With its numerous advantages, running a business or working from home have become increasingly popular over the last few years. You don’t have to go off to work somewhere; thereby eliminating daily commute, which in turn will save both your precious time and money on travel expenses. Plus you can work in comfortable clothes (even in your pyjamas), choose and design your working space, and an easy access to your desired refreshments.
It can be challenging however, when you don’t have your own personal space where you can work in privacy without the noise and other distractions. In this case, if you have access to a garden shed, then you can convert it into a fully functioning office space. The idea of turning garden sheds into an office has been proven a practical alternative than renting an office space. Transforming garden sheds into a convenient work spaces make a stress-free, more focused and productive work. It will help you balance your home and work life, and gives the trick of working outside without truly leaving your house. Turning your shed into your dream office can be cost effective if you diligently take time to plan and research about it. Here’s our simple guide to transforming your garden shed into a home office.
Planning
Before starting out with your shed conversion project, planning your desired outcome is crucial. Planning allows you to begin the project with an end in mind; it allows you to accurately forecast your expenditures, it allows you to properly tailor the design of your office to your needs. Start planning with what kind of office shed you want with an ample consideration about the type of work you do, your budget, and your preferences. You would want to make sure that it will help you to comfortably and conveniently do your work.
Consider the essential amenities you need to accommodate your work needs. In example: electricity, internet, computer desk, etc. Try determining whether you like to move the shed to a new site. Also, see if you need help from a carpenter and an electrician; hire a landscape contractor to enhance the surrounding, or add some layers of stone molding to vamp up the overall look of your shed.
Requirements
Once you have a solid plan in hand, it’s time to think about the requirements. With the kind of work you do and how you will use your shed, figure out what you will need to complete the project. Start listing what type of furniture, accessories, storage and stone molding decor you want. These will greatly help establish which professional help and supplies you will need to successfully complete your shed conversion.
Check what kind of lighting you require, and if you must have access to electricity, water and an internet connection. If you’re planning to use the office all year-round, decide to insulate your shed, and add cooling or heating system. Bear in mind though that when it comes to technical stuffs like electricity, make sure to get the help of a professional. Also, adding molding decorations can lend volume to the aesthetic look and functionality of your DIY office shed. So consider hiring a landscape contractor to execute the stone molding design you want. And don’t to forget to check the current condition of your garden shed too! Assess whether you will need to make alterations or if it’s even feasible to be converted into an office.
Design and Building
Verify the size of your shed first before you establish the design and layout of your outdoor office. By determining the size of your garden shed, you can better assess how many things you can fit in it. Placing amenities such as a refrigerator will largely depend on how large the available space is. You must have enough space to add a chair, table, and other essentials needed for your work. And if it’s not the case, then consider renovating to add an extra space, or buy a larger shed. Otherwise, you may not be able to have a fully functioning office.
If you intend to use your shed throughout the year, then you will need to properly insulate it. Insulating will weatherproof your shed, making it resistant both for the summer and winter season. Make sure to thoroughly inspect it so that there won’t be any possible areas prone to water leak. Try to install layers of insulation to keep the temperatures of your shed appropriately regulated.
Turning the shed into an office
You are now set to convert your shed into an office. This final step is exciting albeit laborious. Nevertheless, when done the right way, it will transform your garden shed into a real office that is comfortable and cost-efficient. Before working on the interior, treat the exterior of your shed first to avoid the risk of damp. This will make it weatherproof and it can help extend the lifespan of your shed. And then, move on to heating, cooling, insulation, electricity and lightning. For this part, it is highly recommended to hire help from an electrician. Once you’re finished with the above steps, you can finally decorate and furnish your office.
Start moving your furnitures, storage, and work essentials. Paint the interior part with bright colors to have the impression of a larger space (and a professional look). You can even add some outdoor grass cover for a more accentuated appearance. Moreover, you can liven up your space with the addition of indoor plants that work as an air purifier and natural decorations. And lastly, don’t forget to add comfort and personal touches to your new office.
