Transform Your Garage Into a Home Office Area

Suzie Wilson

If you work remotely or run a business out of your home, you know how important it is to have the right work area. It’s almost impossible to set any kind of boundaries between work and life, without one. If you don’t have a room in your house that can be used as a home office space, there are other alternatives out there, including turning your garage into an office. Because the garage is set apart from the central living spaces in your house, it can work especially well for those who need a little more privacy or quiet for their work.

Structural considerations

Before starting your renovations, assess the structure itself and see if it is sound. There’s no point in putting a lot of cosmetic work into a garage that simply isn’t safe for working. Also, make sure it is suited to be made into an office, and figure out what changes will need to be made. For instance, garages tend to be less well insulated than homes, so if you want to use your garage as a year-round workspace, you might need to add insulation, and possibly an extra layer of drywall. The garage door may let a lot of cold or hot air in, so consider replacing it with something more solid, or having a wall installed.

Do a major declutter

For many people, garages double as storage spaces. this often means a lot of random objects and items end up there. Whether it’s broken lawn furniture you meant to fix, half-empty paint buckets, or your kids’ old sports equipment, there might be a lot of stuff in your garage just taking up space and gathering dust. So before you start renovating, you’ll probably have to tidy up, throw stuff out, give stuff away, and clean up.

Practical considerations

Making a garage into a workspace that is genuinely livable may take some other alterations too. A concrete floor may be chilly and uncomfortable, so you may want to add some tile or laminate. Think about how to update the lighting to something warm and inviting, to make the space look less industrial. Also, consider details like ventilation, heating, and cooling. If there isn’t easy access to a bathroom from your garage area, you may need to extend plumbing for added convenience. You’ll also need to think about storage space that is both functional and attractive. And don’t forget to make sure you are set up for your technological needs, with spots to plug in devices, and access to good internet.

The aesthetics of your office space

Obviously, functionality and practicality are top considerations, but a good office area will also be aesthetically pleasing, so consider updates like fresh coats of paint, attractive furniture, and stylish window fittings. If you plan to meet with customers in your workspace, make it comfortable and appealing. Look up different office design styles to see which might be a good fit for you.

Financial considerations

While having a garage attached to your house raises its value, having a fully equipped home office may raise its value even more. If you can save by working from home instead of purchasing or renting out office space, the savings deriving from this investment may be substantial indeed. And if you’re worried about what to do with your vehicle now that you’ve exiled it from the garage, don’t worry – you can always add an affordable carport, or even more affordably, purchase a car cover. A good car cover can protect your vehicle from the elements and make your life easier if you live in a climate with more extreme weather.

So long as it follows all local laws and regulations, having a dedicated office space in your home can make your life easier and increase your home’s overall value. So it might be worth your while to transform your garage, especially if it’s mostly serving as a storage place for clutter. If you need more guidance or information pertaining to real estate in general, check out more articles like this one at The Real Estate Think Tank.