A garden office is a purpose-built workspace in the backyard or garden of a property. Unlike a traditional home office, it provides separation from the building you live in - helping to establish a better work-life boundary.
As more people are working from home, garden workspaces are gaining popularity. They can be a great cost-effective alternative to renting office space, perfect for small businesses and freelancers.
Whilst garden offices provide an independent, customisable workspace, they differ greatly from serviced offices. As we explore the topic of garden workspaces, we’ll answer the most asked questions and help you decide on the most suitable option.
What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of a Garden Office?
Advantages
· Work-Life Balance & Privacy
A garden office provides physical separation from your home. This helps to reduce distractions and maintain a clear boundary between work and home life. Advantages
· Long-Term Cost Savings
Garden offices require a higher initial investment. However, this can reduce ongoing costs such as commuting or monthly fees associated with renting office space. These cost savings can outweigh the initial expenses in the long term.
Garden workspaces offer even more savings for businesses in cities such as Manchester or London, where renting serviced office space can come with premium costs
· Customisation Opportunities
You can design a garden office to suit your exact requirements, from ergonomic layouts to storage options. This level of flexibility is perfect for those looking for a personalised space.
Disadvantages
· Higher Upfront Costs
The cost of building a workspace from scratch and installing utilities and furniture can be substantial. For those on a tight budget, this could be a barrier when compared to serviced offices, which spread the cost over time.
· Limited Scalability
An office in the garden is fixed in both its size and location. This may not be ideal if your company is growing. Expanding a garden office involves expensive and time-consuming renovations. There can also be significant disruption to operations during renovations.
· Image & Networking Limitations
Garden offices are perfect for solo work but may not provide the professional image needed for client meetings. They may also enhance feelings of isolation and limit your business networking opportunities.
· Maintenance Issues
Unlike a serviced office maintained by a dedicated team, a garden office is entirely your responsibility. It is important to note that garden workspaces are exposed to the weather, making them susceptible to dampness and rot. Therefore, regular maintenance is key but can add to expenses.
Do Garden Offices Get Damp?
Yes, garden offices do get damp due to their exposure to outdoor conditions. However, it can be easily managed and prevented.
Causes of Dampness
Once you know what causes dampness in a space, you can easily prevent it.
· Poor Insulation: Low-quality materials can cause moisture to seep in through floors or walls.
· Inadequate Ventilation: Humidity mixed with stale air can cause condensation and mould.
· Exposure to Harsh Weather: Rain and fluctuating temperatures can cause moisture to build up and leaks to form.
Preventing Dampness
· Use High-Quality Insulation: Invest in weather-resistant and waterproof flooring, walls and roofing.
· Install Damp-Proof Membranes: These provide a barrier that stops moisture from entering.
· Ensure Proper Ventilation: Vents or dehumidifiers reduce humidity within the space and prevent dampness.
Maintenance Practices
· Inspect the space regularly. This will ensure you can immediately fix leaks or cracks and stop mould spreading.
· Ensure the space is clean and dry to prevent moisture from building up.
How Does a Garden Office Compare to Renting Serviced Office Space?
Customisation
A garden office allows you to customise the space entirely. You can design everything, from the layout to the furniture. The space can be completely tailored to your specific requirements.
On the other hand, serviced offices are ready to go. They are offered with a standard layout, and you may incur additional fees for customising the space. In some cases, you may be limited in what changes you can make to the workspace regarding painting and decorating.
Amenities
Serviced office buildings are fitted with high-speed internet, access to meeting rooms and administrative support. These amenities provide a professional environment, which is ideal for client-facing businesses. However, garden offices would require further expenses to offer similar features.
Scalability
Expanding a garden office will involve considerable costs, construction and permits. Space limitations may also make an expansion impractical and limit your ability to grow.
Serviced offices allow you to scale up or down as you need. If you require more space, moving to a larger office or adding more desks is easy without the inconvenience of building works or a long-term commitment.
Costs
A garden office requires more significant upfront costs, including construction, furniture, and utilities.
Most serviced offices only require a deposit and a month’s rent upfront whilst offering a plug-and-play set-up, which you can work in from day one. Pricing usually includes utilities and service charges as an all-inclusive cost.
How Do I Design a Garden Workspace to Host Business Meetings?
Whilst garden offices can be perfectly tailored to your needs, if you’re looking to host business meetings from your workspace, there are a few things you may need to consider.
Here are our tips for designing your garden office to host business meetings.
· Create a professional atmosphere by using neutral tones and branded elements.
· Natural lighting can help create a welcoming environment, while task lighting is great for cloudy days or evening meetings.
· Enhance privacy with frosted glass or blinds/curtains.
· Provide comfortable seating for you and your visitors. Flexible seating can accommodate both small and large meetings.
· Invest in a high-quality desk. Ensure there is enough space for laptops, paperwork and refreshments.
· Include features for noise reduction. Soundproofing walls and doors will maximise privacy and reduce distractions. Incorporating rugs and curtains will also help to absorb sound.
· Don’t forget the technology essentials. A reliable internet connection can support video conferencing and remote meetings. Equipment such as a projector and large screen is important when presenting.
· Ensure the temperature can be controlled. Installing HVAC systems will keep guests comfortable.
· Add a welcome area. Assign a small area with a side table to make clients feel welcome.
· Keep the space clutter-free. A clear, minimalist layout reflects professionalism.
· Provide clear signage and easy access. Make sure there is a clear, well-lit pathway to the workspace. Consider adding an intercom to make entry easier.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Office?
In the UK, whether you need planning permission for a workspace in the garden depends on the space's size, location and use. Councils in London generally have similar requirements when granting permission for garden offices.
When You Don’t Need Planning Permission:
· If the structure is single-story and under 2.5m at the eaves. (Eaves are the lower border of a roof which overhangs the wall.)
· If the height of the building is under 4m for a pitched roof or 3m for any other type of roof.
· If the office is located at the back of the property and within a certain distance of boundaries.
When You Need Planning Permission:
· The workspace exceeds the size limits stated above.
· Your property is in a National Park, conservation area or listed building.
· The office is intended for client meetings, staff gatherings or other activities which may result in higher foot traffic. This could disrupt neighbours and the local area.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
Even if you think your garden office doesn’t need planning permission, it is important to follow these steps to ensure the space complies with certain regulations.
· Contact Your Local Planning Authority
By consulting your Local Planning Authority, you will get confirmation whether your garden office qualifies under permitted development rights. Provide accurate information about the proposed dimensions, location and intended use of the space.
Most Local Planning Authorities offer guidance and sometimes online tools to help you. Being proactive will prevent delays and ensure your space aligns with local planning regulations.
· Hire a Professional Architect or Builder
Get advice from a professional architect or builder. They can ensure that your plans meet regulations and safety requirements.
Make sure that the person (or people) you hire have experience in garden offices as they can help integrate specific utilities such as electricity and internet.
· Apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness
Applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness is advisable as this document officially confirms your garden office’s compliance with regulations. It can also provide peace of mind and protect you from future disputes if you sell the property.
· Address Neighbour Concerns
Your neighbours will be notified as part of the application process for planning permission. To prevent objections, discuss their concerns, minimise noise, and maintain their privacy. Considering your neighbours can minimise disputes and streamline the process.
What are the Legal Requirements & Tax Considerations?
Knowing the financial and legal obligations of building an office in the garden is crucial. Consulting a tax advisor will let you maximise your savings and stay compliant.
Building Regulations
Any garden office must comply with building regulations, which include:
· Fire-resistant materials and fire exit.
· Electrical wiring installed by professionals.
· Adequate insulation for energy efficiency.
Tax Considerations
· Business Expenses
You may be able to claim some construction and maintenance costs as business expenses if the office is used exclusively for work.
· Capital Gains Tax
If your garden office is solely for work, it may be considered a business asset rather than a part of your home. This could subject the property to capital gains tax if you sell it.
· VAT
VAT-registered businesses may reclaim VAT on certain expenses.
What are the Costs and Insurance Needed?
Cost Breakdown
· Pre-Made Units: These range from £3,000 to £20,000 depending on the size of the space and the features included.
· Custom-Built Units: These are typically priced from £20,000 upwards and can exceed £50,000 for bespoke designs.
· Utilities and Furniture: The cost of electricity, heating, internet and furniture should also be considered.
Hidden Costs
· Installing utilities and landscaping often require additional funds.
· Maintenance such as repainting or fixing weather damage should be accounted for.
Insurance Requirements
· Building Insurance: Covers damage to the structure.
· Content Insurance: Protects equipment inside the garden office.
· Liability Insurance: This is essential if you have visitors such as clients or employees at the workspace.
Can an Office in the Garden Increase Your Property Value?
An office in the garden can increase your property value in certain circumstances.
When It Adds Value:
· A well-designed, high-quality garden office that blends with the property can appeal to potential buyers who work remotely.
· Layouts that double as a studio or a guest room may attract more interest.
When It Doesn’t Add Value:
· Unattractive or poorly maintained offices may not appeal to buyers as they can be considered an extra financial burden.
· If the workspace takes up too much of the garden, it may reduce the property’s appeal, especially for families.
How Do I Maximise Productivity in a Garden Office?
· Invest in ergonomic furniture. Ensuring you have a setup that includes an ergonomic chair, desk, and monitor will reduce physical strain.
· Incorporate adjustable lighting to reduce glare and prevent eye strain.
· Add soundproofing to minimise distractions.
· Install high-speed internet with a reliable, wired connection.
· Ensure you have adequate power outlets and a backup power option in emergencies.
· Set clear working hours to create a routine.
· Use the office exclusively for work to maintain focus.
What are the Alternatives to a Garden Office?
Serviced Offices
Serviced offices are fully furnished workspaces with access to shared amenities like meeting rooms, breakout spaces and administrative services. They are ideal for businesses that require flexibility and scalability.
Coworking memberships offer access to a desk in an office shared by other companies. Like private serviced offices, they are also found in business centres with shared amenities. Coworking spaces are fantastic for smaller companies or freelancers.
Home Office Spaces
Any area of your home can be converted to an office space. However, it can sometimes involve the same level of set-up as a garden office and may come with distractions and challenges.
How Do I Choose the Most Suitable Workspace?
When choosing the most suitable workspace, you should consider:
· Budget: Compare the upfront investment of a garden or home office with the monthly rental costs of a coworking or serviced office.
· Space Requirements: Asses your current and future needs. A serviced office allows more flexibility if you expect to expand your business.
· Brand Image: If your business requires a lot of face-to-face meetings, it may not be suitable to work from a home or garden office.
Whilst a garden office provides customisation, privacy and long-term savings, it also has limitations regarding flexibility and maintenance requirements. Serviced offices offer a great alternative for those looking for fully equipped, scalable workspaces.
Comparing the workspace options available will help you make the best decision for your company based on your requirements.
