Americans are buying these tiny $30K pop-up backyard offices as people continue to work remotely during the coronavirus pandemic
Americans are now paying up to $30,000 to install a pop-up home offices in their backyards as a number of people continue to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the coronavirus in January and implementation of lockdown orders in March shuffled millions of citizens from bustling offices to working remotely in their homes. The move proved difficult for several people as many families were forced to balance a multitude of factors, including child care, as the search for a private, quiet work space led many to temporarily claim bedrooms or basements.
Studio Shed, a company that makes prefabricated structures, said they’ve seen an increase in sales between May and July as families adjust to working and learning in the same home during the pandemic.
Depending on the municipality, residents may not be required to get a working permit for the pop-up backyard offices because they do not exceed 200sqft of space. Pictured: One shed was outfitted with a balcony and patio furniture,
Prefabricated spaces from Studio Shed cost an average of $20,000 to $30,000, which can include other options like music studios, bedrooms and play rooms.
Mike Koeing, Studio Shed co-founder: ‘Recently, we have seen a massive surge in the 80- to 120-square feet option, which is a perfect office size or home gym or kid’s study area’.
They can be designed online with a 3D design tool or delivered as a kit with instructions and also include options for interiod design, insulation and electricity.
Koeing said the shift from independent offices to working remotely caused sales to spike 14-fold compared to what the company made last year. Pictured: The inside of this pop-up backyard home office has been built with tile flooring, wooden accents, an office desk, several cabinets and a bookshelf.
Most of the demand for Studio Shed’s home offices have primarily come from the West Coast, but Koeing said they’ve noticed a significant increase of customers on the East Coast.
‘As soon as March and April hit we definitely saw that Eastern part of the country grow, that market is up a couple hundred percent over last year,’ said Koeing. March and April coincides the two-month span where New York City emerged as a virus epicenter and was inundated with thousands of cases.
Much of America watched as New York City’s morgues overflowed, hospitals became overrun, front line workers pleaded for PPE supplies on social media and one of the most buzzing cities went quiet. Nearby states like New Jersey were also hit and temporarily shuttered as a result. As of August, New York City has amassed more than 238,000 cases and 23,000 deaths. New York State recorded 436,000 cases and 32,000 deaths.
Koeing said that Studio Shed has sold five times as many home office units in May, June and July compared to the same months last year. Other companies like Modeco Construction in Canada, a prefabricated building company, and Bantam Built, a tiny house company, have also seen a surge in sales.
Instead of buying prefabricated spaces, some Americans are purchasing regular sheds and installing pieces, like book shelves, to make their own work areas.
Sheds Unlimited, based in Pennsylvania, serves customers from South Carolina to Maine and the spike in requests has pushed delivery time to up to 13 weeks.
Pictured: A small prefabricated space placed in a residents backyard that was installed with electricity, a front porch, glass doors and decorated with surrounding garden plants.
Pictured: A modern take on an outdoor office.
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