Have you ever considered improving your work-from-home setup with a garden office? If so, here we bring you some enticing garden office ideas and how to add value to your home.
You will not believe how much a garden office can transform your daily life. It is more than just an efficient workspace; it is like your own personal oasis, which enables you to complete your work. Seriously, a garden office could be the ultimate in flexibility in your next team meeting, just think of Zoom calls with garden views. On top of that, you are probably curious about how much value a garden office adds to your property.
Keep reading as we uncover the answers and reveal some of the best garden offices available on the market to work from home in 2023.
Understanding the value of garden offices
If you intend to build a garden office, believe us it is a life changer. A sizable benefit is that there is no commute. Just think of how preferable walking to the bottom of your lawn is compared to getting stuck in traffic or jammed onto a bus or train. Imagine the cost savings too! Additionally, you are surrounded by nature, which is proven to boost productivity and wellbeing.
A garden office is also the perfect spot and a great way to escape household distractions. There will be less sudden interruptions, such as parcel deliveries or music/TV blasting. You have your own zone where you can focus and get work completed. Speaking of focusing, just having that physical separation between home and work can do wonders for your work-life balance.
Let us also not forget the flexibility factor. Imagine hopping on a teleconferencing call with a lush garden backdrop. Your colleagues will be mega envious! You also get to control your environment as you work from home, so if you want to listen to classical music or heavy metal beats all day while you work, you are in control!
Energy bills are also usually lower because garden offices are often smaller and easier to heat than a whole house. It is a win-win scenario. You are saving money while helping the planet, especially if you opt for an eco-friendly setup with solar panels.
Personalisation is another big opportunity. This is your office space, and you can make it as minimalistic or as Pinterest-worthy as you like. For example, do you want a hammock for those quick breaks? Go for it. Or perhaps, mood lighting? Why not.
Oh, and it could even add value to your property. Future buyers might see it as a versatile space, not just an office but maybe a guest room, gym, or studio. We discuss “added value” next.
How much value does a garden office add?
So, let us get down to some financials. Many buyers ask, do garden offices add value to your property? Estate agents estimate a garden office can add up to 5-10% to your home's value. That is amazing for an asset you can use – although cash is reassuring in the bank, you do not enjoy its use whilst it is in the bank. The 5-10% rise means that a house, which is worth £300,000; could add an extra £15,000 to £30,000 to the value of your home.
It is not just the added square footage, but also the appeal to potential buyers. Think about it, work-from-home is the “new normal” for many workers, so having an already set-up workspace is highly prized by many buyers. It is a massive selling point. It is like your house has an extra feature that might just tip the scales in a competitive market.
Honestly, a garden office turns your property from just another listing into a must-see home. Young professionals will often be especially interested, and even families can see the potential for it to be a playroom, teen hangout space or entertainment hub, etc., So, when you are considering whether to invest in a garden office and how much value does a garden office add, remember it is not just a short-term gain for you. It is also a long-term investment that is likely to pay off.
Ten benefits of a garden office
Maybe you still need some persuading about buying a garden office. We do understand that it is a sizable investment after all. Well, aside from increasing your property's value, there are numerous other benefits, we summarise just ten of these below:
- Boost productivity - fewer distractions mean you can focus better and get more done
- Cut the commute - save time and money on travel by just stepping into your garden
- Eco-friendly options - you can go green with solar panels and sustainable materials
- Multi-functional - it can double up as a guest room, gym, or innumerable other uses
- Personalise your office space - make it your own with decor that inspires you
- Quiet green retreat - it is your perfect little escape for when the house gets too chaotic
- Tax benefits – it is a great way to write off some expenses since it is a dedicated workspace
- Up your mental health - being surrounded by nature can seriously improve your mood
- Work-life balance - having a separate workspace helps you switch off at the end of the day
- Year-round use - with proper insulation and lighting, you can use your garden office in all seasons
Types of garden office
There are numerous different types of garden offices to suit whatever vibe for which you are opting. Whether you want something that is more of a minimalist cube, or you prefer a rustic log cabin feel, there is a garden room for you.
Traditional garden office
You can never go wrong with a classic, right? The traditional garden office gives off a timeless, clean look that most people love. Usually made of wood and built to last, it is the ideal pick for anyone who wants a straightforward workspace. Insulated walls keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a year-round investment.
Modular office
Okay, so you are a person who is always switching things around. A modular office is your playground. These are designed to be expandable or changeable, letting you adapt the space as you grow or as your needs evolve. It is like a Lego set for adults, except it boosts your property value.
Minimalist cube
The Minimalist Cube is pretty much the iPhone of garden home offices. It is sleek, and modern, and does not take up much space. If you are all about a clean aesthetic and want something that looks like it is straight out of an office design magazine, this is your go-to option. Plus, it is usually equipped with large windows, so you get lots of natural light while you are working away.
Garden pod
If you want a futuristic garden office, this is a great option. Garden pods look like they are straight out of a sci-fi movie, and they are just as cool functionally. Most come with curved designs and innovative technology. They are a statement piece for your garden, showing off your modern flair while giving you a trendy and enjoyable place to work.
Green garden office
Do you want to work in a garden and be green as well? A green garden office focuses on eco-friendly materials and energy-saving solutions. Think of features such as eco-friendly insulation, energy-efficient windows, green roofing, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, sustainable wood construction, etc.,
Log cabin-style office
Bring Scandinavian chic-style log cabins into your daily work. Log cabin-style offices are laid-back, rustic spaces that make you feel you are in a forest setting, far from the noise of the city. They are cosy, inviting, and perfect if you are a person who finds inspiration in nature.
She shed or man cave
The “She Shed” or “Man Cave” is the garden office for those who want a space that is just as much for leisure as it is for work. Equip your home office in the garden with a mini fridge, a comfortable sofa, or your collection of quirky accessories. It is where working from home meets play, and it is all yours to personalise to your own taste.
Small garden office ideas for a productive and inspiring workspace
Check out these eleven small garden office ideas to make your space both productive and inspiring:
1. Built-in speakers - improve your listening experience by installing built-in speakers for podcasts or music
2. Corner plant shelf - brighten your office space with a corner shelf for your favourite houseplants
3. Fold-down desk - make the most of your office space with a fold-down desk that gives you room to breathe when you are not working
4. LED strip lighting - create a cool vibe with LED strip lights under your desk or shelves
5. Modular shelving - you may decorate your walls with modular shelving pieces while keeping everything orderly too
6. Pop-up power outlets - you have pop-up power outlets at your desk for charging your gadgets
7. Pull-out couch bed - a pull-out couch bed is a great buy for late-night work
8. Rolling storage boxes - store your workplace materials in portable boxes that hide clutter away
9. Sliding glass doors - let natural light flood in while keeping the elements out with sliding glass doors
10. Wall-mounted monitor - save desk space by mounting your computer monitor on the wall
11. Wi-Fi extender - install an exterior extender to make sure you have a solid Wi-Fi connection
Best garden offices in 2023
So, which are the best garden rooms to buy in 2023 from Buy Sheds Direct? We answered this question recently in our blog post – “What are the Best Log Cabins and Garden Offices for Homeworking?” This post recommended the following garden buildings from our selection:
1. Palmako Mini Clock House 4.6m x 3.7m Log Cabin Summerhouse (34mm)
this one has style in abundance! This spacious summerhouse comes with a front terrace and has a cute clock on top that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. Click here to view
2. Forest Melbury 4m x 3m Log Cabin (34mm) Single Glazed -
this cabin is sleek and modern. Its 34mm timber walls are sturdy, and the single-glazed windows let in lots of natural light, ideal for getting your creative juices flowing when working from home. Click here to view
3. Forest Xtend 4.0+ Insulated Garden Office 4.05m x 3.42m (97mm)
if you are looking for innovative options, Forest Xtend is the range of garden offices to look for. These garden offices are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can pick what suits you best. The 4.05m x 3.42m is a good representative example. Click here to view the Xtend range
4. 12 x 10 Palram Canopia Copenhagen Garden Office (3.51m x 2.87m)
this garden office is built for durability with polycarbonate panels. Plus, it has an integrated skylight roof, which is perfect for daydreaming or stargazing when you need a break from the grind. Click here to view
Final reflections
Our garden office ideas have covered everything from the types of garden rooms to how they can add value to your property. A garden room is more than just an outdoor space for video conferencing calls; it is an investment in your daily lifestyle. Forget about the daily commute, surround yourself with nature, and create a workspace that is personalised to you. Plus, think of the eco-benefits of these green retreats when working from home.
You are not just sprucing up your work life; you are also upping your home's resale value. Future owners will love having that extra, versatile space. So, if you are still on the fence, just know this is the kind of investment that pays off abundantly.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further advice in choosing a perfect garden office for your outdoor space, feel free to contact us at Buy Sheds Direct. Our team provide personalised advice and recommendations to buy the perfect garden home office to meet your needs from our extensive selection.
You can contact us via phone at 0333 003 0514 or email us today using the contact form on our contact page. We are also available for real-time text chat using our Live Chat functionality.