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Garden Office/ Studio Construction 

As more and more of us work from home, garden offices are at the top of many people's wish lists. Garden offices, which were formerly considered a luxury or a bonus feature, are quickly becoming necessities for a growing number of people working from home. With more people working from home, more companies are now offering building and services to people who want to establish office space in their gardens, with options to fit all garden sizes and budgets.

What are the benefits of a Garden Office?

Garden offices are practical for a variety of reasons. A garden office can be the only way to establish a functional office area for people who don't have enough room in their houses, especially for jobs that need meeting space or a lot of storage. They also make it simpler to separate between work and personal life, allowing you to leave work at work. 
Garden Offices- Do you need Planning Permission?

Although there will be exceptions, in general the answer will be no for most situations. Garden offices are frequently considered as permitted development.

Unless you live in a designated area, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a Conservation Area, or you live in a Listed Building, you may not need planning permission for your garden office if you meet the following criteria: The structure is one-story, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of 4 metres for a dual pitched roof or 3 metres for any other roof. The building is at least 2 metres from the border (if it is within 2 metres of the house's curtilage boundary, the building cannot be taller than 2.5 metres). There are no verandas or balconies that are higher than 0.3m. New structures will not cover more than half of the land surrounding the existing house.

How much does it cost to build a Garden Office?

A garden office's cost is determined by its size, location, and specifications, just like any other building. When compared to someone who opts for a comprehensive package, those who come up with their own design, do not require planning permission, and intend to DIY build their garden office will face quite different prices. A modest garden office might cost anything between £5,000 and £20,000. The cost of medium to large garden office starts from around £12,000 and can be quite expensive depending on the quality of the construction and customised amenities. 

If you receive a building estimate from a contractor, don't forget to include in the cost of any foundations that will be needed, as well as the cost of plumbing and drainage for a shower or toilet if one is included. A toilet will often add between £1,000 and £2,000 to the entire cost, while a shower room may cost up to £3,000.

Are foundations needed for a Garden Office?

If you want your garden office to last, you will need good foundations. There are various ways to build garden office foundations, and your choice should be dependent on the weight and size of your garden office and your budget. Your builder will be able to help you with this. Many package vendors and modular construction experts will have a favoured technique. Don't forget to ask if the cost of the foundations is included in your estimate. 

Concrete slab foundations are a standard type of garden room foundation that is best suited for flat ground. Before soft sand and a damp proof membrane are installed, the ground must be dug and a layer of compacted hardcore must be laid. Before the frame is removed, a wood frame will be placed over the DPM to function as a mould (shuttering), and concrete will be poured, levelled, and allowed to set.

Concrete or steel can be used to construct piled foundations. Posts are put into a concrete mix in holes in the ground at a depth of at least 1000mm in the case of steel. Concrete piles are constructed by digging holes (which can be somewhat shallower than steel posts) and filling them with concrete. The poles are then connected by a frame, which serves as the foundation for the new office structure. This is an excellent option for sloping terrain.

Modular vs Bespoke Garden Offices- Which one should you choose?

There are two primary options for getting a garden office built: custom or modular structures. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and the one you select should be based on your particular tastes and set budget.

Modular garden offices are sold as kits and are either installed on site by the supplier or built by the customer. Customers may pick from a variety of styles and sizes offered by modular garden office companies, with more customisation available in the form of optional add-ons and extras. While your design possibilities may be more limited than if you went with custom, there are some significant advantages. The costs are all upfront so there are no hidden costs. They are quick and easy to install with everything included so there is no need to search for different trades such as electricians or builders to complete the build. The only disadvantage of a modular garden office is if your garden has limited space or is an awkward shape as it might be difficult to find a modular option to suit or fit the space.

A bespoke design can be developed by you, a professional designer or architect, or companies that specialise in garden offices and sheds – in fact, many modular garden office providers also offer bespoke design, planning, project management, and construction services. In many respects, a bespoke option is more cost-effective, since it allows you to complete the majority of the work at your own leisure and shop about for the best materials and fittings.

What are the building regulations for a Garden Office?

Building requirements are generally not required if the building's floor size is between 15 and 30 metres squared. When it comes to the electrics for garden offices, however, building requirements, namely Part P, will almost definitely be necessary. You will need a licenced electrician to connect your garden office to the mains supply and provide you with a completion certificate, whether it is a pre-wired structure with outlets and lighting built in, or you're creating a bespoke building from scratch. Building regulations will always be required for a garden office greater than 30m2.