Cabin office in the garden

[moonstone1201]

I have been considering a few different options for my business, including renting office space and converting the garage, but have settled on building a cabin in the garden.

So far I have worked at home and in clients' offices with just a laptop and mobile. I am now looking at expanding and polishing my professional image a bit!

We have someone coming out on Wednesday to look at the site and give us an estimate.

Does anyone else operate from a cabin/outbuilding?

I'm just wondering about the best way to access a phone line/broadband from the new office. Getting a new line from BT seems to be the most obvious option but a bit on the expensive side. I would also prefer not to deal with BT if possible!

The wireless broadband in the house is from Plusnet so I wonder if there is an easy way to extend this outside. I have had a look on their forums but it's all a bit too technical for me!

I am pretty clear that the business needs to have a separate phone number and I need to be able to divert this to my mobile. Is VOIP the best way of achieving this?

Any tips for getting started would be much appreciated!

I have converted a detached garage into an office and it's brilliant - perfect actually - for my needs. My Internet connection was extended to the new office using CAT5 cable. This allowed me to use a VoIP tel system. Much cheaper than BT - own number, cheaper call costs, and no line rental. Also can set up voicemail to come on automatically outside business hours.

Wrt cabin.... Will this be cold in winter? I seem to recall reading that they can be. Is there an option to insulate very well and add double glazing, etc. Comfort is important!