Building a Garden Office or Converting Your Garage

Are you thinking about setting up a dedicated workspace at home? Many people opt to either build a separate structure in their garden or transform an existing garage to achieve this.

Garden Offices and Other Outbuildings

When you're considering adding an outbuilding like a shed, greenhouse, or garage to your property, certain rules come into play. However, if you're planning to construct a small, standalone structure – perhaps a garden office or a summerhouse – you typically won't need to comply with building regulations, provided both of these specific conditions are met:

• The total floor space inside the building measures under 15 square metres, and

• No one will be sleeping in the building.

Transforming Your Garage

If you're considering turning your garage, or even just a section of it, into a living space – for instance, creating a home office – you will usually need to get approval under the building regulations. This requirement exists because such a project typically involves altering the building's main structure, improving its insulation, adjusting ventilation systems, and potentially addressing fire safety aspects.