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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for an outdoor office?

Most home offices don't require planning permission as they fall under the 'outbuildings' category. However, you must comply with certain rules, including the overall size and height of your building. Most homes have permitted development rights for their land, but it’s a good idea to check for your specific home and area.

Key rules under permitted development include:

  • The garden building must be single-story.
  • The building cannot exceed more than 50% of your garden. When calculating this, include all outbuildings, such as sheds, and extensions to the original home.
  • The office cannot be placed on land forward of a wall forming the 'principal elevation' (i.e., not in front of the house).
  • If the office cabin is within 2m of the property boundary, the entire building cannot exceed 2.5m in height.
 

What size garden office can I build without planning permission?

The general rules on garden office sizes are as follows:

  • Up to 15m² floor space internally should not normally be required to comply with Building Regulations
  • 15m² - 30m² floor space internally should not normally be required to comply with Building Regulations unless it is situated less than 1m away from your property boundary
  • 30m²+ floor space internally should require Building Regulations approval. This is something Cabin Master can provide guidance and assistance on.
  • The rules in your particular area can be found on your local planning portal website
  • Click here to find out more
 
 

What is the cheapest way to build a garden office?

The quality you're looking for determines the price. Summerhouses and flat-pack garden offices can be quite cheap, but they often end up being little more than glorified sheds. Instead, we specialize in buildings that you can use year-round, fully insulated, double-glazed, and built to last for years. When you compare the purchase price of our cabins to their lifespan, most people find that our buildings offer incredible value for money.

 

Are outdoor offices worth it?

Outdoor offices provide the perfect way to add space to your home without the expense, disruption, and long installation times of loft conversions and traditional extensions.

Most people find that the separation from the house benefits their work, as it keeps them away from the noise and disruption that busy families often experience. So, if you're looking for a garden office to work from home, a luxury garden building is the answer!

What will my garden office building be made from?

Your timber garden office will likely be built with a sturdy frame of treated softwood, such as pine or fir, providing strength and durability. The exterior will feature natural timber cladding, such as cedar or redwood, offering a weather-resistant finish. Insulation will help keep the space comfortable year-round. The roof will have timber rafters, topped with EPDM rubber for waterproofing. The windows and doors you choose will complement the rustic style, and the floor will be finished with engineered wood for warmth and durability.

Do you need planning permission for a toilet in a garden office?

Buildings Regs can be applied to allow for you to add water and waste to your new garden office and also use the space as a 'office structure'. Contact our team to find out more.

 
 

Can I build a garden office next to my neighbours fence?

This depends on the size of the garden office, but in many cases this can be done.

 
 

How close can a garden cabin be to a boundary?

Most small to medium sized home offices can be situated less than 1m from the boundary with any neighbours under Permitted Development rules when the overall height (of the eaves??) does not exceed 2.5m

 

Does adding an office building add value to your house?

Home buyers often seek garden offices as one of their most desired features.

Adding an outdoor office creates an attractive feature that helps you achieve a higher asking price when you sell your home. Most estate agents agree that a garden office increases the value of the property. See the latest stats on Rightmove.

What is the average cost of a garden office?

The cost of a garden office varies depending on factors like size, materials, and design. Basic options are simpler structures with minimal insulation and finishes, while mid-range models offer better insulation, larger spaces, and higher-quality materials. High-end garden offices feature premium finishes, custom designs, and additional features such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and luxury fittings. The overall cost also depends on whether you opt for a pre-fabricated kit or hire professionals for installation.

Does a garden office have a concrete base?

Yes, many garden offices have a concrete base as it provides a stable, durable foundation. A concrete slab base helps prevent shifting, moisture problems, and uneven surfaces. It’s particularly beneficial for larger or permanent garden offices, ensuring long-term stability. However, depending on the size and design, some garden offices may be built on a timber base or concrete pillars, offering a more cost-effective or flexible option. The choice of foundation often depends on factors like the ground conditions, office size, and your budget.

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Explore The Benefits Of Our Bespoke Garden Offices

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Multifunctional Home Offices

An insulated office room provides the perfect workspace at the bottom of your garden.

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Cosy & Energy-Efficient

Outdoor offices are energy efficient, helping you save money and reduce energy bills.

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Work-Life Balance

An outdoor office can help ease daily stresses by providing a dedicated workspace free from distractions.

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Build Quality

We use FSC-certified Western Red Cedar or slow-grown PEFC/FSC Scandinavian Redwood cladding over a breathable membrane to meet strict quality standards.

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Does a Garden Offices Add Value To Your Home?

 

Many of us think extending our home is the best way to add value, but we often overlook the large undertaking and high cost involved. Using your outdoor space for a timber office is a great alternative, providing extra space without the hefty price tag.

 

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Do Garden Offices Need Planning Permission?

Most garden offices don’t need planning permission, as they usually fall under the ‘outbuildings’ category of permitted development. However, your building must meet a few key criteria regarding size, height, and placement. While most homes have permitted development rights, it’s always worth checking the specific rules for your property and local area.

Here are the main permitted development guidelines:

  • The garden building must be single-storey.

  • It must not cover more than 50% of your garden space (this includes any existing outbuildings and extensions).

  • You can’t place it in front of the main house—only behind or to the side.

  • If the building is within 2 metres of any boundary, it must be no taller than 2.5 metres.

At Cabin Master, we design our garden offices with these rules in mind, helping you create a compliant, stress-free space from day one.

 

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Timber micro office with bright decor outside

Creating The Perfect Space For Your Garden Office

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Make Your Home Office Unique

A home office is perfect for remote work, offering a quiet space away from the house and surrounded by nature. It creates a clear boundary between work and home life.

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Office Décor Ideas

Choose from a wide range of paint colours included in your price to create a chic, personalised space. Add a feature wall and decorative accessories to make your home office feel like an extension of your home.

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Motivation Space

An office at home needs to be an environment that is both calm and motivational, so the colour you choose to paint the walls needs to be a careful consideration.

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Practicality Is Key

Your garden office should be both calming and motivational. Work spaces should be inspiring and comfortable, making them the ideal setting for productivity.

Nottingham show site

Visit Our Nottingham Show Site

We have a huge range of buildings at our Nottingham Show Site including garden offices, gyms and bars. Visit us and we can help with designs, pricing and more. 

Open 10am-4pm 7 Days a Week

Address

Cabin Master,
251 Toton Lane,
Stapleford,
Nottingham,
NG9 7JA,

Telephone:
0115 932 8888
Contact our Nottingham Team
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Visit Our Warwickshire Show Site

Visit our new show site in Studley, Warwickshire, where we offer a wide range of buildings, including garden offices, gyms, and bars. We’ll assist with designs, pricing, and more.

Open 10am-4pm 7 Days a Week

Address

Studley Garden Centre,
Henley Road,
Studley,
B80 7DR,

Telephone:
01926 757975
Contact our West Midlands Team
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Roof
We can customise the design with optional features like a front recess or roof overhang
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Cladding Options
Superior quality cladding - Cedar, Redwood, or maintenance free Marley Board
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Windows & Doors
High quality double glazed windows and doors in a variety of styles
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Lighting
Optional external lighting
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Flooring
High quality click lock flooring in a choice of colours
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Hardboard Lining
Our internal hardboard lining is much stronger and more durable than plasterboard
Redwood timber garden studio office with sliding doors

Outdoor Office Build Times

 

The build time for a home office building depends on design complexity, size, and site preparation. Simple offices take a few weeks, while complex designs may take months. Weather, material availability, and contractor schedules also affect the timeline. Prefabricated units install quickly, while custom-built offices take longer.

Visit our garden building show sites in Nottingham & the West Midlands to explore different setups, see the build quality, and get ideas for your space. Our expert team will provide personalised advice and answer any questions. It's the perfect first step toward creating your ideal office space.

outside shot of cedar office in the garden next to sage green conservatory

Why choose Cabin Master

10-year guarantee

Every component we use in our Cabin Master building is guaranteed for quality and durability. Each building comes with a 10-year workmanship and labour guarantee, plus the guarantees of each individual component or building material included. Below are some typical examples:

  • 10 year guarantee on building materials.
  • 1 year metalwork guarantee (including hinges, handles and ironmongery).
  • 10 year guarantee on UPVc doors.
  • 10 year guarantee on window frames.
  • 4 year guarantee on glass window units

Quality standards

To build our garden offices we make use of only the best raw materials and building components, and fully qualified local contractors.

  • Timber: Forest Stewardship Council Approved timber suppliers.
  • Roofing: For flat roofs we use high performance EPDM rubber roofing. For sloping roofs we use Kerbit SBS roofing shingles.
  • Doors & Windows: Double glazed, energy efficient uPVC doors and windows for peak energy efficiency.
  • Insulation: High quality silver-backed foam insulation from Celotex, Kingspan, Extratherm or similar.
  • Finishing: FSC approved MDF interior boards with Neatmatch damp resistant coating.

Bespoke designs

Our design team are on hand to turn your new garden office vision into a reality. Your ideas and sketches are transformed into a 3D drawing which is then perfected until you are 100% happy. The design is then sent to our factory where your new garden office is manufactured.

Delivery & installation

When you order your new garden office, we will arrange a convenient delivery and installation schedule, with an affordable quote tailored to your needs. The cost of delivery and fitting depends on the size of your office, where you live, transportation distance and how many people you need to set up your garden office.

20 years experience

With over 20 years of experience, Cabin Master has become a trusted name in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality, bespoke garden rooms. Our decades of expertise mean we understand exactly what our customers need - delivering stylish, durable spaces that enhance homes and lifestyles across the UK.

Flexible finance options

Why not take advantage of our fantastic finance options and get your dream garden office sooner than you think.

INTEREST FREE CREDIT 0% APR FIXED

50% deposit Required.

Simply divide the loan amount by the term of the agreement and this will be your monthly repayment amount for the entirety of the agreement. No interest or fees are payable with this option.

With our Buy Now Pay Later option you can defer the outstanding balance for up to 9 months, or with our Interest Bearing Credit option you can spread the cost over 60, or 120 months at a competitive 14.9% APR representative. After applying our finance partner Novuna will provide you with a decision in minutes. Our ‘pay monthly’ plans are the most affordable way of accessing a brand-new garden office from Cabin Master. All finance applications are subject to status, 20% minimum deposit required, terms and conditions apply. Click here to find out more.

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