Work From Home Forever With Your Dream Backyard Office

Because of the pandemic, more individuals are working remotely than ever before, with a substantially larger proportion of the workforce working full-time from home. Employees have become acclimated to the five-second journey, and companies have seen enhanced employee productivity and cost savings in the brick-and-mortar world. Working from home is becoming a permanent aspect of Canadian life, thanks to perks like these. So, if you work from home, why not invest in creating your perfect backyard office?

A home office is now an essential component of any home, and your backyard is the ideal location for one. But, before you start building, do your homework. In the eyes of potential buyers or appraisers, not all backyard offices are created equal. There’s a lot more to consider in terms of design than the lumbar support in your workplace chair. We consulted with top industry professionals to get the inside scoop on how to make your new home office work for you.

Homeowners and buyers alike desire more room, and if you’re thinking of adding a home office, you’ll need plenty of it. We’ve broken down some of the most common alternatives for fitting an office into whatever space you have available in your house.

Sunrooms are no longer merely a place to relax in the sun while staying warm inside. For the weekday warrior yearning for their own space, these classic additions are gaining appeal. This might be due to the fact that sunrooms are inexpensive and quick to construct.

This is your opportunity to design your dream work environment. Ask yourself what circumstances make you feel most at ease, and then incorporate those elements into your home. The most significant aspects are temperature control and Wi-Fi:

Temperature control: While you may be able to get away with a fan in the rest of your home during the summer, keep in mind that you’ll be working in this room. Depending on where you reside, an HVAC system may be required to make your workspace productive.

Wi-Fi: Because sunrooms are tied to the house, your Wi-Fi signal will most likely be picked up by this home office extension. A separate internet modem is a simple improvement for your home office. This ensures lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted connectivity. If that seems like overkill, consider a Wi-Fi extender; these simple gadgets are a less expensive way to eliminate dead zones.

Sunrooms aren’t always bright and cheery, and they do have certain disadvantages. Homeowners may anticipate a 50% return on investment, which is not terrible but not as good as some of the other possibilities discussed below.

Additionally, since sunrooms are meant to maximise sunshine rather than productivity, you should consider glare while situating your workstations. Solar blinds or anti-glare computer film may help decrease glare, but glare might be a deal-breaker for those with more sensitive eyes.

Finally, since these spaces are an extension of your home, at-home office employees may still be distracted by household activities.

Studio sheds are detached from the house and operate on the house’s utilities, allowing for simple installation and maximum extra space.

The time it takes to do this job is dependent on construction permissions, but once you get them (if required), it usually takes four to six weeks. In some cases, NO permit is required. In most cities, under 108 square feet is able to be built without a permit, with some restrictions on utilities.

Our houses are no longer a haven; the distractions of everything in the house make it impossible to work, create, or pursue a passion there. A backyard studio is the best alternative for professionals who need to get away from the hubbub of family life while yet being at home. Customers of Rockview rave about the advantages of having a separate office and claim that they do their best work in their studio shed because it allows them to be more creative. It has a significant impact on how we live and work.

Studio sheds may readily be outfitted for year-round usage. A mini-split HVAC system is a simple addition for temperature control, but depending on where you live, you could be OK with a good fan in the summer and a space heater in the winter. Purchase a separate internet modem for the greatest internet connection.

Make the most of our pleasant weather by moving your business totally outdoors during the summer. This is not just a cost-effective alternative, but studies suggest that spending more time outside is connected to a better feeling of well-being.

Patio offices don’t have to be a stand-alone option; they may complement any home office. Studio sheds and similar structures provide a unique possibility for this extra workspace:

People often discover that they have empty space in their backyard. A studio shed may also serve as a spark for a larger backyard remodel. By having a goal, you may generate positive space, more of a courtyard between your house and your back patio.

You’ll need a shaded place to shield your computer screen from glare and keep your equipment at a comfortable temperature to make a patio office function. Since the outdoors are frequently loud and unexpected, it’s wise to equip yourself with a decent set of noise-canceling headphones to help you concentrate.

Even if your desk is generally shaded, remember to apply sunscreen if it’s sunny. When you may not notice it while engrossed in your job, you may develop a sunburn in as little as 15 minutes if the UV index is high, and just 45 minutes if the UV index is moderate. Also, don’t forget your allergy medication; the last thing you want is a sneezing attack during your Zoom meeting outside.

Include these components in your backyard office design, whether you’re doing it for yourself or getting your property ready to sell, to get the most out of your new area.

Any house addition, particularly today, comes down to utility and adaptability. We’ve all got to be a bit more agile when it comes to getting things done, and a backyard office may help with that. Backyard offices may be used as home gyms, lounge rooms, or even mother-in-law suites outside of the 9-5 grind. This tremendous potential is especially appealing to purchasers looking in a market with limited inventory.

There are some bespoke workstations and built-in bookshelves. Treadmill workstations are becoming more popular. We see that their workplace has stationary bikes. In their office, we see workout equipment. Everything can be done at home.

Hybrid exercise/office furniture, such as the stationary cycle workstation, is one of the trendiest new home office fads. These furniture solutions not only give a handy method to keep healthy, but studies indicate that they also promote productivity and improve health.

Even if you’re working from home, remember to personalise (unless you’re aiming to sell); carving out space for photographs and other knickknacks in the same way you would in a typical office might help you get used to your new routine.

If you operate your own company out of your backyard office, you may be able to deduct the expense of building and outfitting your headquarters. Direct costs, like as a new printer and a fresh coat of paint, are fully deductible for company owners, however indirect expenses, such as your internet service or security system, are only partially deductible. Employers and workers alike may write off the increased value of their new backyard office with a capital gains deduction when it comes time to sell their house, as long as the added value is under the CRA threshold.

Unfortunately, firm workers working from home are not eligible for the tax credit — but check with HR to see if your company gives a remote work allowance.

It’s critical to follow the rules, no matter which backyard home office design you choose. You want to make sure it’s done legally so it can increase the property’s worth. When a homeowner undertakes a building project, they often fail to secure the appropriate permissions, which reduces the value of the property.

Contact Rockview Construction if you’re concerned about your bottom line. Our specialists can provide insight into the most popular designs in your region, provide tactics to optimise your return on investment, and advise you on what permits your project needs.