We are very passionate about shipping container conversions here at Containers 4 Sale. Not just because it is our bread and butter – no, we love the creativity and the possibilities that container conversions offer. Containers can be converted into pretty much any type of garden room, shed or summerhouse, but we want to focus on garden offices in this article. Why? Because they are awesome and can make working from home a pleasure.
If you are considering installing a garden office in your garden this summer, have you thought about a container conversion? Container conversions can make for a fantastic, environmentally friendly and affordable garden office, what’s not to love? Our conversion service is tailored to you, we will work with you to develop your ideas into a practical and working reality so that you get exactly what you need from your new garden office.
We can even offer container conversions on non-typical containers, such as High Cubes, Tunnels or any other type of shipping container.
What do I need to consider when installing a garden office?
If you are getting a garden office, there are a few things you need to consider before going ahead. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get regarding container conversions for garden offices.
Do I need planning permission to install a garden office at home?
No, you don’t usually need to seek planning permission before installing a garden office at home. A shipping container converted into a garden office is almost always classed as a ‘temporary’ building – after all, shipping containers by their very nature are movable (being able to be shipped all over the world). The crucial point though is whether the garden office will have foundations or not – the presence of foundations, regardless of what the office is made from is what makes the difference here. Shipping container conversions of this nature generally do not require foundations so as a rule of thumb you should be okay to go ahead with your shipping container garden office installation.
If you live in a conservation area or in a location with planning restrictions in place (such as next to a listed building or in the middle of a National Park), it is always best to seek the advice of your local planning office to ensure that you comply with local rules and regulations regarding planning permission.
In any instance, it is always advisable to ask before you go ahead with any building work, especially if you are not certain that permission is not required for you. One quick call to your local planning authority is all it should take and that way you get specific advice, from the horse’s mouth as to what is and isn’t required from you.
If you plan to include sleeping accommodation or anything more permanent, then you should definitely talk to your local planning authority before installing the converted container.
Would a garden office add value to my home?
Yes, a garden office can add value to your home. It is estimated that the extra space a garden office creates can add up to 10% to the value of your home.
Of course, many factors impact this – the size and quality of the garden office and of course outside factors such as the state of the economy and house prices when you sell.
As a general rule though, a garden office can certainly add value to your home – and not just monetary value either! A garden office can make your home working experience better, which will add value to your life in many ways. Simply having a dedicated room, separated from the home (and all the hustle and bustle of family life) can add enormous value to you personally – from improved mental health to increased productivity.
Is a garden office tax deductible?
No, in the UK installing a garden office is generally not tax deductible as it is considered a fixed asset and falls under capital expenditure. This means there is no Tax Relief on the initial outlay of materials, construction and/or installation of a garden office. You usually cannot offset related costs either, such as legal fees or design costs.
However, the cost of installing utilities, such as electrical wiring, plumbing or thermal installation can be covered as Capital Allowance and can be deducted from company profits to reduce Corporation Tax.
It is always advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific advice regarding your individual or business tax liabilities.
Get in touch to discuss your garden office shipping container conversion
We would love to help make your ideas into reality by converting a shipping container into a garden office to your specific requirements. Simply give us a call on 01708 558999 or fill in our Get a Quote form and we’ll call you back.
