In April 2020, 48.6% of people in employment conducted at least some of their work from home. After events spanning from 2019-2022, it became apparent that many could fulfil most, if not all, of their work duties from home.
As a result, Garden Offices have surged in popularity. They’re the perfect solution for creating a separation of space between work and home life.
If you were looking for other Garden Room Inspiration, we’ll point you this way.
Oak: The Perfect Building Material
Oak wood is famously:
- Durable
- Renewable
- Sustainable
- Beautiful
For those reasons, Oak is a premium building material.
When compared to softwoods and certain metals, Oak is exceedingly higher in quality and aesthetic. This is especially true when it comes to its unique grain and warm colouration.
Oak will last for generations, and has done so for many historical buildings. It’s one of the reasons why it’s a luxurious material (as luxury and durability should go hand-in-hand).
Do I need planning permission to build a Garden Office?
For garden buildings less than 4.5 metres high, with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres, erected at least 2 metres from a boundary, this should not be necessary.
If you are only using it as a personal office and not running a business where customers will be present, it will usually be exempt also. However, it is always worth checking with your local council to be sure.
Your builder can help advise you on this process or you can call our friendly team and we’ll be happy to offer counsel.
Does a Garden Office add value to my property?
Garden Offices are most commonly stand-alone structures and are not classed as home extensions.
Not only does this save time in planning permission processes, they also tend to be much cheaper to build compared to conservatories or orangeries.
The personal value of having a beautiful structure sat on your property is undeniably high.
But does an Oak Framed Garden Office add value to your property?
Yes. In the event you’re looking to sell your home, buyers will be looking at additional floor space and attractive features. Framing your office in Oak will only add to the value since it’s considered a premium building product.
On average, they can add 5-10% to the value of your home. This is of course dependent on a myriad of things such as size and quality. It’s always worth getting an estimation done before ordering.
How much do Garden Offices cost?
Oak, as mentioned, is a premium building material capable of lasting hundreds of years.
An Oak Frame in itself can range from £2k-10k depending on the size, type, and grade of Oak needed.
Oak cladding, door frames, skirting, and rafters will only add value to the structure but can absolutely increase the price.
The option to substitute less-seen bits of the structure with softwood is always available but may need to be replaced in coming years. The matter of matching the timbers to be complimentary in colour and grain can be an issue.
For a more accurate estimation, send over your drawings and/or dimensions and we can calculate a quote totally free and without obligation.
Assembling Your Garden Office Structure
Delivered in Kit Form, an Oak Framed Garden Office is extremely quick and easy to install.
Often times they’re commended as a ‘build-by-numbers’ project with no faff or hassle.
We recommend hiring an installer for faster results and we’re always happy to make recommendations based on the area you live.
The frame can be erected in as little as one day.
Depending on other elements of your building such as:
- Windows
- Doors
- Other timber materials
- Insulation
- And more
The fully finished project can take several weeks so it’s best to plan ahead and understand lead times for each material.
Benefits of having an Oak Framed Garden Office
Having an Oak Framed Garden Office has innumerable benefits. All of which drastically improve your quality of life whilst working from home.
1. Work Life Balance
Having a garden office provides a dedicated space for work, helping you separate your professional and personal life.
2. Free Your Mind
Working in a different space means you’re not distracted by domestic tasks or chores. Have an office where you can create, write, analyse, and brainstorm freely.
3. Connection with Nature
Working in an Oak Garden Office allows you to connect with nature while still being productive. The presence of trees and greenery can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health.
4. Acoustic Properties
Oak wood has excellent acoustic qualities, reducing noise transmission and creating a peaceful and quiet workspace. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy neighbourhood or household.
5. Insulation
Oak wood has natural insulating properties, which can help regulate the temperature inside your garden office. This means you can enjoy a comfortable working environment throughout the year, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Conclusion
If adding an Oak Framed Garden Office to your property sounds like the ideal choice for your WFH environment, reach out to the Hardwoods Group Team to get started.
Our In-House Design Team is always available, and we make sure your frame will be millimetre perfect before it even goes to production.
Lead times on Oak Frames vary depending on the season but we typically outpace industry standards with a 4-6 week outcome.
