A few years ago I bought a flat with a shed. This is no ordinary shed – in fact to call it a shed may actually be doing it a disservice. It’s more a very small house, with double glazing, electricity, internet connection, wooden blinds and carpet. As a freelance writer, this little slice of shed heaven was indeed a deal breaker in our first-time buyer property hunt.
After spending many a happy work day toiling away at the bottom of my garden, I decided to put together 5 top tips for making the most out of shed working.
1. Room with a view
Not only can a garden office provide you with well needed extra space (I have a small flat so it’s a real blessing) it can also provide an inspirational setting to work in. Getting out of the confines of your home and having a completely separate, designated work space can be very productive. Particularly if your ‘shed’ is for creative pursuits – being surrounded by the nature in your garden can certainly prove a stimulating setting.
If you’re having a working space installed in your garden, think carefully about where and how it’s positioned. What will your windows look out on to? Try to ensure you get the best view from your shed – it’s much more inspiring to watch the birds and admire the flowers rather than your neighbour’s fence!
2. Shed matchmaking
If you’re not fortunate enough to inherit a fully kitted-out shed (I should really refer to it is a ‘garden office’), you may be considering having one installed. There are numerous types of garden-based workspace available, so it’s a good idea to fully research the different types and different companies.
Depending on what you need it for, you might need a specific type of construction or certain dimensions. For example, the space you require for a writing retreat may be quite different from the requirements of a sound-proof music studio.
If you’re worried about how the construction will look in the ‘flesh’– make sure you see an example of it before parting with any money. Some companies have showrooms to display different models while others might put you in touch with someone in your local/nearby area who already has one of their models installed. It could be hugely helpful to see how this looks and feels in someone else’s garden before taking the plunge yourself.
3. Location, location
Of course, the possibility of having an outdoor office will depend on the amount of external space you have at your property. If you’re fortunate enough to have a large area to play with – I’d suggest locating the office at a good distance away from your main property. If it’s very close, I will guarantee you’ll keep popping inside for various reasons – snacks, drinks etc…
My garden is long and thin with the office located right down the bottom. I feel far enough from my house to separate work and leisure time when I’m home. It also makes me fully equip myself with all I need to stay down at the bottom of the garden for a good few hours at a time.
4. Get wired
If your WiFi signal doesn’t extend to your office, there may be other ways to get your little hideaway connected. When my outdoor office was installed (admittedly, nothing to do with me) a cable was run through the wall of the house, along the length of our garden and into the office. Presumably this is via some kind of waterproof, weatherproof casing. It’s worth thinking about internet and electricity connections at the point of installation.
5. Keep it safe
Finally, make sure your ‘shed’ – whatever design it may be, is fully covered by your home insurance. If you’re having a new structure installed, make sure you tell your home insurance provider about this addition to your property. Some garden offices can cost thousands of pounds, so you’ll probably need to extend your cover to make sure it’s fully insured under your policy.
In addition, don’t forget about any equipment or possessions you keep in this space. Again, your contents insurance might not automatically cover items kept in an outbuilding – so make sure you check.
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