Office work has become more flexible than ever. In Australia, people are struggling to see the point of going into a corporate office just to sit at a desk all day. When work can be done remotely, more and more Aussies are opting to add permanent office spaces to their homes, with the most coveted option being a ‘garden office.’
In this blog, we’re looking at two great garden office options you can bring to your home
Stand-alone Garden Office
As far as work-from-home options go, the stand-alone garden office offers the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the sights of your backyard while also getting privacy from the rest of the house. This is perfect for parents who have kids at home or homeowners who still want to separate work and life culture.
Not only is a garden office a great way to work remotely, but it essentially adds an extra room to your house, making it an asset that can boost the value of your property.
Q. What Approvals Will I Need For This?
Depending on the size of your backyard office, you may not need any approvals at all. If the size of your structure is small enough to be considered an ‘Exempt structure’, planning can commence without permission. As long as your structure meets the Dwelling house criteria, it’s unlikely to need any written approvals and can be self-assessed.
Still, many councils recommend that you engage a building certifier or consultant town planner to confirm whether you need to lodge an application to construct your backyard office.
Q. I Already Have A Garden Shed. Can I Repurpose That?
Before you take to your old garden shed with some fresh paint – all outdoor offices need to be constructed to ‘habitable’ standards. A habitable structure must be safe and suitable for human occupation. Oftentimes, old storage sheds don’t meet these standards.
Patio Office
Enjoy the open air and natural light from a semi-permanent patio office. Built onto your existing home, it offers a place to focus on completing your work without feeling locked inside a room. With the addition of some privacy screens, you can establish a more private office space than a large open-plan area.
Q. Do I Need Council Approvals To Build A Patio?
In most cases, all class 10a structures (which include patios, carports and decks) will need council approval. Luckily, SEQ Patio Group sources these for you, so you don’t need to stress about them.
Q. Can I Get Power On My Patio?
Yes. The easiest way to get power outdoors is to install a receptacle back-to-back with one indoors. We recommend utilising an insulated patio panel, which allows lighting and cooling features to be installed into the structure itself.
Q. Can I Leave My Electronics Out?
If you want to turn your patio into an outdoor office, we recommend opting for a semi-permanent approach. In-built electronics and wall outlets will be protected from the elements. It is advised that all computers, laptops or similar devices are taken inside to protect against element exposure or theft.
Q. What Furniture Should I Use?
Even by using privacy screens, there may be instances where your furniture is exposed to weather conditions like heavy rain and sun exposure. We recommend purchasing weather-resistant furniture to get most of your outdoor office space.
Build The Patio Of Your Dreams With SEQ Patio Group
The first renovation or home-improvement project that many homeowners tackle first is building a patio or carport. SEQ Patio Group will set you up with the patio or carport of your dreams. Plus, our interest-free repayment options allow you to build now and pay later. Call us today!
