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Although you’re always excited to get your garden ready for summer, what do you think about being able to enjoy your garden at any time of the year? With more people working from home than ever before, the home office has become something that everyone should consider. But, while a lot of people accept a spare room or make their kitchen table their base of operations, others have considered something different.
If you have the space, a garden office is a fantastic way to give yourself the seclusion you need to work throughout the day without distractions while also adding something stunningly functional to your backyard. You can’t simply build a shed and hope for the best, though, so here’s everything you need to know to create a garden office.
Get Planning Permission
The last thing you want is to build a stunning garden office only to have the authorities tear it down immediately because you didn’t follow the proper procedures. There will be regulations that you must adhere to when planning your garden office, but this can vary from place to place, and even neighborhood to neighborhood, so it’s worth doing your research beforehand.
Find a Model That Suits Your Needs
There is an array of options for garden offices that you can look for. The model you choose should match your needs and the size and shape of your garden. If you’re happy building a room just for work, you may not need much space. But, if you prefer to make the office as functional as possible, you’ll need to look at bigger options.
This could pose an issue if you want to make the most of your garden. You should consider where you will build the office, whether at the bottom of the yard or as an annex from your house.
Get the Foundations Secure
Once you have established you can build a garden office without any interruptions and have selected your preferred model, you need to get to work laying the foundations. Unlike traditional sheds, a garden office poses more similarities to a home or a sunroom, so putting the proper foundations in place will ensure the building is safe and secure.
You may feel confident laying the foundations yourself, but if you are not construction-inclined, working with a professional landscaping service should be a priority. This will ensure your foundations are built to code, and you will not encounter any problems during the construction process or after construction is complete.
Consider Where You’ll Work In the Meantime
You may already have a dedicated working space that you can use in the meantime, but if not, it’s worth deciding where you will set up your computer. Many people choose the dining room or kitchen table, while others prefer a makeshift office in a spare room. If you have these options, pick which works best for you. If not, you may need to find a coworking space or local cafe where you can work throughout the day without interruptions.
Think About the Sun
Relying on natural light for your garden office is a great way to boost your productivity and make the office a more pleasant place to be. You need to design it to make sure you get enough sun, even during the winter.
However, there is also the issue that you’ll get too much sun. If you’re working late, the setting sun could blind you and affect your focus. You can install blinds or drapes to overcome this, although this also means you’ll need to use extra electricity. A moveable desk could solve this problem.
Remember Essential Amenities
You also need to consider which essential amenities you will introduce into the office once it is done. Electricity, heating and cooling, and a reliable wifi connection are all crucial. You should get these amenities set up during the construction process, and a local electrical contractor and HVAC specialist can ensure your office will be ready for you to start work once everything is complete.
You will benefit from testing your wifi connection before building your office at all. Take your laptop to the area where your office will be and check internet speeds and ping. If you can browse easily, you won’t have an issue when you start work. But, if your connection seems temperamental and intermittent, you may need to invest in a stronger router or purchase a wifi extender.
Another amenity to remember is installing a bathroom if you don’t want to run back and forth to your house every few hours. Running water is also useful, so get in touch with a plumber.
Insulate It
If you live somewhere that experiences traditionally freezing winters and blazing hot summers you mustn’t forget to insulate the room correctly to ensure you can remain comfortable. While you could just wrap up warm or strip down to shorts and a tank top, this can impact your focus while working. You don’t want to be uncomfortable at all, so proper insulation is a must. Insulation will also help to protect devices and components, which reduces the damage inside the office.
Decorate It For Productivity and Comfort
You don’t want to sit in an empty office as this can be depressing and will affect your focus. Anything that is too drab will not inspire your work. Looking at these office decor ideas can give you a few options for how you decorate your garden office. Don’t forget to invest in an ergonomic desk chair and an adjustable desk to prevent posture aches and pains. A sofa (if you have the space) can also be beneficial so you have somewhere to relax and take a break when you need it.
Your New Office
A garden office is a fantastic way for work-from-home professionals and business owners to enjoy their home and get away from the stress that the home brings every day. If you struggle to focus on your projects, whether because there are too many distractions or you always look for ways to procrastinate, a garden office could be the perfect answer for you to transform your approach and even get a cute little place where you can relax.
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