Garden office - how important is insulation?

[CeciliaMars]

I'm looking into getting a little garden office. I won't be working full time from there - 3 hours a day max. I can get a double panelled wooden office for a couple of grand, whereas the insulated ones are more like £7-8k. If I had an oil or electric heater in there in the winter and a fan in there in the summer, could I get away with an uninsulated office? Or is it really important? Thanks

If you want it to work for you all year round you need fully insulated. I had a fully insulated garden office, using SIPs panel construction, cedar clad, double glazed, EDPM roof and it still got a bit too cold in the winter and a bit too hot in the summer (although I'll blame the big glass patio doors poor insulation properties for that more than the walls) you will really struggle if its not insulated at all and will probably be as usable as a shed. I would say only get uninsulated if you want it as a hobby or recreational room for occassional use. If you want to properly work out of it reliably a couple of days a week hybrid or part time, definitely get fully insulated. Xx

defo need insulation. its almost a non negotiable im afraid...

If your only in there for 3 hours and have a decent heater you will be ok.

When you come to sell, an un-insulated garden office is "a shed".

Get one with insulation - or self insulate it yourself. We even insulate our ordinary garden sheds - so tools don't collect condensation. You'll be chilly and damp otherwise, even with a heater. We used thermal insulation board behind plywood.

It isn't as much about your comfort as the integrity of the equipment you intend to keep in there, as it will be in there 24/7.

Insulate. If you need to cost save, do this yourself or get another contractor to do this for you. Speak to local trades to see how this could be done to reduce costs.

Decent insulation is a must, it'll also keep the unbearable heat out in the summer, sheds can get boiling.

I agree with others- get it insulated!
In-laws had a garden cabin thing which was uninsulated. They needed to keep a heater on low ALL year round to prevent damp inside! It was freezing in winter and boiling in summer! It was a kit cabin, but whoever installed it- didn't attach specialist tethers. When there was a large storm, the entire roof blew off!

They eventually had it re-built, but with double glazing, insulation and not a cabin kit. The difference is vast. They use is much more now and its comfortable all year round. We slept in in one Christmas when the house was full and it was fine. (I know its not supposed to be slept in).

You might only use it 3hrs a day now, but if it was insulated, it makes it a much more usable space and would also increased the value on the house if you wanted to sell.

Get it insulated but find someone else to do it - that price is taking the piss

Ring up a supplier and price it yourself - then you’ll see!

Thank you - I am definitely convinced I need insulation now!

Insulated with underfloor heating or it's freezing....

You need insulation or you want be able to heat it properly an will have problems with condensation and damp, which could damage your computer equipment and won't be good for your health. Without it, it will be like sitting in a garden shed.

It depends on how thick the wood is as wood has a decent u value (look it up, you can calculate energy to heat the shed based on expected temperature differences). The wood cabin wood is a lot thicker than the thin skin you get on a shed.

Invest in the best insulation.

It will be the best money you spend.

Assuming you are in the UK and planning on spending full days out there in January- def need insulation!

We've had our garden office for just over 2 years (best investment ever btw). Insulation is essential, summer and winter!

Unfortunately the trouble is your fingers. You can shroud yourself in multiple layers but typing with freezing fingers slows you down and is very uncomfortable.

100 agree.
The surrounding temperature needs to be comfortable then you will be comfortable and happy.
If you are thinking about it being too cold or too hot you are not comfortable and will be miserable and fed up soon enough .
Invest in good quality efficient insulation. The best you can afford.

Thank us later.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but are you able to share the company you went with please?