home offices

bouicca21

Not entirely sure this is the right place for this query, apologies if it's not.

I am hoping over the next 6months or so to be buying a house. Ideally I'd like 3 bedrooms (mine, guest and an office/study). The budget will be tight, so I have been wondering about a 2 bed and building a home office in the garden. I would need somewhere that would accommodate a large number of books so it has to be dry.

Most home offices seem to be basically well insulated sheds, which makes me wonder how long they last. Does any one have any experience of such things?

G_M

Google around.

There are now some pretty sophisticated 'sheds' these days - power, heat, insulation etc.

But check the planning permission requirements. Garden sheds don't need it. Living accomodation does. The boundary between the two is..... blurry!

princeofpounds

They are basically well insulated sheds. But there are sheds and there are sheds!

I know someone who had a good quality one built, and it's still looking great 5 years on.

The important things are:

- Get a good product and get it built right at the beginning, especially in terms of foundations.

- They do require maintenance (mostly wood treatment every so often). This is not hard but necessary to keep it in top shape.

- Clean them as you would your house, not like a garden shed. In particular, makes sure you don't end up dragging mud and leaves into them. Make a big difference to their appearance over time.

bouicca21

This is probably a very stupid response -but given that there are lots of suppliers all emphasising how wonderful their products are, how do you work out which one is better quality? Or does the very fact thatI have to ask such a question mean that I am best not venturing into uncharted waters?

jbainbridge

I'd try for the third bedroom ... the money you spend on that will add value to the house. I doubt you would see much return on an office in the garden. Also if you have lots of books - the garden office will have to be of a very high standard and heated thoughout the winter.

penguingirl

I would also vote for the 3rd bedroom (as someone who considered a house with 2 beds + a converted garage). Do you want to have to go outside in the rain/ cold/ snow to do some work? I wouldn't tolerate going outside to go to my dining room so the office is no different. Also it's silly things like having a phone line, decent internet, being able to hear the doorbell, being in the same building as the kettle... We also chose a 3 bed because we felt it was more sellable (and I am constantly glad we have the extra space)

SailorSam

It's much less trouble, easier to heat and keep clean if you can find a house with something inside.
I had a junk room 2.7m x 1.8m which i'm just finishing making into an office. I've made a desk down 2 sides out of Mdf which i got B&q to cut to size and sent away for draw size plastic boxes which i thought would be easier to lift out to get access than proper draws.

Suzy_M

What's the price difference between a 2 and a 3 bedroom house - and how does this compare with the cost of a posh shed?

Is there enough room for an office in the garden - or would it take a disproportionate amount of the garden?

A home office would be used on a daily basis - how often would a guest room be used? - A guest room for occasional use does not need a full suite of bedroom furniture so with judicial furniture selection could be used for both purposes.

And don't forget the Great British weather - The publicity for these buildings never seem to show photographs in the pouring rain, frost or snow. How close will the building be to the main house? How comfortably and safely will you get from the main house to the garden office in inclement weather - and in the dark?

SailorSam

Something else to bare in mind is security. A shed will always be easier to break into than you're house, if you have computers and even private documents out there they may 'walk' one dark night.

bouicca21

Thanks you've given me lots to think about. Appreciate the responses.

2ndlife

I have a "shed" office. I'm very pleased with it. :j

There's a picture here (1st post - can't do links)

www. aquila-electronics . co . uk/ img /office.jpg