Backyard Office Ideas

The trend for outdoor living has been on the rise recently. The potential of these backyard offices is huge, not just because they allow more natural light and ventilation in your home, but also because you can use them to make a lot of money from renting out space as an office or studio.

A small backyard office idea is to build a small shed or lean-to. This can be done by adding a door, window and roof. If the space is limited, then consider building an A-frame structure that can be covered with a tarp or sheet metal. Read more in detail here: small backyard office ideas.

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The new “work from home” mentality has necessitated some ingenuity in locating a much-needed home office. What about your yard? The backyard office is a new trend that will stick around. You gain more living space without having to move, plus you get a wonderful view! 

Backyard offices may be bought premade or rented to be constructed and completed to any degree of simplicity or grandeur. Another potential alternative is to build your own shed by purchasing and modifying an existing building in your yard.  

Backyard-Office-IdeasA freelancer’s inspiring office environment with a computer on a wooden desk, white walls, and a view of nature in the garden outside.

Consider your 30-second commute to work, which takes you via your backyard to your entirely private and personalized workspace. Sounds appealing, right? Continue reading to discover about the advantages and disadvantages of having an office in your garden.

 

Contents Table of Contents

  • What You’ll Need for a Workable Backyard Office
  • Getting a Backyard Office Built by a Company 
  • Using a New Shed as a Backyard Office
  • Using an Existing Shed to Create an Office
  • Around Your Backyard Office Landscaping
  • What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Having a Backyard Office?
  • Last Thoughts

Contents

What You’ll Need for a Workable Backyard Office

Consider an interior design that is both useful and comfy after you have a sturdy framework to work with. 

  • Power: If you work from home, you’ll want Electricity for illumination and internet connection. Consider how many outlets you’ll want for computers, lights, a printer, and other electronics. A microwave and a mini-fridge may also be useful.
  • Internet Access: Your house’s signal may be weaker in your garden. To establish a solid connection, you may need to install another modem within the business.
  • Do you need air conditioning or heat? You may be able to get by with fans or a portable heater if you reside in a moderate area. However, be practical since you want to be able to work comfortably for lengthy periods of time. For the compact room, a ductless mini-split HVAC system will be ideal. 
  • Remember to consider the expense of outfitting your workplace in your budget. Second-hand furniture might help you save money on your dcor. Look around your neighborhood for a consignment shop, thrift store, or flea market. To make the area seem more inviting, consider adding a small sofa, rug, and wall décor. Built-in shelves may also provide useful storage. This is your chance to get creative and personalize the room to your liking.   

You probably want to know how much this will cost now that you know what you’ll need. Whether you engage a business to construct your office from the ground up or renovate a shed yourself will determine this. 

Getting a Backyard Office Built by a Company 

A backyard office may be built by a number of firms. Backyard Office and YardPods are two firms that specialize in the construction of free-standing rooms. 

These contractors construct the building in your garden where you want it. Everything is taken care of, including:

 

  • Design
  • Planning
  • Foundation
  • Electricity
  • Installing heat and air conditioning 

A bathroom and kitchen are included in the most costly choice. It’s basically a miniature house that you could live in. However, most people choose to bypass this step and utilize their home’s plumbing instead.

Some Information on Hiring a Business 

This is an excellent choice for a long-lasting construction. Here are some details regarding the project and the benefits of employing a professional to complete it from start to finish:

  • These buildings will fulfill residential construction rules and are as sturdy as a home. Permits should be handled by licensed contractors, and they will be insured.
  • Match your office to your home: Hiring a competent contractor makes it much simpler to match the design and materials of your workplace to those of your home. 
  • The typical cost is between $20,000 and $30,000. Keep in mind that this is a long-term investment.
  • Sizes vary from 8 x 8 inches to 12 × 20 inches. Most individuals will need between 8 x 10 and 10 x 12, which is about the same size as a small bedroom.
  • Time Commitment: It takes 4-8 weeks to finish the procedure.

Another option: a Professionally Delivered “Instant” Office

Studio Shed manufactures prefabricated backyard offices. Studio Shed allows you to put the shed together yourself. They provide you all of the supplies and instructions for installation. For complete installation, you may alternatively employ a trained installer. 

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Using a New Shed as a Backyard Office

You may even reuse a new shed on your own. A storage shed may be purchased at a home improvement shop or online. 

What Kind of Backyard Office Shed Should I Get?

You’ll need to choose a shed for your home office unless you already have a shed or garage in your backyard. You have a few possibilities, so here are some things to think about:

  • A nice size — 8 x 10 is the minimal size you’ll need.
  • Multiple windows
  • Excellent flooring 
  • A sturdy roof
  • Instead of plastic, it’s made of wood.
  • A door with the ability to be locked 
  • Good quality shed (this will generally cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the amount of room you want)
  • The commitment of time 

Of course, if you have the time and confidence in your DIY talents, you can construct the shed yourself. There are several videos and online resources available to assist you in planning that endeavor. There are also many kits available, and instructions for them may be found online. 

 

Steps to Convert a Shed into an Office

You’ll need to turn those four walls into a functioning office once the construction is in place. This is when you should enlist the help of a professional for one or more of the following phases in your DIY project:

  • Consider how your workplace is laid up so that your deck has easy access to an outlet.
  • Hire an electrician to install the electrical and ensure that everything is up to code.
  • Install a mini-split air conditioning and heating system: The HVAC system will set you back $1,000 or more. Depending on your skill level, you can do it yourself or hire someone. 
  • Finish the inside by insulating the walls and ceiling, hanging drywall, and trimming the edges. Insulation can help you manage the temperature and soundproof your home. 
  • Finishing touches: For a new appearance, paint and install flooring. 
  • Install a padlock if your door doesn’t have a locking knob so you can lock it up at night. A wireless security system is also a good idea. 

A shed may be repurposed for less than $10,000. The ultimate cost will be determined by the amount of DIY work you’re prepared to accomplish as well as your interior design preferences. 

Using an Existing Shed to Create an Office

If your current shed is in good enough condition, you may renovate it to use as your new backyard office. Examine it thoroughly to estimate how much it will cost to repair it vs purchasing a new one. Check out the following:

  • Examine the roof, walls, and floor for any signs of water or vermin. 
  • Ascertain that the foundation is solid and that the flooring is level or can be leveled.
  • Is it possible to install windows or a glass-paneled door for natural light?

Once you’ve decided that this fixer-upper will become an excellent office, clean it out and finish it using the same methods as before. 

Around Your Backyard Office Landscaping

The natural beauty of your surroundings is one of the attractions of setting up an office in your garden. You’re set if you already have a mature garden. If not, there are a variety of natural elements that may make your workstation more appealing, calm, and friendly. Consider the following features:

  • Boxes for flowers
  • Herbs or aromatic flowers in planters
  • A pathway made of paving stones
  • Sculptures for gardens
  • It’s a birdbath.
  • A feature with water
  • A little table or bench for outdoor sitting

One of the most significant advantages of having a backyard office is that it may add additional delight to your everyday work routine. However, it is just one of several factors to consider. 

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Having a Backyard Office?

There are many compelling reasons to construct an office outdoors, not least of which is that it is more convenient and saves time and money spent commuting. Here are some other points to consider:

Pros Cons
Increase the value of your house. You effectively expanded your living space. It takes up a lot of room. You will lose room in your backyard. If you already have a tiny backyard, this might be an issue.
Rent savings You won’t need to rent office space if you’re self-employed. In the long term, this might save you money.  Not all of the conveniences of home are available. The majority of backyard offices lack plumbing. To use the restroom, you’ll have to go inside, which might be problematic in the cold. 
Have a fantastic view! Take advantage of the advantages of being near to nature. You’ll most likely have a lovely view of your backyard tree, pond, or garden. Nature has the ability to improve your mood and increase your productivity.   At-home meetings with clients Not everyone is comfortable combining work and personal life to this degree. If you wish to utilize the area for client meetings, your clients will still need to use the bathroom at your house. 
Quiet and privacy Establish a physical separation between work and home. Avoiding distractions such as family members and television may help you be more productive. It is dependent on your financial situation. It will be less expensive to repurpose a shed than to hire someone to construct one for you. A backyard office can be worth the money if you anticipate working from home will be a long-term arrangement for you. You are, after all, saving money on your commute. 
It may be used again. Do you no longer need an office? Make it a home gym, a kids’ play area, a private guest room, or an art studio. So many possibilities!  https://backyardscape.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-guest-house/

Last Thoughts

Working from home is growing more popular, and it looks to be here to stay. A backyard office might be a great alternative to purchasing a new home with dedicated office space.

You’ll feel like you’re at work rather than at home since it’s distinct from the house. You may either engage a business to build your workplace from the ground up or do it yourself and experience the gratification. 

Check out the articles below for additional ideas on how to make your garden more practical and attractive. If you live in Florida, here are some landscaping ideas for your backyard that can make your yard appear fantastic. Also, be sure to check out our backyard waterfall ideas, as well as other backyard storage ideas!

 

The “backyard office pod” is a great way to get the job done. You can have your own private space in your backyard and work from there.

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