Self-build outbuilding

Gilly

Gilly

Gilly

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So I have a new job that means me working from home very regularly. I don't have a dedicated work space at the moment and this is starting to drag. Everything is done on laptops so I'm on the sofa because our dining room is being sorted and we don't even have dining furniture at the moment, and my son broke his desk so I can't sit in his room and work (and he's 12, so he stinks :p)

So I thought maybe an office room in the garden may suffice. We have quite a large garden, it wouldn't need to be greater in height than the 2-2.5m allowed before you need planning permission, it would be a wooden build so classed as temporary, it would be at the bottom of the garden so not classed as an extension, and I already have electricity in the shed in the garden that I could have a spur attached to the office from.

I can't see any downsides. Can you?

I'd probably look to build it myself. I've done stud walls before and don't see it being too different here except for the fact that it'll need proper insulation and will need doors/windows/lighting/etc which I'm happy to handle too.

Any comments or suggestions? Would you buy a kit rather than self building from scratch? There are very few design ideas out there from preliminary searches - which makes sense. If people are wanting to sell kits they don't want to free their designs up for people to copy!

I'd like the base to extend the width of the garden to provide an extra space for barbecues, etc. This wouldn't necessarily need to be covered, but I wouldn't be against some shelter, if that makes sense.

I will provide dimensions when I can.
 
Self building it will mean you can get more for your money, some of these garden pod things cost a fortune for what they are....
It wouldn't count as temporary just because it's wooden, check with your local authority that you have permitted development rights for your property and you're golden!
planning portal has good guides on what you can and can't do under permitted development https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings

easy enough to design tbh
 
As I'm staying under the height restrictions anyway I would assume that would clear that up. The only thing is, the ground that the shed is on, sited where this building would be, currently stands higher than the land around it. Can I assume that measurements are not taken from the foot of the building, but from the land around it?

It's difficult, because we live on a hill so the house and the outbuilding won't be from the same level.

The freedom of choice from a true self-build is what appeals, but then I find deals like this Mercia building kit which seems well priced.

Not the warmest of things though I'd imagine, and I'd need it to be properly weatherproof. Although my laptop will go with me it's likely my docking station, monitor, etc will be kept in there year-round.
 
Being under the height restrictions =/= free for all building as above. If permitted development rights have been removed in your area for whatever reason it could still need permission, best to check!
 
Gilly said:
Not the warmest of things though I'd imagine, and I'd need it to be properly weatherproof. Although my laptop will go with me it's likely my docking station, monitor, etc will be kept in there year-round.
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That'll be your biggest concern. Building something that will stay Dry & Free from damp & be warm 12 months a year that stands alone & is built out of wood is no easy task. I'd need to think long & hard before even offering advice.
 
I don't necessarily need it to be warm, if it's freezing out I can always go into the office or stay in the house and work on a temporary basis.

If I was putting in tens of thousands then I'd want to use it every day, but I'm looking to do it on the cheap :p

If I got 6-9 months out of it and it cost me £2k it'd be worth it. If I get 3 months out of it and it costs me £5k then it wouldn't.
 
I have a 44mm 'log cabin', uninsulated, double glazed. Would not consider working in there without 10 jumpers on, sat in a jacuzzi.

Sat stationary at lappy working would get mighty uncomfortable.
 
That tesco thing is hideous! It would leak in minutes and the boards would start showing gaps after a few seasons... and plastic windows?!

You need to set a budget and try to work with that imo... I would say something smaller that's better constructed and more durable is better than larger and badly built
 
I'd say do it properly or don't bother if you want something useable 9 months of the year I would be looking at a quality prefab/kit and I'd want a log burner or electic heating to keep it toasty!
 
Skiddley said:
I have a 44mm 'log cabin', uninsulated, double glazed. Would not consider working in there without 10 jumpers on, sat in a jacuzzi.

Sat stationary at lappy working would get mighty uncomfortable.
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OK, so back on self build with full insulation then :)

44mm is pretty tiny BTW, surprised that's not heated by your own sweat :p
 
I wouldn't be bothered about the cold whilst in there working as you'll have heating it's the Damp that builds up when you're not in it & not using it that has to be planned for.
 
Yeah, the cold aspect isn't particularly worrying :)

I will need electricity in there, so an oil rad or similar will be fine for my needs
 
Yeah, as I've said, I'll be insulating :)

Not difficult, especially with studwork all round.
 
Don't forget to make sure it's not just in use as an office but is also a visitor bedroom or something else it may be classed as needing to pay business rates...
 
valve90210 said:
Don't forget to make sure it's not just in use as an office but is also a visitor bedroom or something else it may be classed as needing to pay business rates...
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not sleeping accommodation! that will mean building regs apply!
home office can usually be justified as for the enjoyment of the dwelling house or whatever it is - as long as you don't have employees coming in everyday!
 
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