DIY Builds
Photo by RODNAE Productions Pexels Logo Photo: RODNAE Productions

Do I need planning permission to run a business from my shed?

If running a business from your home is unlikely to cause any disruption or be noticeable to your neighbours or anyone outside the property, it is unlikely that you will need planning permission.

Do pole barns have concrete floors?
Do pole barns have concrete floors?

The five most common types of pole barn floors are: Gravel. Stone. Concrete. Asphalt. Dec 30, 2019

Read More »
How big is a 10x17 storage unit?
How big is a 10x17 storage unit?

140-170 square feet 10x14, 10x15, and 10x17 Storage Units At ten feet wide and fourteen, fifteen, or seventeen long, you get 140-170 square feet....

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

For many, working from home is a relatively new concept, but people have been running businesses from the comfort of their house for many years. During the pandemic many businesses were formed from the comfort of people’s homes, so if you’re looking to set up a business from home, there are steps you need to take to ensure you’re doing it legally.

Do you need permission to set up a business from home?

Running a business from home comes with a plethora of benefits, including being able to work flexible hours without having to go into an office, giving you a better work/life balance and eliminating the cost of having to pay for office space. However, you may need to gain permission to run your business at home from either your local council, your mortgage advisor, or local planning office if you’re looking to make changes to your property, should your business affect your home or neighbours. If running a business from your home is unlikely to cause any disruption or be noticeable to your neighbours or anyone outside the property, it is unlikely that you will need planning permission. You will however need planning permission if your business meets any of the following criteria: Noticeable increase in people coming to your home such as business partners, employees or clients

A sign outside your property advertising the business

Storing things related to the business outside of the property

Significant structural changes to your home

What insurance do I need to run a business from home?

During the pandemic, most home and contents insurance policies extended their cover due to the nature of people working from home, however as the UK returns to normality, your current policy will not cover you if you met any of the above criteria while creating a business from home. If you have clients or customers visiting your home for work purposes you will need public liability insurance, along with employer’s liability cover if you have employees working on your property. Business cover is also vital if you are storing important equipment, documents or stock. Of course it is important to check with your insurance provider as to which cover you will need. At Adrian Flux, we can offer affordable home business insurance that’s tailored to your needs.

Can you run a business from a council house?

If you’re planning on setting up a business from your council house or need to register one, you’ll need written permission from your local council or housing association in order to do so. You will also need to check your tenancy agreement as it may contain legislation that prevents you from running a business at home. It is then up to the discretion of your local council as to whether they believe your business will disturb your neighbours or damage your property.

How big is a 5x 10 storage unit?
How big is a 5x 10 storage unit?

50 square feet A 5x10 self storage unit is a 5 feet wide and 10 feet long small storage solution, totaling 50 square feet. For comparison, a 5x10...

Read More »
Is it cheaper to run power overhead or underground?
Is it cheaper to run power overhead or underground?

Installing underground lines costs more initially than overhead lines, but the underground lines are less prone to damage and disruptions, and...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Another thing to note, is your business may have implications for the amount of council tax you pay.

Can I run a business from my shed?

It is perfectly legal to run a business from your shed, but you will need to go through the same legal steps as if the business were being operated from inside your home. As before, you will need to think about whether your business will cause a nuisance to your neighbours or cause a material change in the usage of your property. If you’re running a business from home, planning permission or a licence may be needed if it expands.

Can I run a business from my garage?

There isn’t necessarily anything stopping you from running a business from your garage, but you’ll need to ask permission depending on your type of property, as we’ve outlined above. As before, you will need to think about whether your business will cause a nuisance to your neighbours or cause a material change in the usage of your property. If you’re running a business from home, planning permission or a licence may be needed if it expands.

Does running a business from home affect your mortgage?

You may need permission from your mortgage lender, as breaching the terms of your loan could result in severe consequences, such as making the loan repayable immediately. You may also need planning permission if you’re making changes to your home, or if running your business will cause structural or material change in your property, or how it is used. Depending on the type of business you’re running, you may need a licence from your local authority. And remember that running a business from home may affect your council tax, because the part of your home you’re running a business from may be liable for business rates. You can find out more at the Valuation Office Agency.

Check your home business insurance

As one of the leading specialist home insurance brokers in the UK, Adrian Flux compares quotes from over 30 schemes to source competitive buildings and contents insurance for any situation, including those who run a business from home. Call us on for a quote.

Can firewood get rained on?
Can firewood get rained on?

Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within...

Read More »
Can I run an extension cord to my shed?
Can I run an extension cord to my shed?

You can use an extension cord to power your shed, but only temporarily. You can only use an extension cord for single circuits. An extension cord...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
At what age should you own a house?
At what age should you own a house?

The best age to buy is when you can comfortably afford the payments, tackle any unexpected repairs, and live in the home long enough to cover the...

Read More »
How do I keep my wood stove hot all night?
How do I keep my wood stove hot all night?

How To Keep a Wood Stove Burning All Night Rake the charcoal towards the front of the wood stove. Place five to seven large logs in a tight...

Read More »