As workers enjoy a hybrid working life, investing in an outdoors home office could prove to be a lucrative move. Not only because having a separate workspace is beneficial for your mental health, but it could also increase the value of your property.
Data shows that demand for home offices increased 259% in London during the early stages of the pandemic. With an aspect of remote working remaining for the long term, now might be the perfect time to invest.
Find the right spot
Before you take the plunge, you should think about your home office’s location. You don’t want it in the darkest, coldest and dampest part of your garden, but you also don’t want it to cast a shadow over a suntrap, particularly if your outdoor space is small.
You should also consider how much it will cost to run cables underground from the house. The further away from the main building, the greater the expense.
Decide on size
Once you’ve found the right spot, you’ll need to think about the size. Will your home office just need to house a desk and computer or will you have to host meetings? Do you need lots of storage? Or perhaps you think better with a comfy chair in the corner?
Have the dimensions of all your furniture to hand and create a layout on the floor where you intend to set up. This will help you visualise the size you need.
Create a budget
While we might want a sleek home office with all the mod cons, it’s not always possible.
A basic shed-type building can start at a few thousand pounds and can easily climb to tens of thousands. However, these aren’t likely to increase the value of your home greatly.
Putting up a permanent structure may well do that, though. However, it’s essential to draw up a budget so you know what you can afford.
Materials
Before you head to your nearest DIY store for a flat-pack shed, think about the materials you want to use.
If you love modern exteriors, a sleek, black-framed building may be in keeping with your taste. Conversely, if you’re a lover of the great outdoors and want to create a ‘green’ home office, perhaps think about a structure with a living-quality roof.
Don’t forget the double glazing. Floor-to-ceiling windows will provide natural daylight but think about adding screens or shutters if your windows face south.
Related: 10 Tips for Connecting With Coworkers: Working from Home