Create a Functional Home Office in Your Garage

William Lynes of LynesOnline.com a retired Stanford trained physician, urologist, award winning author, advocate and speaker on physician burnout and suicide. Contact William today for more info!

Article by Sarah Bull from Economymom.com

Image via Pexels

Create a Functional Home Office in Your Garage

If you work remotely or run a business from home, having a proper office allows you to boost productivity while separating your personal life from your work. Finding adequate space can be challenging, but you can upgrade your garage to create a custom home office. Here are some steps you can take, courtesy of LynesOnline.com.

Declutter and Organize

Many homeowners use their garages for storage, stashing tools, sports equipment, and household supplies, in addition to automobiles. Therefore, you may need to declutter and reorganize the space before setting up your home office. Start by identifying items you can donate, recycle or throw away. Then, you can find room for the possessions you want to keep. Consider installing shelving or cabinets to utilize vertical space.

ValueWalk.com notes that you can keep your office organized by streamlining administrative burdens. Look into automating or outsourcing time-consuming tasks. Forming an LLC lets you simplify your taxes and paperwork while retaining liability protection. Use a formation service or save money by filing yourself. Don't forget to check regulations because rules vary by state.

Another way to stay organized is by going paperless with your accounting software solution. By keeping your financial records safely stored in the cloud, you not only save the paper and mess of printing statements, you also save time by having all the information at your fingertips. Plus your software provides all the tools you need to make informed decisions that are best for your business.

Control the Temperature

You should take steps to regulate the temperature of your office to be comfortable and safe throughout the year. Many garages are unfinished spaces that lack insulation. Adding insulating materials to the walls and garage door can keep out harsh weather. You can also install heating and cooling elements in the room. Portable units are affordable and convenient, but a professionally installed ductless split system gives you more control over the office temperature without the safety concerns of using a space heater.

Install Office Lighting

Your office should have sufficient lighting so that you can stay focused and energized while you work. First, consider ambient lighting options that brighten the entire space. You can hang track lighting from the ceiling or invest in under-cabinet lighting to illuminate storage areas. You should also purchase task lights for your workspace. Look for a targeted desk lamp that complements your office decor.

Choose a Decor Style

By selecting a specific style of office decor, you can create a cohesive, professional look. Modern furniture appears chic while more traditional styles feel warm and welcoming. Try using a neutral color palette for a bright yet soothing atmosphere. Add decorations such as wall art and potted plants that express your personal style.

Garages often have concrete floors, and you can upgrade the space by investing in epoxy or polyaspartic floor coating. These coats are appropriate for vehicle storage and reduce concrete dust in your office while improving the space's appearance.

Consider Resale Value

When making changes to your home, it's important to consider the return on investment, especially if you plan to sell within the next few years. NAHB analysis of 2019 Census Bureau Survey of Construction data shows that only 7% of newly constructed homes lack a garage or carport. Converting your garage into a room like an office could reduce your home's value if you don't take measures to maintain its capacity to store vehicles. On the other hand, improvements such as new car-safe flooring, storage cabinets, and garage door insulation can increase your property's value. Make sure to save receipts and take photos before and after any upgrades are made.

In terms of finances, you may also want to consider the costs associated with maintaining the garage-turned-office. For instance, if you’re wondering whether a garage door is covered under a home warranty if it needs repaired, you should know that in most all cases it is not. The garage door opener, however is, and that’s good news – the average cost to repair a garage door opener is $150 and the replacement cost ranges from $300 to $500.

Garages are built to store cars and other equipment. Therefore, transforming your garage requires some preparation. You can create a stylish and functional home office in your garage with the right plan and resources.