Recently Garden Offices / Rooms became all the rage over lockdown as people adapted to working from home.
The phenomenon of working from home hasn't gone away, either. Many businesses continue to allow their employees some flexibility in this regard. This meant that extra space needed for most people who work from home.
Almost 30% of working-class population now working from home at least some of the time, according to a recent survey.
This means a garden office may well appeal to a future buyer and therefore could add value - in theory. In all, they are very good investments for now and for the future when you try to sell your property, it will add great value.
But it depends on the type of office you build. We offer wide range of options.
a- A fully insulated,
b- Heated and wired office
c- Solar panel and Battery Backup system make it 100% energy independent from your main property.
d- Different interior finish, plastered, cladded etc.


How much does a shed office cost?
On average, a purpose-built garden office costs between £9,000 and £10,000, It all depends on design, size and extra add on features.
But a basic version can be done more cheaply. There will be extras like clearing and preparing the ground and the total cost may add around £3,000 on top of the building cost.
You can also consider adding, if you want, electrics and plumbing.
Our garden offices made from 100x100 steel box section frames to avoid any warping or distortion due to weather change. We also can add insulation and proper doors and windows depending on the customer choice. They can be wood, uPVC or Aluminium, again depends on your budget and choice.
If you're looking to keep costs low, a small unit of around 2m x 2m may cost around £4,000, Laying foundations, and connecting electricity may take this price to around £6,000
Bespoke garden rooms made to your exact requirements and using features like floor-to-ceiling glazing, cedar or composite cladding or bifold doors will push prices higher.
Whatever you decide, check whether it includes electrics or plumbing as part of the overall cost.
You can also consider a Solar Panel with Battery Backup system to have free energy forever.
If you go for connecting power from the main house, you then may also need to hire a landscaper or gardener to dig a trench for the cables. Having a Solar Panel + Battery Backup saves you this additional cost.
Connecting to the water supply will also likely mean digging a trench, with pipes that run from your home to the garden office.
If you want hot water, this may require fitting a small hot water tank.
Do I need planning permission for a shed office?
In terms of planning permission, a garden office will typically fall under what is known as “permitted development rights”.
This means you can usually avoid a traditional planning application unless your home is either listed or located within a protected area.
It’s always worth checking with your council’s planning office first, however.
Within permitted development rights there are also certain rules to be aware of.
- The eaves of the building must be no higher than 2.5 metres, whilst the highest point must be no more than four metres if it has a dual pitched roof, or three metres for any other type of roof.
- The floor area must not exceed 15 square metres – otherwise you may require building control sign-off to show the structure fits within building regulations.
- A garden office cannot contain a sleeping area and must not be used as a separate dwelling unit.
- A garden office would only fall within permitted development rights if the building doesn’t cover more than 50 per cent of the existing outside space.
- % 50 per cent rule is backdated to also include any extension or outbuilding added since 1 July 1948, so you’ll also need to consider any past extensions made since then.
- Any structure with plumbing and electrics will also require building control sign-off.
- Building regulations cover things like fire safety, sound, ventilation, drainage and waste disposal among other things.
As with anything it is always best to consult with a professional to seek advice on planning matters.
Will they need planning permission?
There are sometimes restrictions, for example in conservation areas or close to listed buildings, so it is always worth making enquiries of the planning department at the local authority before you go ahead with your purchase.
It will certainly need power and if you are putting in plumbing or a WC then it becomes more complex, and you will need building regulations sign-off. But if you go for Solar Panel options and Battery Back up storage system, all you need then that circuit to be tested and certified by the qualified electrician.
We are happy to advice you further in these areas as it will be dependent on the model you buy.
Will it add value to my property?
Many house hunters appreciate the availability of a garden office and is an advantage when you are selling.
On average, a garden office that is fully equipped with electric and water supply as well as heating can add up to 10 per cent to the value of your property, as it will effectively increase your home’s overall floor space.
In addition to using, it as an office, future buyers could also utilise the space as an extension to the home, a breakout room or for guests to stay overnight – though it cannot be used as a permanent dwelling.
However, it depends on the specification as basic ones are really not much more than garden sheds.
Consult your home insurance!
Make sure you update your insurance provider, as it could increase the rebuild cost of your home.
Not doing this could invalidate the policy if you need to make a claim in the future.