With millions of people from Perth to Boston making the switch to working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding a place to set up an office has become essential. With the whole family quarantined in your house, it can be a challenge to find the privacy that you need to get your work done.
If you have a garage or a backyard shed, you may be looking at the perfect spot for your new home office. You may not have given your shed much thought over the years, other than as a place to store your lawnmower and garden tools. But, in unprecedented times like a pandemic, the extra space can be used to your advantage.
In this short article, we will take a look at the basic steps that you need to take to convert your garage or work shed into an efficient and effective office space. From adding insulation, to having the best electrician Perth or Boston has to offer to wire up your shed, here are a few things that you can do to transform your shed space into a working oasis.
Clean Out
Your first step in converting your shed or garage to an office space is to clear it out. Find alternative space for your lawn equipment and tools for the time being and give the space a good cleaning. Make sure to check for any signs of moisture or leaks that will need to be addressed before you move your office into the space. Continue with a good sweeping, including the walls and ceiling. Don’t forget to spray for bugs and look for any obvious insect infestations.
Install Electricity
Your shed probably doesn’t have any proper electrical power running to it, apart from an overhead light. If you have the right experience, you can tackle this yourself, but if you don’t, it’s best to call in a professional. You will need to have your space wired for overhead lighting and a number of electrical plugs for your computers, screens, and lamps.
Insulation
Most sheds and garages are simple structures that aren’t made to be used as a living space. In these cases, you will need to add insulation to your walls and ceilings to keep yourself comfortable when it gets too hot or too cold. Spray insulation or sheeted insulation will do the job with little expense or hassle.
Add Drywall
Your workspace should be a place where you feel at home. Unfinished walls with exposed wiring and insulation can be off-putting and distracting. Update your shed with some drywall to make it look and feel like a regular building. You will be able to anchor your favorite artwork or a set of shelves once you put up your drywall to make the room more complete.
Flooring
An update to your shed floor can help your office seem more cozy and comfortable. Adding a vinyl or hardwood floor can help to bring the whole look together. If you already have a wood floor, even if it’s just a basic plywood finish, adding a bright throw rug can bring some warmth and comfort to the whole space.
Paint & Decor
Now that you have finished the basic construction of your office, it’s time to make this space your own. Choose a soothing paint color for the walls, add your own personal touches and bring in your office furniture to complete your workspace.
Many things have changed during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, including millions of people working from home. As the world starts to open back up, many workers are thinking about keeping their work-from-home arrangements as they are. If you are looking for a way to maximize your productivity from home, it’s time to create your own office space. Take advantage of your garage or backyard shed by converting the space into your own working oasis.
