What is a shoffice?
"Shoffice" is a portmanteau of the words “shed” and “office”, which is becoming increasingly used. By explaining what a shoffice is, we can explain what a “shed office” is!
This is simply a useful compact space within a shed which delivers the expected functionality of a garden office within a shed. A shed office moves work outside and saves on costly business rent, learn about this and other advantages later in this article!
Editor’s Note [14.11.24]:
Our guide, “Using a Shed as an Office” was first published on January 5, 2017. Today has seen updates throughout areas of the existing content. New sections have also been added including “Can you use a shed as an office?”, a Step-by-step process to convert a shed into a garden office, and a final thoughts section.
Can you use a shed as an office?
Yes, you can use a shed as an office. There will be some work needed though to convert an off-the-shelf shed into a functional garden office, which provides a quiet, separated and dedicated work environment. Additionally, insulation and furnishings will be needed as an office worker would be spending many hours in their shed office.
With the number of sheds, we must choose from (currently nearly 600 sheds), these can be tailored to meet your exact needs. We would recommend 10’x8’ sheds as a minimum (maybe 8’x6' at a push, but this would feel cramped). Consider a model such as the Forest 10’x8’ Beckwood Shiplap Double Door Reverse Apex Wooden Shed, which could make an ideal starter garden office shed size.
What are the benefits of working from home, especially in the shed?
There are innumerable advantages of working from a shed office. We discuss twelve of the most important below. The accumulative effect of these shed office ideas will improve life quality and work productivity, but believe us when we say these are a snapshot and there are many others too:
1) Enhanced focus – a shoffice allows you to focus more as it is a separate environment, personalised to your décor requirements away from the hustle and bustle of the main home
2) Increased productivity - overall, using garden offices undoubtedly increases productivity, this is a net gain that accumulates from all the benefits on this list as well as others too
3) Improved work-life balance – separate your work from your home life, this is great for mental health and relationships
4) Less distraction - eliminate the noise and disturbances of the family in a busy house, complete telephone calls and video conferencing professionally
5) No commute – imagine eliminating your travel time and costs! You can with a garden office, which is a minutes’ walk away! This is why 44% of UK workers now either work hybrid or fully from home as of January 2023 (Source: ONS Survey)
6) Personalised workspace – rather than accept “as is” the office space you are given in a traditional office, you can customise your shed office to exactly meet your personal preferences and specific needs
7) Physical separation from home life – this relates to work-life balance and is the benefit of creating a distinct boundary between home and where you work. This benefits inter-joins with numerous others on this list
8) Reduced home chores distraction – if you are in the garden, you are more focused. You will not wash up the dishes, answer the door, etc. Garden offices minimise the distraction of home chores during work hours
9) Reduced office chatter – again related to focus, being separated means less time chatting and more time focusing and working. Of course, you still need to manage telephone calls, emails and videoconferencing in a time-efficient manner!
10) Adds value – a garden office adds value of between 5% and 10%, with the Property Centre estimating an 8.4% increase on average. This is based on numerous factors such as the office size, WOW factor and appeal to home buyers when selling, etc. (Source: The Property Centre, July 2023)
11) Space efficiency – utilises your garden space, which might otherwise be ineffectively used
12) Rent avoidance – an often-overlooked reason is to avoid paying business rent. If you run a home business, shed office ideas will save £000’s per year in rent by working from your garden!
Who would suit shed-working?
Once suited to only freelancers and artists, working from home is much more accessible with flexible work schedules more the norm. Faster internet, video conference meetings and paperless offices all mean that the shed-working life is now achievable for far more workers.
From the relative isolation of your shed, it is far simpler to maintain your motivation. If you feel uninspired, you can have a walk in the garden or look out the window to regain your focus. You can easily personalise your workspace to suit you and your needs. If you run your own business, you can use your shed as a call centre, housing yourself and a couple of other staff members. Opt for one of our log cabins and you could even hold meetings and greet clients.
If you run your own business, you don't have to be completely isolated. There are several online business networking schemes in place to help you, such as Eventbrite and Talk Networking.
Shed office ideas - the options
You could just build a bricks-and-mortar extension to your house, but this is expensive, takes time to complete, requires planning permission and doesn't provide a separation between your work and home space.
A converted shed
You could easily retrofit your existing or new shed, garden building or other outhouse. You will need to consider what to do with your garden equipment, if any, that is stored in your shed. You will also need to think about installing suitable insulation and heating – to create a comfortable working environment. You may also need to consider inserting skylights to improve the levels of light within the shed. Here, Stephen Waddington describes how he converted his pig shed into a fully functional office.
A new shed
Here at Shedstore, we have an extensive range of large sheds which are big enough and suitable for use as a garden office. Keep that old shed for storage and dedicate your new shed to helping you achieve that work-life balance we all dream of. Consider some of the options below. Just click on an image for further details:
Log cabins
Although not a shed, log cabins are extremely versatile garden buildings which can easily be used as a garden office. If you're running a retail business, a log cabin could offer you ample space to store your stock. Some of these even feature a handy built-in shed-area for extra storage – so if you're replacing a shed, you won't need to re-house your gardening equipment.
Like sheds, log cabins often don't need planning permission as long as the eaves are no higher than 2.5 metres. However, it doesn't hurt to check with your local authority.
Here are a few of our log cabins. Just click on an image for further details.
Other garden buildings, which could make high-quality garden offices include garden office pods, garden rooms and summer houses. These are all good alternatives but are outside the scope of this article, which focuses on shed-based garden office solutions.
If you want to see more uses for log cabins, take a look at our video below and see how else you could use that extra space.
Step-by-step process to convert a shed into a garden office
Turning a shed into a garden office is a process of steps to create a functional and comfortable workspace. From assessing the shed to adding the final touches each stage is important. Follow these 13 steps to create a garden office tailored to you:
1) Assess and plan
Start by thoroughly inspecting the shed, looking at the structure, roof, walls and floor. Check for any damage, leaks, rot or pest infestations and resolve any issues before you start. Measure the shed to make sure it is large enough for your garden office needs.
Ensure you create a detailed design plan for the shed conversion. Think about the layout, where you will put your desk, storage and other office furniture. Plan the insulation layer to keep you comfortable all year round, and plan what materials to use for walls, floor and ceiling.
Design the lighting scheme to receive ample light, both natural and artificial. Calculate your power needs, how many plug sockets and what equipment you will need, computers or printers etc.
Do you need planning permission to convert a shed to an office?
Finally, check if you need planning permission for the conversion of a shed as an office especially if you are making structural changes or installing electrics. Check local regulations or with your local council planning department to see if you need formal approval before you start the conversion. By doing this you will have a well-planned and compliant shed conversion.
2) Prepare and clear the shed
Clear out the shed and remove all the contents, debris and unwanted material. This will give you a clean space to work with and allow you to see the shed in its true condition. Once cleared out inspect the inside for any repairs needed, such as fixing leaks or strengthening the structure.
Use the space wisely by planning your office layout. Use vertical storage and multi-functional furniture to make the most of the space. Organise your workspace so you have room for all your office gear and supplies.
3) Source supplies needed
Before beginning the conversion process, ensure you have all the necessary supplies to complete the task efficiently and effectively.
Tools
The following basic tools are likely to be needed:
- Cable testers
- Caulking gun
- Drill
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Saw
- Screwdrivers
- Utility knife
Materials
Some of the following materials may also be required:
- Blinds or curtains
- Electrical wiring and outlets
- Flooring materials
- Heating and cooling units (e.g. heater, fan)
- Insulation materials (e.g. foam boards, fibreglass)
- Lighting - LED lights and light fixtures (e.g. track lighting), solar lighting (if applicable)
- Paint or wallpaper
- Sealants
- Vent covers
- Weatherproofing sealants
- Windows
- Wiring
Equipment
The following equipment may be required:
- Electrical distribution board
- Office furniture (e.g. desk, chair)
- Security cameras
- Shelving
- Storage solutions
- Thermostat
- Wall-mounted pegboards
4) Insulate and weatherproof
First insulate the walls, floor and ceiling of the shed to make it comfortable all year round. Use foam boards or fibreglass and a utility knife and measuring tape to cut and fit the insulation. Then weatherproof the garden office by sealing gaps around windows and doors with the right sealants.
A caulking gun and sealant will come in handy for this bit. Make sure all insulation and weatherproofing are done, and no gaps are left. This will keep the temperature regulated, prevent draughts and make your new garden office more energy-efficient and comfortable.
5) Electrical setup
You need to add electricity to your shoffice so you can power electrical items like lighting, computers, chargers, kettles, heaters and other office equipment. You can also use appliances like mini-fridges or coffee makers to make the shed more comfortable and functional as a workspace or workshop.
Refer to your earlier planning of the electrical layout for outlets, lighting and any other electrical needs in your shed office. Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark out where each component will go. Run wiring from your main house or consider solar panels if you prefer a renewable energy source. For this task, you will need electrical cables, junction boxes and connectors.
Get the tools out including wire strippers, drill and screwdrivers to help with the installation. Next, install the distribution board, outlets, switches and lighting. Make sure everything is connected and secure. Remember under UK law a qualified electrician must do the final electrical setup to ensure everything is safe and compliant.
6) Heating and cooling
You will need a heater or radiator in your garden office for the colder winter months. For warmer weather buy a fan or air con to control the temperature. Use a screwdriver and drill to fix and secure these in place. You may additionally need heating units, cooling units, thermostats and mounting brackets. Make sure ventilation and electrical connections are tested and safe.
7) Lighting and ventilation
To make the most out of your garden office install the outdoor lighting for a productive space. Choose between energy-efficient LED lights or solar lighting for an eco-friendly alternative and track lighting for flexibility. Use drills and screwdrivers to fix and install the lights. Add windows or skylights for natural light and an extractor fan to keep the air fresh. You may need window fittings, fans and vent covers. Good lighting and ventilation will make a big difference to your workspace’s comfort and productivity.
8) Interior finishing
Paint or wallpaper the walls to look smart and professional. Lay flooring (laminate or carpet) to be comfortable and stylish. Use paintbrushes, rollers and flooring kits to obtain a neat finish. Add furniture (possibly built-in) and storage solutions like wall-mounted pegboards, filing cabinets and magnetic strips to make the most of the space and keep it tidy. Drills, screws and anchors will help you fix these in place. By finishing the interior, you will increase the functionality and visual appeal of your garden office.
9) Furnish and decorate
Furnish the garden office with desks, chairs and other office furniture to create a productive working space. Add decorative elements like framed posters to create atmosphere and motivation. Choose budget-friendly furniture and accessories that fit your design style and a comfortable office space.
Use screwdrivers and assembly kits to fix furniture in place. Add shed essentials like shelving and storage solutions to keep the space neat and tidy. By decorating and furnishing, you will complete your garden office and make it welcoming and functional.
10) Connect internet and phone services
Connect internet and phone services by either running cables from your main house or opting for a wireless connection. For a cost-effective and energy efficient solution we recommend wireless. You may need cable testers and wire strippers for wired connections, and you will need a router and a strong dependable signal for wireless.
A 2% downtime in internet connection may sound minimal, but it amounts to 48 minutes per week (for a 40-hour week), can you afford to lose this time (every week)? Ensure all connections are secure and reliable for uninterrupted comms and internet services.
11) Security checks and enhancements
Make your garden office secure by installing strong locks and alarms and consider adding security cameras. These are ideal for expensive equipment and beneficial for insurance purposes. You will need drills and screwdrivers to install locks and cameras. Review and update your security regularly to stay safe and protect your garden office assets.
12) Final touches
Add blinds or curtains to your garden office for privacy and to control the light. Make sure all safety measures are in place, including smoke detectors and a first aid kit etc. Check all aspects of the office to see if it meets all safety standards. Tools like screwdriver and measuring tape will come in handy to install these. These finishing touches will complete your shed office and make it safe and functional.
13) Test and adjust
Test all electrical appliances, outlets and lighting to see if they work. Check the heating and cooling to see if they keep the temperature comfortable. Make any adjustments to ensure the best comfort and functionality in your garden office. Tools like a multimeter and thermostat will come in handy for this. Make sure everything is working smoothly to have a productive workspace.
Final thoughts
In summary, turning a garden shed into an office is a cost-effective and flexible solution for those who need a dedicated workspace. By planning and assessing the conversion from the shed itself to insulation and electrics you can create a comfortable and efficient office space. Add modern features like LED lighting, thermal insulation and office storage and it will be functional and energy efficient.
Choose the best materials such as tongue and groove cladding and weatherproofing sealants and your new office will be weatherproof. Add personal touches like natural décor and office equipment and it will be inviting and productive. Consider aspects like double doors and extra windows and you can maximise floor space and comfort. Converting a shed into an office is a fun DIY job and you will have a valuable bespoke space tailored to your needs. This will enable you to save space in your home.
Contact us
For any enquiries about converting a garden shed into an office or exploring options for a modern office space, feel free to reach out to us. Whether you need advice on thermal insulation, or transforming your existing shed into a functional garden office, we are here to assist:
- Calls – speak by phone at 0333 003 0518
- Emails – send emails through the contact form, which is on our Contact Us page
- Live chat – message us in real-time via our app, which can be accessed via the green button at the bottom left-hand corner