Thinking about adding a garden office? Discover if it’s a good investment by exploring the benefits and how it can improve your work-life balance.
Is a garden office worth it? Since the global pandemic struck in 2020, the demand for garden buildings, particularly garden annexe Scotland and garden offices, has soared.
The increasing number of people working from home has helped to fuel the surge in demand for garden and home offices.
The Considerations and The Worth of a Garden Office
What are the key considerations when searching for a garden office, and is it worth investing in one?
Home / Work Balance
Having a gardening office can help you strike a better balance between work and home. With work items out of the house, it can also help you organize your home.
A garden office not only gives you somewhere to work, but it also gives you somewhere to escape from at the end of the working day.
Maintaining that separation between work and home life is vital in supporting our mental health.
Use of Space
How you intend to use space also needs to be considered. For example, do you need space for others, or is it just for yourself? Do you want to use the space as a garden room, a children’s playroom, or an art studio?
Budget
The amount you are willing or able to spend is a multifaceted factor to consider when determining whether a garden office is worthwhile.
Year-Round Use
If you want to use the garden office all year round, you will need to insulate the building to maintain a comfortable temperature. Cheaper summer house style buildings almost certainly will not be and may be harder to weatherproof.
Services
You will also need to install a form of heating and provide electricity to power lights and any necessary equipment for your job.
Therefore, ensure that an electrical supply is available to your building. A qualified person should always install electrical work, but it is a relatively simple addition.
Building Base
As with any building, a garden office in Edinburgh can only be as good as the base it sits on. So, you will have to factor this cost in as well.
Types of Garden Offices
The type of garden office will really affect how much you spend. Let’s examine the various types.
- Timber summer houses
- Timber log cabin
- Sectional Concrete
Advantages of a Garden Office
A garden office might be the ideal solution for a permanent work-from-home setup. But what are the advantages of a garden office over an office inside the house?
1. Avoid Distractions
Staying focused on the task at hand is a constant battle. With lots of repetitive tasks of running a business now being done online, a quiet office space in the garden allows for uninterrupted work.
2. Boost Productivity
A day in the garden gives you a more positive outlook, resulting in increased Productivity and motivation. The increased oxygen flow and vitamin D released from sunshine also boost your Productivity.
3. A Great Place for Meetings
Having an office outside allows the space for meetings with clients or staff. Add a bit of greenery to the garden office, and you’ve got an excellent spot for a meeting.
4. Alternative to Commuting Time
If your employment does not require your physical presence, you may use the time you spend commuting to work on more profitable projects for the organisation.
You might also use the time saved on commuting for hobbies and family activities. This medium helps you achieve a better work-life balance.
5. A Place to Meditate
A few minutes of meditation can have a significant effect on Productivity. Dedicating time to mindfulness and meditation is essential when transitioning from day-to-day office life.
6. Great For Breaks
Take a break from the office and enjoy your garden! The fresh air and natural surroundings will help you alleviate stress and get back on track with your work.
7. Keep Your Privacy
Having an office in the garden allows you to keep your privacy. If there are things in the garden you don’t want to be seen from the house, you can be sure that no one from the house can see into your office
8. Enjoy The Great Outdoors
For some of us, we spend our day in front of a computer. By having an office in the garden, you’ll be able to take a break from the computer and enjoy the great outdoors!
Disadvantages of a Garden Office
1. Initial Cost
One of the significant drawbacks of a garden office is the initial setup cost.
Building a garden office can be expensive, with costs varying depending on the size, design, and materials used.
This financial investment might not be feasible for everyone, especially for those on a tight budget.
2. Planning and Zoning Restrictions
Depending on your location, there may be planning and zoning restrictions that limit your ability to build a garden office.
Obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to local building codes can be time-consuming and may involve additional costs.
It is essential to research and understand these regulations before starting the project. Please be cautious of any company that disregards these rules.
3. Maintenance
A garden office may require regular maintenance to maintain its good condition, depending on the materials used in its construction.
It includes cleaning, repairs, and potentially addressing issues such as dampness or pests. Unlike a home office, which is part of the main living space, a garden office is exposed to outdoor elements and may require more upkeep.
4. Climate Control
Ensuring a comfortable working environment in a garden office can be challenging, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
Heating and cooling a separate structure can be costly and may require additional insulation or climate control solutions.
5. Security Concerns
A garden office, being a separate structure from the main house, may pose security risks.
Installing alarm systems, secure locks, and lighting can mitigate some of these risks, but they also add to the overall cost. Some well-placed blinds can also help keep nosy types out, too.
Conclusion
Garden offices are an excellent idea for those seeking to escape the confines of the home office and enjoy the fresh air.
This option will incur higher setup costs but is an excellent long-term investment.
If you want to have your garden studio pod, you can have one installed by Vivid Pods. So, if you are still asking yourself, “Is a garden office a good investment?” the answer is yes.
