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.
