948, or when it was built if after this date).
• In National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads, and World Heritage Sites, buildings, enclosures, containers, and pools located more than 20 metres from the house should not cover an area greater than 10 square metres.
• Planning permission will be required for buildings, enclosures, containers, and pools located at the side of properties on designated land*.
• Within the curtilage of listed buildings, any outbuilding will require planning permission.

It’s important to note that these guidelines may vary depending on the specific circumstances and location. It is recommended to consult with the local planning authority to ensure compliance with the permitted development rights and any necessary planning permission requirements.

If you are using a local garden room company then they should be able to advise you on any local planning requirements.

Garden rooms cause less disruption

Garden rooms offer a distinct advantage in terms of minimal disruption compared to traditional extensions or loft conversions. Here’s how garden rooms cause less disruption:

1. Reduced Building Work: Constructing an extension typically involves significant building work, such as foundation excavation, structural modifications, and integration with existing utilities. This extensive construction process can disrupt your daily life, create noise, and cause inconvenience for an extended period. In contrast, garden rooms require minimal ground work. Specially designed concrete pads and heavy-duty feet provide a stable foundation, eliminating the need for extensive excavation or disruptive construction processes.
2. Location Flexibility: Garden rooms can be installed in various locations within your garden, depending on your preferences and the layout of your property. Thanks to their standalone design, they can be placed almost anywhere with proper accessibility. This flexibility allows you to choose an ideal spot that doesn’t interfere with the existing structure of your home. By opting for a garden room, you can create a separate workspace without compromising the integrity of your main house or undergoing major structural modifications.
3. Efficient Installation: Garden rooms are designed for efficiency and rapid installation. Unlike extensions or loft conversions, which can take weeks or even months to complete, garden rooms can often be built in a matter of days. The prefabricated components are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, minimizing disruption to your routine and reducing the overall construction timeline. This efficient installation process means you can start using your garden office sooner, without enduring prolonged construction activities.
4. Minimal Disturbance to Main Home: The construction of a garden room takes place primarily outside of your main home, keeping disruption to a minimum. Unlike extensions or loft conversions, which may require access through your home and involve significant structural changes, garden rooms maintain a clear separation between the construction site and your living spaces. This ensures that you can continue with your daily activities without the inconvenience of navigating through construction zones or enduring disruptions caused by building work.

Garden rooms are cheaper than extensions

When comparing the cost of garden rooms to extensions or loft conversions, it becomes evident that garden rooms offer a cost-effective solution. While customization options such as adding an ensuite or kitchenette may increase the overall expense, garden rooms remain significantly cheaper than house extensions. The streamlined construction process, reduced material requirements, and shorter construction timelines all contribute to the cost savings.

Garden rooms often have simpler foundations and utility connections, further reducing expenses compared to the extensive groundwork and infrastructure needed for traditional extensions. By choosing a garden room, you can achieve your desired additional space at a fraction of the cost, making it a budget-friendly alternative to more extensive home renovations.

Further benefits of a garden office

Having built a number of garden buildings I can offer a few more benefits worth considering before you make up your mind.

1. Improved Work-Life Balance: A garden room provides a clear separation between your work and personal life. Having a dedicated space outside of the main house helps establish boundaries, allowing you to maintain a healthier work-life balance. Our busy family life can become overwhelming at times but it’s easy to wander down the garden to our little sanctuary.
2. Health and Well-being: Working in a garden room surrounded by greenery can have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being. Being closer to nature and natural light can reduce stress, increase creativity, and boost productivity. We often find ourselves looking out the window admiring the birds dance around in the garden which can be a welcome distraction to our busy work lives.
3. Customisation Options: Garden rooms offer a high level of customisation to suit your specific needs. You can design the space according to your work requirements, incorporating features like ample storage, ergonomic furniture, and advanced technology setups. I added a small shed to the side of our garden office which creates the perfect space for my tools. It makes use of an otherwise unused space and was easy to add onto the existing building.
4. Increased Property Value: Adding a garden room to your property can increase its market value. A well-designed and functional garden office is an attractive feature for potential buyers, as it offers additional usable space. On average a garden office can increase the value of your property by 8%.
5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Garden rooms can be built with eco-friendly materials and designed to be energy-efficient. Incorporating features like proper insulation, double-glazed windows, and solar panels can reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. Most garden rooms are constructed from sustainable spruce timber which is a fast-growing tree.
6. Privacy and Professionalism: Working in a garden room allows for a private and professional setting. It eliminates potential distractions from the main house and provides a quiet space for focused work, client meetings, or video conferences. With lockable doors, you can create the perfect space to keep noisy children away from your important phone and video calls.
7. Flexibility and Scalability: Garden rooms offer flexibility for future growth or changes in your work requirements. As your business expands or your needs evolve, the garden office can be easily adapted to accommodate new equipment, additional staff, or changing work dynamics.
8. Increased Productivity: With fewer distractions and noise compared to a home office within the main house, a garden room provides a conducive environment for increased productivity and concentration.
9. Sustainability Benefits: Choosing a garden room as a home office promotes sustainable practices. By working from home, you contribute to reduced carbon emissions by eliminating the need for daily commuting.

There are so many reasons that a garden office is a great choice for you if you work from home.  Garden rooms are perfect if you want a dedicated work environment that will also add more value and space to your home.

Conclusion

A garden office offers numerous benefits for those seeking a dedicated workspace at home. Not only does it create additional space without encroaching on the main house, but it also provides a separate environment for increased productivity, work-life balance, and professional meetings. The versatility of garden rooms allows for customization and multiple uses beyond a home office, adding further value to your property.