Lots of people work from home. In a recent UK study, the figures suggested that 50% of the population will work remotely by 2020. In the US, around 43% of workers spend time working remotely. That’s a lot of people. For entrepreneurs, the figure is even higher. According to Incfile.com, there are 38 million home-based businesses in the United States, so starting a business from home is incredibly common. The internet has led to a massive increase in work-at-home business opportunities, but for many people, finding enough space to conduct their business is a problem.
Kitchen table business ventures are common. Examples include baking celebration cakes, website design, and even consultancy work. Sooner or later, however, you will need more space to spread out, store documents, and work away from the distractions of everyday family life. This is where a home office in the garden comes in handy.
There are lots of viable options if you want to build a home office in your garden. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Timber Buildings
Timber sheds are a popular option for a home-based office or workspace. You can pick up a good quality timber shed for a few thousand dollars and erect it anywhere in your backyard, as long as there is a section of concrete hard-standing. Timber is long-lasting, but only if it is treated appropriately.
Are you hoping to use your office all year round? Is the climate in your area very cold over winter? If so, look for a timber building with the right level of insulation. Otherwise, you won’t be able to stand the cold, even with heating installed.
Converting Existing Outbuildings
Converting an existing outbuilding is another option. This one is great if you have sheds or a gazebo separate from the main house. The building will already have the main elements, so all you need to do is adapt it to suit your needs. For example, it might need extra insulation, more windows, and a secure door.
Speak to a builder and discuss some ideas. It shouldn’t cost too much to renovate an existing building and decorate the space as a home office. The advantage of this approach is that you can do a lot of the work yourself if you are a skilled DIY enthusiast.
Building a Home Office from Scratch
Building a home office from scratch is the most expensive option, but if you need a bespoke office environment, then it is worth spending the money. A home office will add value to your property and make it more attractive when you come to sell. It could take a few weeks or months to construct and you will need a construction crew on site, with all that entails, but porta potty rentals mean the builders won’t have to disturb you while you work inside. You can close the door and let the builders get on with the project.
If none of these options appeals, look at office rentals nearby and see if they are more cost-effective.
