Whether you’re working from home full time or running a home-based business, converting your garage into an office may be the best option for you to set up shop. But you may have to make some changes in order to turn the space into a comfortable workroom. While this might sound like a major undertaking, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few crucial but often overlooked factors to consider when you’re ready to make your move to the garage:

Insulation 

Insulate your garage from the heat, the cold, and even outside noises for greater comfort while you’re working. Keeping your garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter will help you save money on your energy bill, and it can increase the value of your property, as it adds weatherproofed storage options to your home. Good insulation will also protect your equipment from extreme temperatures and prevent costly repairs or replacements. 

Different materials are available to insulate your garage walls, ceiling, and doors: fiberglass, rigid foam, cellulose, spray foam, and radiant barriers. Weigh in the pros and cons of each, their insulation effectiveness, and cost before you start on your project. And don’t neglect to insulate your garage’s concrete slab floor whether you’re planning on covering it up with laminate, hardwood, tile, or carpet.

Lighting

If your garage doesn’t have windows, you may be able to bring more natural light inside by installing skylights on the roof, or by replacing your solid garage doors with windows. Getting some natural sunlight into your garage can also reduce dampness and prevent mold and mildew. 

Replace harsh overhead lights with softer lighting options like ambient and task lighting. Choose bulbs with a high Color Rendering Index: they emit a light that looks closer to natural sunlight and will make your garage feel less sterile and more welcoming. Painting your walls a light color will also help brighten the space: opt for white, light gray, or eggshell to better reflect the light around your workspace.

Storage Options

If your garage-turned-office is still hosting a workbench, gardening tools, and holiday decor, you may have a hard time concentrating on your work if all the visual clutter distracts you from your tasks. Invest in wall-mount organizers, large storage cabinets, and overhead storage garage racks to keep everything non-work-related out of view. 

Store your seasonal items in large storage bins that will fit on the overhead racks and out of view. Opt for sturdy, functional, and flexible storage options that you can easily reconfigure if you need to change your layout. And for the more unsightly and oversized items like your lawnmower or shop vac, use decorative room dividers or partitions that will beautify and liven up the space, making it a more enjoyable place to work.

Vehicle Protection

When you convert your garage into a living space, you may have to leave your car parked outdoors, either on the street, in your driveway, or under a carport. But the sun and the heat can do a number on your vehicle’s exterior and interior, and bad weather can also damage the paint. In order to protect your vehicle from the elements, think about purchasing a car cover. A quality car cover will protect it from damages caused by rain, snow, sun, and wind, and will keep your vehicle cleaner longer. 

Besides its weatherproofing performance, look for a car cover that is easy to put on and take off your vehicle; some require more than one person to secure and remove. Some models even come with reflective strips, making your car more visible to drivers when it’s parked on the side of the road at night.

Setting Up Your Space

Once your conversion is complete, it’s time to outfit your space. Look for comfortable furniture like an ergonomic chair and an adjustable height desk. If you haven’t painted already, choose a color that can boost your productivity or keep you mellow, like light green or purple. Implement storage solutions so everything has a place, and to encourage keeping your office tidy. Some potted plants, artwork and a few armchairs can complete the look. 

Also, don’t forget the software side of things! You’ll want to invest in cybersecurity to protect you against hackers, and also a cloud based accounting system to make bookkeeping a breeze (something you’ll especially appreciate come tax time).

Converting your garage into an office can help you become more productive at work as well as add value to your home. Take time to assess the space before you move in, make the necessary modifications needed to turn it into a comfortable room, and don’t forget to protect your car outside to keep it in top shape year-round.

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