outhouse - utility or office?

3 years ago

We have an outhouse (rendered single block) joined to the back of the garage. It's 1.42m x 2.88m and you have to go outside to get to it.
When we cut the oil tank out I'd envisaged it as a utility room/ drying room. Although it's feasible to get water, drainage and power to it, something was holding me back... if I'm honest it was probably that if it's out of sight, it's out of mind and so I'd keep forgetting to go and take the washing out the washing machine. I would be lying if I didn't say the idea of going out there when it's wet is off-putting!
So I started thinking about forgoing the drying space and just have the washing machine in a cupboard in the house instead and use the outhouse as an office for work, but spend more to make it a nicer space to be in, e.h. roof light and glazed door, insulation, etc (although I'd save on not having to install water and drainage).
Thoughts either way please and also any ideas for a good layout for either a utility or office for that size space? thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Wumi
3 years ago
Utility rooms are great and you could possibly provide cover leading to the outhouse.

Personally, I would have an office. With the amount of people now wfh, a separate office is invaluable and will most likely continue to be a sort-after household fixture in the future.

Either way, I would insulate, double/triple glaze and have some form of mechanical ventilation.

It’s difficult to suggest layout without seeing a sketch of the building in relation to your garage/house.
PRO
My Claybrick Home
3 years ago
Hi,

From the detail you have provide I would, like Wumi, opt for an office or workspace.

I have an outdoor office built in my garden at the end of 2019 and I use it everyday. I do work from home but I also enjoy spending time in the space as I overlook the garden.

Do you have any hobbies that this could become a studio for ?

Here's my office if you want a nosy https://www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/outdoor-office-pj-vj~6337969

Its not this tidy anymore as I run my business from it so samples, colour cards, design boards everywhere, but I love it
Related Discussions
Entrance lobby / Utility room / Office
Q
Comments (1)
The second one works better and allows more room for folding sheets, ironing and taking wet linens to garden to dry.
...See More
POLL: Pick a home office!
Q
Comments (1)
I voted for separate building, even though I have nowhere to put it. I never make any progress if there is another person in the house.
...See More
Side extension ideas for kitchen, utility, playroom and bedroom
Q
Comments (7)
Hello, Could I make a suggestion, for you to get help from anyone your drawing/plan needs to be amended You do not show doorways or access routes into your rooms from the hallway so that could be a start. Your conservatory is wasted space in view of your specific requirements and could be replaced with a more useable room ie study or second kitchen/utility. I am sure you will have thought about a master bedroom in your loft or your Architect will have! Is this not possible? I do agree with Emily on changing room uses which leads me on to your garage is it used as one or a hoarding area? Sometimes unfortunately families to outgrow their home, perhaps you should think about making some alterations to improve yours and see how you go before going to whole hog, spending large amount of money and out pricing your homes value in your area may not help you in the long run,the things you are looking for will be very disruptive for some time and I know to my cost you need reliable builders because they will become an integral part of your lives during the build changes. Why not view properties that can give you what you are looking for to start off with if you have not already done so as our famous duo in Love it or List would advise. I wish you well in the coming months, and not to put too finer point on it would suggest if you are going to stay start the work now. The cost of any building works and materials are rising rapidly and your budget may have to be re thought. Good luck! Maggie
...See More
office / utility / WC
Q
Comments (11)
Annabellaamy's idea is a really good one - in particular the first option with an archway and relocated door to the utility; which will ensure that the WC doesn't feel like a sluice. Jack and Jill arrangements work best when you know those in the house and can be sure the other door is locked (or don't care)! Guests sometimes find it a bit disconcerting, especially in a small space. If you desperately want to keep some pantry space then you could move the dividing wall between the WC & pantry back just enough to push the sink far enough away to have a sliding door into the office opposite the door you already have to the kitchen. Minimal work but it will still feel like a bit of a through route so some thought will have to go into addressing that well. There are a few compact WC/vanity options on the market - personally I prefer the ones with a unit but a bit of separation to avoid it feeling like a urinal and leaning over the toilet to wash your hands - but it is always a balance and still a valid solution if space is really tight. This one is under a metre wide by Victoria Plumb called MySpace. We specialise in creating home and working environments that both function well and look beautiful (which of course makes it a pleasure to work from!). Finding clever solutions and making the most of your room is my favourite brain-tease! I ran my office from within our home for several years and so I am very familiar with the balance between protecting your home environment and visitors/staff coming and going. Would you like a half hour interior design consultation for some friendly one-to-one advice? I have a couple of slots each week for £125+vat. The consultation includes a friendly video chat to talk through your space and discuss your project ideas and needs. I follow up the video call with digital moodboards tailored to your budget, a layout suggestion and product recommendations. I will also give you a phone call afterwards to talk through the ideas and see how you get on. KR -Christine
...See More
K OB
Original Author
3 years ago
thanks both for your feedback. I'm thinking office more and more as I'm currently working in my son's bedroom and I am reminded of work every time I walk past the room so, for my mental health, I would like it out of the way! I'll do a sketch and upload it for ideas...
Wumi
3 years ago
How about something like this?

Couple of IKEA Alex drawers, worktop and some shelves.
K OB
Original Author
3 years ago
I like that Wumi, I can completely visualise thst kind of set up on the space. thank you so much!
Wumi
3 years ago
You're welcome ;-)

outhouse - utility or office?

Comments (6)

Wumi

My Claybrick Home

Related Discussions

K OB
Original Author

Wumi

K OB
Original Author

Wumi

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

outhouse - utility or office?

Comments (6)

Wumi

My Claybrick Home

Related Discussions

K OBOriginal Author

Wumi

K OBOriginal Author

Wumi

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

K OB
Original Author

K OB
Original Author