Do you need a fully functional workshop space that you can always rely on? A place that’s just for you to work on your craft, or a chill-out spot for the whole family. Maybe you’ve got a hobby that you never have time for, or you’re a business owner who needs a dedicated workplace. Whatever your situation, if you crave more space, our 3-Tier workshop is for you.
This timber building features our unique 3-Tier specification, which keeps it completely watertight, even in the worst Scottish weather.
The 3-Tier Workshop is super versatile. Adding electricity can help you transform this building into whatever you need it for. Unlike a single-skinned workshop, you won’t have to worry about possible water ingress. Leaving you to safely and confidently power your tools, lighting, heating and anything else you need.
This blog dives into everything you need to know about adding electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop, including benefits, costs and how it’s done.
How is electricity installed in a 3-Tier Workshop?
Adding electricity to your 3-Tier Workshop can either be done upon delivery or retrofitted at a later date.
During your Consultation, our Team will discuss with you whether you want electricity fitted or not. If you do wish to have electricity installed upon delivery, we can project-manage this for you. This involves us introducing you to our accredited electricians to organise a Site Visit. The Site Visit is necessary for the electricians to give you an accurate quote for the work. Here’s how the installation works:
Your 3-Tier Workshop will be assembled by our Delivery Team.
The following day, the electricians will arrive to fit the electrics. This involves running an armoured cable from your house, into the ground, to the building. The cable is pulled into the building, and a consumer unit is installed inside. The electricians will then run the rest of the wiring from the consumer unit and fit any sockets, switches and light fittings that you’ve chosen.
You’ll be able to see the wiring running along the studs of your 3-Tier Workshop.
Can I have electricity added to a lined and insulated 3-Tier Workshop?
You might choose to have your 3-Tier Workshop lined and insulated. This is a good choice if you plan to use the building a lot in the winter. You’ll easily be able to heat your space. You can still have electricity installed, even if the workshop is going to be lined and insulated. The process is just a bit more complicated.
The electricians will need to do a first and final fit of electrics, which looks like this:
- Day 1: Your 3-Tier Workshop is assembled by our Delivery Team.
- Day 2: The electricians complete the first fit – running the armoured cable and fitting the consumer unit and wires.
- Day 3: Our Finishing Team will line and insulate the workshop.
- Day 4: The electricians return to complete the final fit of electrics – installing the light fittings, switches and sockets.
This results in all your wiring being hidden beneath the lining, leaving your 3-Tier Workshop with a polished look.
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Can I have electricity retrofitted in a 3-Tier Workshop?
If you’re unsure whether you want or need electricity fitted in your workshop, there’s always the option to have it installed at a later date. This is a good option if you want to see how you use the building before committing to the cost.
Retrofitting the electricity in a 3-Tier Workshop is pretty simple. The process is the same as if you were having it done upon delivery. But, if your 3-Tier Workshop is already lined and insulated, the electrical wires can’t be concealed behind the lining. Instead, the wires will run on top of the lining and are encased with metal conduit.
How much does it cost to add electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop?
The cost of adding electricity to any building depends on your specific site, needs and the size of the building. This means our accredited electricians will do a Site Visit before giving you an accurate quote for the work.
A good estimated cost for adding electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop is between £700 – £900. Installing electricity in a 3-Tier Workshop only requires one fit of electrics, which keeps costs relatively low.
If you choose to have your 3-Tier Workshop lined and insulated, then the electricity installation needs two separate fits, increasing the cost. Kitting out your lined and insulated 3-Tier Workshop with electrics will likely cost around £1200.
What are the benefits of adding electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop?
Having your workshop equipped with electricity means you have unlimited options for lighting, heating and entertainment in the room – increasing functionality and aesthetics.
Lighting
If you plan to use your 3-Tier Workshops in the evening or during the winter months, you’ll probably want to add lighting to your space. Electricity gives you the freedom to install lighting that suits your needs.
In a workshop used for art or woodwork, visibility is going to be a must; some strong overhead lighting will be ideal. Or, maybe your workshop will be a chill-out space, fit with an at-home cinema? Adding ambient lighting will help make your space cosy and comfy. If safety is your concern, outdoor lights will make sure your 3-Tier workshop is visible in the dark, whilst enhancing the aesthetic of your garden.
Heating
The 3-Tier Workshop always stays dry, making it ideal for year-round use. But we still live in Scotland, so you’ll probably want to add a heating source to the space, to keep you cosy when working away in the winter months. Electricity gives you endless options for heating your 3-Tier Workshop:
Oil heaters are a low-cost and easy-to-use option for heating your workshop. These can be set up in minutes and won’t take long to heat your workshop. Depending on the size of your 3-Tier Workshop, you might need two or three of these.
Infrared heaters are another good choice because they heat people and objects directly, providing instant warmth. This is ideal for use in a workshop because you won’t need to wait in the cold whilst the room gets cosy.
Underfloor heating could be a perfect heating option for a larger workshop. This is how we heat our Sales Office, and find that it evenly heats the building, and is simple to use. However, underfloor heating isn’t as instantaneous as the other alternatives, so you’d need to turn it on and let it heat up before you plan to use your workshop. This is a more expensive option in terms of installation, and in an uninsulated building, this may not be the most economical option. But if you’re insulating your space, this is an excellent heating option.
Machinery
If you’re using your workshop for any mechanics or joinery, you’ll need to be able to plug in your power tools and charge batteries. Having an electrical source built into the building allows you to do this safely and conveniently, instead of dragging an extension cord out from your house.
Entertainment
A huge benefit of installing electricity in your 3-Tier Workshop is that it allows you to personalise the space with different entertainment options. With WiFi, speakers and maybe even a gaming set-up, your workshop can become your retreat for you to unwind and fully enjoy your hobbies.
What are the drawbacks of adding electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop?
You might decide that the cost of installing electricity in your 3-Tier Workshop is too much on top of the initial investment in the building. If you’re only planning to use your workshop for storage or for pottering about in during the day, then electricity might not be a priority for you right now.
The good news is that if you change your mind, you can always have electricity fitted after the fact.
Can I add electricity to a 3-Tier Workshop?
Electricity increases the usability of your 3-Tier Workshop and means you can use the space for whatever purpose you can dream up. If you want to chat with our expert team about your 3-Tier Workshop plans, book a no-obligation Consultation today.
For more information about the 3-Tier Workshop, have a look at our 3-Tier Workshop Prep Guide. This includes everything you need to know about groundworks, electrics, the ordering process, installation and aftercare.
