I am interested in moving 'operations' outside, I'm starting to have issues inside due to space, family, and of course, half terms...
I'm too small for a high street shop/office so -
If you do work outside what is your setup? Was it a bog standard shed to begin, or did you purchase a sturdier security shed, then adapt to your standards?
How does damp and humidity effect things? How do you combat this?
With electric do you run it under ground or above, im assuming weather protected cable is needed? I already have a safety PowerPoint outside, I am just pondering how best to get power from A to B.
Love to see any pictures if you're willing to post some.
Thanks
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
I was lucky enough to find an office in the centre of Ripon for less than £120 a month.
I did consider an outside shed, (and a an adapted van!! ) and this may well be an issue I have to look at again when I move later this year. I wouldn't want just a wooden shed though, and a proper outbuilding may be a better alternative.
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
I saw the subject and thought "here we go again!" ;)
I work in a corner of a room, so I can't answer your questions from the perspective of someone who has moved operations to a shed. I do have a shed, but I only use it for storage - but some obvious comments:
"How does damp and humidity effect things? How do you combat this?"
My current shed (and its predecessor) let damp in. As well as all manner of spiders etc.
This will be a problem - and if it's a wooden one, you have to think not only about damp getting in, but you'll need to coat the wood periodically to stop damp being absorbed by the wood itself and rotting.
My current shed is a plastic one, which avoids the wood treatment problem - but it still lets water in.
Because I only use it for storage, this is not a problem - everything stored in the shed is itself stored in 'Really Useful' boxes (and similar) because they are, in fact, really useful. Amongst other things, they seal nicely, so the damp (and creepy crawlies) that invade the shed don't get in the containers.
If you're going to be working in the shed, you will want to make sure it's sealed properly, and insulated. I should think you'll want inner (plasterboard?) walls, well sealed, etc - but that's just a vague "I don't really know" type answer.
I would imagine you'll really need a wooden shed to make that viable, though - so you're back to the fun of treating the wood periodically. You'll also have a felt covering for the roof - you'll have to be ready to maintain that when necessary as well.
"With electric do you run it under ground or above, im assuming weather protected cable is needed? I already have a safety PowerPoint outside, I am just pondering how best to get power from A to B."
Does "weather protected" also cover lightning? I'd be inclined to run power underground if at all possible. I've seen the damage that can be done to equipment when lightning takes a shine to a bit of outside cable that it's connected to. (No, not mine!)
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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software
(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)
That's good value John, is it (was it) one of those serviced offices? Is internet part of the deal?
A van, now that's a thought :)
Yeah a brick building would be awesome - too expensive for my liking! Maybe in the future.
Hi Vince,
Yes my past few sheds have been ace for a year or two, they then start to fail in various areas.
Also owned a plastic shed, keter I think - expensive, yet, as best as it can be, weather-proof. There was the issue of damp and condensation on mornings such as today though.
Electricity wise - you make a valid point about having a two metre long, copper conductor running from point A to computer / light - I suppose running a cable a few inches underground isn't much of a chore, with all things considered!
I've seen some sheds, well they are more like Canadian log cabins, but dear meeee they are expensive - could build a garage on the side of the house, and still have change to go to NYC!
Back to the drawing board me thinks
Thanks
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
Must admit I thought the same as Vince when I saw your post title!! Last time it didn't end well!!
Of course I've put all of my garden shed costs through the business and claimed full capital allowances on the whole lot, including the wholly and exclusively related costs of flights!!
See my attached pic......you could have one of these too.
Failing that....stick the family in the shed. A bit of damp won't do them any harm.
Sorry I can't really anything useful! Apart from maybe saying - get a good electrician for the power situation.
That's good value John, is it (was it) one of those serviced offices? Is internet part of the deal?
A van, now that's a thought :)
No, they're individual rooms above a specialist off licence on the market square. The building itself is 400 years old, and is quite quaint. I would say its half a room really, but big enough for what I need. It includes electric and heating but not internet, for which I pay £45 a month, including unlimited calls on both my landline and mobile.
The only drawback is the entrance is at the rear, so I have a prestigious market place address but have to explain how to get to it! Not that I'm complaining at that price mind.
A daft question, but could you not use something like a portacabin or a shipping container, and disguise it so it doesn't look like one.
This one on the front page would be ideal but I don't know what it would cost. http://housely.com/20-captivating-glass-shipping-container-homes/
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
I think your method with the serviced office is the way forward! Did you use the new address, or your home address for your official letters and such like?
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
A client of mine has a purpose built 'shed/office' in the garden, it is really nice and I work in there too along side him. It could quite easily accommodate 3 desks if need be, we only have 2 in there. It is carpeted, double glazed and we have a plug in heater. It is fine, bit chilly in the morning first thing but soon warms up. It had proper electricity put in and is perfect for the job. I am very envious as I would like one too!
I think your method with the serviced office is the way forward! Did you use the new address, or your home address for your official letters and such like?
Sorry Johnny, I missed this. Everything is from the office, including co reg, business cards, HMRC etc.
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
I have a brick built summerhouse/bar at the end of the garden. Which if in time i do start my own business would be perfect for this idea. Would be upset about getting rid of the bar tho.
My brother in law has an office shed that he works from, its actually classed as a log cabin with double glazed windows, and I think he had it insulated/plastered so no issues with damp as far as I am aware.
My man is currently clearing out a space for a man cave/office in our garden with a similar idea as we speak. We are looking at tuin.co.uk log cabins. Not shed prices but look well built etc.
I have a brick built summerhouse/bar at the end of the garden. Which if in time i do start my own business would be perfect for this idea. Would be upset about getting rid of the bar tho.
Keep the bar, you're going to need a drink at the end of a stressful day and it means its not exclusively used as an office, ensuring no pesky business rates or cgt
Lyndsey, I like the look of those log cabins, fairly cheap compared to renting an office.
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
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