Why work from home?

It simply comes down to quality of life. Recent government forecasts suggest a 21% increase in traffic by 2005 and as a typical business manager already spends 11 hours behind the wheel each week travelling an average of only 232 miles, it does not take much to see the benefits obtained by working from home.

The continuing development of technology, together with falling costs and more widespread use of electronic communications really does mean that virtual journeys by computer are now a realistic possibility. The RAC in a recent report suggested that if "teleworking" from home does increase along the lines predicted by bodies like British Telecom, Microsoft and the Institute of Directors then traffic growth would fall to 5% instead of 25% - so we can all do our bit for gridlock!

Internal view of fully fitted, working Home Office

Why not work in the bedroom or dining room?
There is absolutely no reason why you cannot work literally from your home - a spare bedroom, dining room or even converted garage can work well but there are a number of problems. Firstly, unless you are in a really large house, those rooms already have a purpose. When they are wanted again, say when someone comes to visit, then you have to tidy up, you can't start work when you want to and your private papers are on display.

Secondly modern equipment generates what we call "spaghetti" - what seems like dozens of cables and leads and wires - so you need extra plugs, clips and other services. It can also be very difficult to concentrate within the domestic environment. Children running around, Hoovers going and numerous other distractions all add to factors that are not conducive to the work ethic.

Why then have a separate building?
Assuming that you do want to have a professional approach and that your work is almost full time, then a home office makes a great deal of sense. You have a dedicated area, set out exactly as you need and complete with all the services and facilities you require. As well as creating the right atmosphere for work and keeping your domestic accommodation free, there is a substantial psychological benefit. It is hard to quantify, but the ability to shut the door on yourself whilst working or on the work, phones, faxes and e-mails when you want to stop is crucial. It enables a proper division between work and home - just like a normal job except instead of jumping in the car and fighting your way through traffic, you simply stroll down the garden, Sounds nice?

What about planning?
Unless you are in a conservation area, then in most cases you will not require it. This is because the building does not have a fixed foundation, being built on levelled ground or concrete slabs. The following is a summary of when planning is not required in the UK;

A Home Office from Saltire Stables offers a realistic cost effective way to;

SIMPLY TO HIDE!

Our Standard Ranges are shown below, all are fully insulated throughout and include attractive decorative timber lining.

WHALSAY
A simple rugged design, designed with a 2.25m (7'6) eave and 18 degree roof pitch, it creates a pleasant airy atmosphere, whilst keeping a low profile and discreet structure. The inset door with a protective canopy under a porch makes an interesting detail. Standard configurations with a range from 2.4 x 2.4 (8' x 8') up to 4.8 x 6.0 (16' x 20') cover a wide range of uses and the building includes a half glazed access door and 3 double glazed windows. The building is complete with an internal partition wall to create two separate rooms.

VATERSAY
This has the same basic layout as the WHALSAY but does without the internal wall and porch to maximise the internal floor area for use as an open plan office. To create some visual interest, the roof has a special canopy and access comes from a sliding patio door.

WESTRAY
An attractive building with a 25 degree roof pitch and full width 1.2m (4') deep canopy which is suitable for larger gardens. The verandah beneath the canopy is supplied complete with turned spindles and a balustrade which creates an interesting feature.The canopy can also be used for extra internal storage in the building. Access comes from either paired french or sliding patio doors and there are four double glazed window units. Sizes run right up to 6.0 x 7.2m (20 x 24')