House Hunter: Live/work homes

'I want an office in the garden

The problem

JEREMY HARRIS OF CHISWICK WRITES: My accountancy firm is rationalising and I want to take this opportunity to fulfil a life-long ambition - to quit the corporate treadmill and work for myself. One of the obvious benefits of this will be working from home and spending more time with my family, but there is a downside: I have three young children and I want to avoid the distraction and noise that would be inevitable if I worked in the house. I am aware of home offices that can be built in the garden. How much should I expect to spend on one, what are the planning issues, and are they simply garden sheds with a fancy name or are they genuinely good working environments?

The advice

GRAHAM NORWOOD REPLIES: I can testify that working from home is a satisfying, social and financially beneficial exercise if you thoroughly prepare for it - that means ensuring you have adequate space and quiet, and the right attitude.

There are several manufacturers of garden offices, most using similar pre-fabricated wooden manufacturing and construction techniques, but you must ensure your choice is insulated and not simply a glorified summer-house. Reliable suppliers include Henley Offices (0870 240 7490).

Why not click here and look over one of our brochures to see what Graham Norwood of the Independent means.