In a post-pandemic world, the shape of the modern office has drastically changed. While many industries have insisted on a return to the traditional office, other companies have learnt to adapt to the preferences of the workforce and provided the opportunity to work either partly or entirely from home.
While home working may seem an attractive solution for many, it can impose a level of inconvenience. Perhaps it has required the sacrifice of a bedroom or corner of the living area – either way, it may have crossed your mind to look at an alternative.
For starting a business from home, or transitioning to a suitable work-from-home solution, you may be wondering how the numbers stack up in the debate between renting an office space or building the perfect home office. This could be a purpose built office where you bear the responsibility for the bills or a shared situation where the cost includes all other utilities.
You might not have considered building a home office – possibly you ruled it out in the belief that it is out of your budget – but it’s worth weighing up the benefits before giving up on the idea.
Benefits of a home office:
- With work-life balance far higher up the list of priorities these days, it’s no surprise that cutting down on commuting time is a great reason to work from home. The idea of sitting in rush-hour traffic is far less tolerated now it can be avoided entirely.
- It is possible to establish a work space which doesn’t encroach on home comforts such as taking over the dining table or sacrificing a bedroom. You have complete control over your office set-up and customisation is limitless.
- Working remotely allows more flexibility. Where flexible hours are appropriate, working from home can allow you to incorporate family life such as school runs and dog-walks for better mental health.
- With less commuting, the positive impact on the environment is two-fold. Families may be able to financially benefit by reducing the number of vehicles per household and fewer emissions is a great win for the planet.
So with all these benefits, why do some people avoid working from home?
It should come as no surprise that not everyone has the available space to convert part of the home to a dedicated office. Bedrooms, lofts, corners, nooks and crannies, many can find that shoehorning a desk and chair into the average UK home is less than desirable. Working on the end of the kitchen island for instance, can mean that working from home is very disruptive and even counterproductive. Some people also believe they need to separate home and work entirely.
So what’s the solution?
A great option is to turn part of the garden into the perfect cost-effective office. Installing a studio as a purpose-built office not only transforms the garden into a spectacular space, it also becomes the perfect way to balance working from home. It may be completely disregarded as a viable option due to the financial outlay but may actually be the best option overall for multiple reasons.
Advantages of Building a Home Office:
- The commute is a relaxing stroll through the garden to a beautiful Garden Room. Never sit in rush hour again!
- Zero transport costs with fuel or public transport. No parking fees or having to arrive early to avoid missing the last parking space.
- Enjoy the benefits of doing your bit for the planet with zero emissions!
- After the initial outlay, you can enjoy rent-free working.
- A beautiful Garden Room will add value to your home.
- Working in a space which is designed with you in mind will allow you to be at your most productive.
- Save time and money on preparing food and drink from your own kitchen. Buying lunch and splashing out on expensive coffee can soon rack up!
- Be home for family, pets and deliveries without any guilt.
These may seem like small benefits but working around what makes you comfortable can be a great way to be at your most efficient. Home working the right way can have unlimited benefits to your overall mental and physical well being.
Benefits for your Business:
- When buying equipment to allow you to work from home, these purchases are capital allowances and can be deducted from your profits.
- Building a Garden Room and using it as a home office is unlikely to require planning permission as long as it meets certain criteria. You can find out more information about preparing for a studio here.
- Certain expenses count as capital allowances and are tax deductible. In addition to equipment required for working, this can also include fixtures and fitting such as a heating system.
Conclusion:
It can be easy to believe that commuting to work is the most cost effective solution. When travelling to the office, you’d be forgiven for believing that you’re not spending much getting there. From driving to work in a car which you need anyway for personal use, to buying lunch instead of needing to buy more at the supermarket, the list goes on in perceived ‘savings’. But saving that money by ditching the second car, eliminating the petrol bill, eating food made at home, the savings do mount up and may make building the perfect home office far more achievable than you first thought.
Call Vivid Pods on 01454 414 537 or get in touch to discuss how we can find the perfect studio to meet your home office requirements. Check out our Knowledge Centre with FAQ section, guides and beautiful case studies of our Garden Rooms.
