Working from home used to mean laptops at kitchen tables and meetings from the couch. Now, people want a space that actually feels like an office—just without the commute. That’s where manufactured sheds come in. These aren’t your basic backyard storage units. They’re being transformed into full-blown workspaces with insulation, lighting, desks, and Wi-Fi.
As remote work becomes a long-term lifestyle, homeowners are rethinking how they use their space. And the backyard? It’s prime real estate. Turning sheds into offices is practical, cost-effective, and way easier than building an extension.
How is the Work From Home Trend Influencing the Use of Manufactured Sheds As Backyard Offices?
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to adopt remote work arrangements, and as people adjusted to working from home, the demand for private, functional office spaces grew. Homes, particularly those with limited square footage, suddenly needed to accommodate multiple home offices, online classes, and video meetings.
For those without a dedicated room for work, the kitchen table, living room, or even the bedroom became temporary offices. However, as the work-from-home culture evolved, people quickly realized that having a separate, quiet, and distraction-free workspace was essential for productivity, mental health, and work-life balance.
As a result, people began looking for innovative solutions that could create a productive workspace while not sacrificing their living areas. One answer was the manufactured shed. These sheds, which were once merely used for storage, are now seen as perfect candidates for conversion into home offices for a few key reasons:
- Space Efficiency: Manufactured sheds provide an easy way to create an office without taking up precious indoor space in your home. For homeowners with limited square footage, a shed in the backyard offers a practical way to separate work from personal life.
- Affordability: Compared to major home renovations or the expense of leasing office space, converting a shed is a far more affordable option. Manufactured sheds are relatively inexpensive and often come in various sizes to fit different needs.
- Flexibility: Manufactured sheds can be customized to suit your specific needs. Whether you need a small, quiet nook for focused work or a larger office for meetings and multiple monitors, there’s a shed for everyone. The flexibility of these structures allows you to design an office that works for you, while still maintaining the aesthetic of your backyard.
- Privacy and Separation: One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the lack of privacy. With family members, pets, and other distractions all vying for attention, it can be hard to focus. A backyard office in a manufactured shed creates a physical and mental separation from the main living area, allowing for a more focused, productive environment.
What are the Benefits of Using a Manufactured Shed As a Home Office?
Turning a manufactured shed into a backyard office offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for people who want to work remotely but don’t want to give up the comforts of home. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Cost-Effective Solution
As mentioned, manufactured sheds are an affordable way to create a dedicated workspace. A full-scale home renovation can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you need to build new walls, lay down flooring, or invest in expensive furniture.
On the other hand, sheds are available at a wide range of prices, and many come pre-built with the basic structure in place. You can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a high-quality manufactured shed, rather than investing in a traditional office space or adding a room to your home.
2. Privacy and Reduced Distractions
A backyard office allows for complete privacy, which is hard to come by when working from a kitchen table or living room. In your shed, you have full control over your environment, making it easier to concentrate and stay productive. Plus, you won’t be disturbed by pets, family members, or the usual noise from inside the house.
3. Work-Life Balance
One of the benefits of having a backyard office is the clear physical separation it provides between your work and home life. Without the distractions of your living space, you can more easily focus on your tasks. At the end of the workday, you can simply leave the office and walk back to your home, ensuring that your work doesn’t spill over into personal time. This separation can significantly improve your work-life balance and reduce burnout.
4. Customization Potential
Unlike traditional home offices, which are limited by the existing layout of your house, manufactured sheds can be tailored to fit your specific needs. You can choose the size, shape, and interior design of the shed to make it a truly personalized space. Whether you want large windows for natural light, built-in shelves, or a cozy reading nook, a manufactured shed offers endless possibilities for customization.
5. Increased Property Value
If you ever decide to sell your home, a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed backyard office can increase your property’s value. It adds functionality and appeal, especially in a world where remote work is becoming more common. Potential buyers may be attracted to the idea of a dedicated workspace in the backyard, which can be used for multiple purposes beyond just a home office.
How Do Manufactured Sheds Compare To Traditional Home Office Spaces?
When comparing manufactured sheds to traditional home office spaces, there are several factors to consider, including space, comfort, and functionality. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Space
Traditional home office spaces are often constrained by the square footage of your house. Depending on your home’s layout, you may need to make do with a corner of a room, a basement, or even a shared family area. While you can certainly make these spaces work with creative design, they don’t always offer the same amount of room or flexibility that a manufactured shed can.
A backyard shed gives you the ability to expand your office to a size that suits your work requirements. Whether you need room for a desk, multiple monitors, or additional storage, sheds provide a blank canvas to build your ideal workspace.
2. Privacy
Traditional home offices often lack the privacy offered by a manufactured shed. When working from a room in your house, it’s easy to be interrupted by family members, pets, or outside noise. With a backyard shed, however, you can escape the distractions of everyday life. The added distance between your home and office allows you to concentrate more effectively, which is often impossible when working inside a busy household.
3. Comfort and Aesthetics
While traditional home office spaces can be comfortable and stylish, they might not offer the same fresh air and natural surroundings that a backyard shed provides. Imagine stepping outside to your office every day, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the tranquility of your garden or yard.
Manufactured sheds can be designed with windows, insulation, and heating or cooling systems to make them just as comfortable as a room inside your home, while also offering a unique outdoor experience.
What Factors Should Be Considered Before Converting A Manufactured Shed Into A Workspace?
Before you dive into transforming your manufactured shed into a home office, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the conversion is successful:
1. Zoning and Permits
Check with your local zoning office to ensure that you’re allowed to build or convert a shed into an office in your area. Some cities or neighborhoods may have restrictions on the type of structure you can add to your property or may require building permits for sheds used as offices.
2. Utilities
Consider whether you’ll need to install electricity, heating, cooling, and internet in your shed. Depending on the size and complexity of the shed, these utilities may require professional installation, which could add to the overall cost.
3. Size and Layout
Make sure that the shed you choose is large enough for your office needs. Consider the furniture and equipment you’ll need to fit comfortably in the space, along with any storage or organizational systems. If you plan on holding meetings or collaborating with others, you’ll want a larger shed with space for a desk and seating.
4. Insulation and Weatherproofing
To make your shed usable year-round, it’s essential to ensure that it’s properly insulated. Insulation will help keep your workspace comfortable during both hot summers and cold winters. Weatherproofing the shed will also protect your office from the elements, ensuring that you can work in peace, regardless of the weather outside.
The work-from-home revolution has changed the way we approach our personal and professional spaces. Manufactured sheds, once relegated to garden tool storage, are now being repurposed as functional, private, and affordable backyard offices. These sheds offer privacy, cost savings, and customization potential, making them a great option for those who want to work remotely but don’t have the space or budget for a traditional home office.
If you’re considering converting a shed into your home office, make sure to weigh the factors such as zoning, utilities, and comfort to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. With the right preparation, a manufactured shed can become the perfect space to balance work and personal life, all from the comfort of your own backyard.
Transform Your Backyard into a Productive Workspace with Better Built Structures!
At Better Built Structures, we specialize in designing and building custom sheds that can be easily transformed into your ideal backyard office. If you’re ready to separate work from home life, improve productivity, and create a comfortable, private workspace, our team is here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a small, cozy office or a larger structure to accommodate meetings and equipment, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs. Our sheds are crafted with quality materials, designed for insulation and comfort, and customized to suit your unique preferences.
Let us help you create the perfect space for working from home. Contact Better Built Structures today to get started on your custom backyard office!
