As the working landscape continues to evolve, with more people opting for remote jobs and flexible hours, the demand for personal workspaces at home has seen a significant rise. One popular solution is the garden office or ‘shoffice’. If you’re contemplating investing in one, here’s everything you need to know, from costs and potential added value to your property, to navigating the maze of planning permissions.
Why Garden Offices Have Become Popular
The shift towards home-working has accelerated rapidly, with almost two in five Britons now working from home, according to a survey by Finder. This transition has resulted in increased demand for dedicated workspaces at home, giving rise to the popularity of garden offices.
While setting up an office in your garden can provide a peaceful working environment away from the main household, there are some crucial factors to consider.
Investing in a Garden Office: What Costs to Expect
You mentioned coming across a £5,000 garden office option online. Depending on your requirements, this might be on the lower end of the price spectrum.
- Budget Options: A basic wooden cabin can start at around £1,500. However, once you factor in ground preparations and other essentials, costs can rise to about £3,000.
- Mid-Range Options: An off-the-shelf garden office, which boasts added insulation, proper doors, and windows, can set you back by around £4,000 for a compact 2m x 2m size. With foundation and electricity setup, this might go up to approximately £6,000.
- Bespoke Designs: Customized garden rooms, adorned with unique features like cedar cladding or bifold doors, can begin in the five-figure range.
It’s crucial to scrutinize what the price includes. If electrics or plumbing aren’t part of the package, you’ll need to budget for these separately. Connecting your garden office to your home’s electric supply typically costs between £600 to £1,000. If you’re contemplating plumbing, you might have to spend around £500 more.
Planning Permission: Do You Need It?
In most cases, a garden office falls under ‘permitted development rights’, eliminating the need for traditional planning permissions. However, there are certain conditions to be met:
- Size Restrictions: The structure’s eaves shouldn’t exceed 2.5 metres in height, and its highest point should be no more than 4 metres if it has a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres for other roof types.
- Floor Area: It shouldn’t surpass 15 square metres.
- Usage: The office can’t have sleeping arrangements or function as a separate dwelling.
- Space Coverage: Your garden office, combined with any other structures, shouldn’t occupy more than 50% of your garden.
Always consult your local council’s planning department to be sure, especially if your home has a unique status, like being listed or situated in a protected area.
Will a Garden Office Boost Your Home’s Value?
Many believe that a well-furnished garden office can increase a property’s value by up to 10%. This is because, in addition to serving as a workspace, a garden office can also be repurposed by potential buyers as an additional room or a guest space. However, while a high-quality garden office can indeed enhance saleability, it’s also essential to consider that some prospective buyers might prioritize a spacious garden over a built structure.
Home Insurance Implications
Before making any decisions, remember to consult your home insurance policy. Establishing a garden office could alter your home’s rebuild cost, which might impact your policy. Some insurers might not cover items in outbuildings as part of their standard agreement, so it’s always wise to be clear on the specifics of your coverage.
In Conclusion
A garden office can be a wonderful addition to your property, offering a dedicated and tranquil workspace. While the upfront costs might seem daunting, the long-term benefits, both in terms of productivity and potential property value, can make it a worthwhile investment.