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Just about six years ago, a garden office was considered a luxury. However, with the work-from-home culture becoming the norm for many professionals, a garden home office is now one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your property. It gives you a peaceful workspace, acts as a creative getaway, and helps separate work from home life.
But before you jump in and buy one, it’s good to know what really goes into purchasing and setting up a garden home office. We’ll break down what to expect, what to budget for, and the key details that many people tend to overlook.
Not All Garden Offices Are Made for Year-Round Use
It’s easy to get swept up by sleek photos of garden offices with French doors and tidy desks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all types are designed for year-round use. This is especially important in the UK as cold snaps and damp spells are usually part of the deal.
If you’d like to use the office beyond the sunny days, factor in insulation. Look for double-glazed windows, fully insulated walls, and breathable materials that prevent condensation and mould. While you can get some cheaper structures, it’s wise to ensure that the garden office feels like an extension of your home – comfortable, quiet, and usable no matter the season.
Plan for Electricity and Internet
To make your garden office fully usable, you’ll need power and internet. Power is obviously key for lighting and heating, so you’ll need to run an armoured cable underground from your house. This needs to be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure it complies with Part P of the Building Regulations. It’s not a minor task, so ensure it’s in your budget or at least your checklist.
As for the internet, you’ll need a reliable connection as the garden office will likely be too far from your home router. Here, you can run a dedicated Ethernet cable alongside your power cables for reliability. Otherwise, you can set up a mesh Wi-Fi system or even use a powerline adaptor to send internet through your electrical circuit.
Planning Permission Isn’t Always Required, But Check Anyway
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a garden home office. This is thanks to permitted development rights in the country, which exempt certain buildings from formal approval. However, these need to meet specific criteria:
- Single storey and under 2.5 metres high (if within 2 metres of a boundary)
- Height no more than 4 metres for pitched roofs or 3 metres for other roofs.
- Doesn’t take up more than 50% of your garden.
- Not used for overnight stays
- Not in a conservation area or listed property
Almost all garden offices meet this criterion, but the rules can vary slightly depending on your residential area (rules can be altered by local councils). So, if you are planning for extra things like plumbing, a higher height, or a permanent foundation, it’s best to double-check.
Budget for More Than Just the Building
Garden offices in the UK usually range from £3,500 to £13,000. However, don’t make the mistake of only factoring the headline price during the budgeting process. The building itself is just one part of the total cost. You’ll also need to budget for:
- Electrical work
- Internet setup
- The foundation
- Heating and ventilation
- Furniture and fittings
- The walkway
To get the garden home office fully functional and ready for year-round use, expect to spend anywhere between £6,500 and £25,000, depending on the size, quality, and your locality.
Don’t Forget About Security
During the setup process, it’s easy to focus on the comfort and tech and forget about home security. Considering that your office will likely house expensive equipment, sensitive files, or client work, it can be a tempting target for theft or vandalism.
At the very least, ensure that your office comes with lockable doors and windows. If you need extra protection, you can also look for multi-point locking systems.
You can then enhance the security further by installing motion-sensor lighting around the building, and possibly a smart camera or an alarm system. This will let you enjoy your garden office worry-free, knowing your stuff and work are safe.