How to Customize Your Garage Into a Home Office
Previously considered a luxury, a home office is a new must-have as many people embrace a flexible work schedule. With space going at a premium in most homes, converting the garage into a home office comes as a no-brainer. This can give you the much-needed workspace.
If you use the garage to store or as a dumping ground, it could be an ideal location for your office. In addition to a smart workspace, a home office will boost your productivity. Here are tips to help you create a contemporary home office set in your garage.
Empty It Out
The first step in designing a home office from your garage is clearing the space of trash and debris. Often, people use garages as a one-size-fits-all dumping space for many things, from paint cans to holiday decorations. Before you start the home renovation project to turn the garage into an office, you should empty the space out.
This will help you understand if it’s possible to create an office in the space. Sort things out to know what you should keep and what should be discarded. You can create an outdoor shed or install shelves in your garage to hold and organize things.
If you’re thinking about expenses, you can benefit from a home office deduction. If you qualify, you can deduct $5 per square foot. This is calculated up to 300 square feet and comes with a maximum deduction of $1,500. To learn more about this tax deduction, consult a tax professional.
Survey the Space
After removing everything from the garage, spend some time scanning the space to understand what should be done in the conversion project. For example, most garages have a concrete floor, overhead lighting, and doors. To do a quick facelift, you can paint the walls for a fresh, clean look. For intensive projects, it may be better to consult a professional.
Consider Comfort
Because garages are not living spaces, you should ensure proper cooling and heating. Comfort is important to focus on in your office. The office should provide comfort through the correct ergonomics.
This lessens muscle fatigue, boosts productivity, and reduces the severity of musculoskeletal disorders. To adapt cheaply, invest in a portable space heater and a fan. If you want something long-term, invest in a permanent HVAC system to regulate temperature year-round.
Light it Up
Dim lighting in your office can cause strain on your eyes. This can lead to eye issues and headaches, which makes it difficult to work in the office. You may experience drowsiness and lose your sense of motivation, reducing productivity. Using high-intensity lighting, on the other hand, could also affect productivity.
The ideal is to find the perfect spot to ensure comfort while working in the office. If the garage has windows, you will not need too many additions. However, for people in windowless rooms, proper lighting is necessary. Your office should be outfitted with lamps on your desk and other parts of the office. This way, you’ll not feel like someone working in a cave. Consult JBerryAgent real estate agent on how you can renovate, it'll help increase your home appraisal value.
Check the Tech
If the garage is attached, you might assume it’s possible to use your Wi-Fi connection. But, first, give the connection a run before moving in. You don’t want the internet to have issues while having a video meeting.
Many garages are designed with fire safety in mind, so Wi-Fi signals might struggle to penetrate the walls. Depending on the situation, invest in a wired internet connection, a portable hotspot, or Wi-Fi extenders.
Conclusion
It’s easy to set up your home as a home office. If you don’t have space in your home, the garage can serve as a good place to set up an office. Clear all items from the garage, survey the space, and plan how to set up the office. Ensure good lighting and other comfort features to boost your productivity.
Photo by Jason Strull on Unsplash.