If you are planning on working from home, you will need to find an ideal space that will allow you to work in peace. A garden-based office may provide you with the peace and tranquillity you need to work without interruptions.
Here, our focus will be setting up a home office in your backyard garden without breaking the bank.
What are the Benefits of Building a Garden Office in Your Backyard?
Building a small office in your garden comes with many different benefits. An office built near your garden will help reduce the number of distractions, allowing you to focus all of your energy on the task at hand. It will provide you with a dedicated space to work that is separate from your home and the distractions that lay inside it, whether that be kids, pets or your spouse who may also be working from home.
The end goal is to enjoy an ideal work-life balance. By working closer to nature, you will improve your mental health and your physical well-being while staying focused on your work.
How to Set Up A Garden Shed Office
Installing a garden shed can be fun, but it will also require hard work and dedication. You first need to get permission from your local building authority. Your garden shed office should not violate any zoning laws.
It should not be a nuisance to your neighbours. If it fails to adhere to legal guidelines, the authorities may take it down before you can enjoy it. It needs to be level off the ground as well.
A dry patch of grass must be chosen to avoid steep grades and swampy areas. You will need to prepare and level the site to prevent serious issues like flooding from occurring in the future.
Some viable options for levelling your shed include concrete, tarmac, and slabs. Decking and base framing also need to be considered. Your foundation will need to be very sturdy. We would suggest a joist network that is affixed to a concrete base.
Timber that can support a large amount of mass is strongly recommended. You will also need to lay the walls and roof. If you are looking for a safe and simple option, we suggest going with a flat roof.
A roof with a sizable overhang will also protect your garden shed office from a torrential downpour. Regarding the wall frame, you will need to determine the structure’s height. Doing so will help you ascertain the exact timbre length required for the frame.
As for windows, you will need to cut adequate holes for them in the siding. You will also need to frame them by using very sturdy timber.
What to add: It might also be a good idea to install garden netting on your windows not only to match the natural aesthetic but to help keep critters and pests away from your office space especially when you’re working. With this, you can keep your windows open, allowing more light and ventilation.
Purchase durable and high-quality windows to ensure optimal air circulation and ventilation to help you work without any issues. Doors and cladding will also need to be areas of interest before moving on to the flooring.
Laminate flooring is an excellent choice, especially if you can land a great deal. Laminate flooring has many benefits, including not requiring any mortar or grout. You also don’t need to glue it down, saving you some time.
You may also want to add some house plants and some pictures of loved ones to help inspire and motivate you. Studies have shown that plants can improve air quality and reduce stress and depression.
A wooden garden shed for the home office is a superb choice for most homeowners. Wooden garden sheds are durable and rustic, but they are also very affordable.
How to Design the Office Space Inside the Shed
Spatial design and daily assessment activities need to be considered when working on your office space design. You also need to consider that your personal preferences will not be the same as your colleagues.
Most experts agree that ventilation and lighting must be optimal to stay focused and energized. Poor lighting and inadequate ventilation may make you tired or even ill if you suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.
Your home office will serve as a fortress of solitude. You need to avoid any distractions from the homefront to work without interruptions.
Work-space furniture must be compact, ergonomic, and comfortable to work without dealing with carpal tunnel, back pain, or neck issues. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to purchase refurbished furniture instead of all-new.
A power supply is also a must, as you will need to plug in your chargers, desktops, printers, fax machines, scanners, and laptops. Moreover, you will also need adequate storage space. Existing hooks, shelves, and benches can save money and time.
Additions may be required if you have copious office documents, dossiers, supplies, etc. A natural office space can be created without breaking the bank by simply adding some plants.
The Future is Now
You must plan the garden structures on completely level ground. Concrete piles should be used to achieve this goal. Water-logged areas and sloping areas can cause serious problems after a heavy downpour, so they should be avoided.
A south-facing office is also strongly recommended, as you will enjoy more natural light throughout the day. Turning your backyard garden shed into a home office will take some planning, money, and effort.
If you are not an expert, you may want to hire a licensed and bonded contractor with a proven track record of success.
Ask friends or colleagues to recommend a trustworthy and reliable contractor in your area, or check online reviews to help you decide.
