Garden office - pros/cons - lessons learned etc

[another20]

Seems that you can spend an arm and a leg - what are the core basics if you need to work there and receive clients daily?

Do they add value to your property - or would you be better building a simple extension to your house?

Good clear access, preferably not via main house.
If side access is possible, consider moving your bins if they are along the route.

If funds and planning allow, definitely install a loo, or even a loo and shower

Thanks - still wondering if cost wise I might as well throw up a single story extension !

Way cheaper than an extension if you’ve got a suitable place for it to go, and it doesn’t compromise any existing rooms re loosing light.

You don’t need side access, garden room co’s can carry through the house.

Having water makes it a bit more expensive as got to dig deep enough to bring the water out, that could be disruptive to existing landscaping.

Having a loo makes it hugely more expensive depending where your drains are.

I think it depends where you are putting it and the standard of insulation, electrics etc. A place near us thst sells "cabins" has several small businesses running in the display units, dog groomer, cafe etc. They are quite cosy.

A top end garden room might be £10-15k and you could do a simple extension for that if it works with your house.

We have a shed type one as an office /craft room and I don't count on it for adding value to the house, it only cost £5k.

You don’t need side access, garden room co’s can carry through the house.

OP said about clients visiting, so he wouldn't want his clients to have to walk through his house to get to the garden building.

Personally, if there are a lot of visiting clients, I wouldn't go down the garden building route at all, unless there was a separate access, i.e. on a corner plot or back of garden opening out onto another road or lane. For me, I like the separation between home and work. Having a garden office accessed via your front drive will encourage clients to visit without appointment and probably start ringing your home door bell.

I started my own business at home because I had a spare room. Massive mistake. Only lasted a year before I rented an office elsewhere instead. If it wasn't bad enough when clients would ring the door bell at 7am on a weekend to give me their paperwork as they were just passing, one particular clown thought it would be a good idea to drop in for a chat on Boxing Day!

For me, garden rooms are fine for art or remote working, but if clients are going to visit, then run for the hills and rent an office/studio elsewhere.

Interesting about clients interrupting family life ! Will have to think that through. I would need to be properly insulated and soundproofed. Wouldn’t need water or a loo.

You will need to check your insurance cover if you are having clients visit you. Your local council will probably be after you for business rates too, if they become aware (or a neighbour dobs you in!)
Their normal exemption criteria are that if you operate a business from home in a room not dedicated wholly to the business and don’t have visiting clients, then you are not liable for business rates.