Whether you are working full-time, part-time, or freelancing, you clearly understand how important it is to have a working area rather than restricting yourself to your room. To achieve the best results, you require a quiet workspace that will remind you of an actual office setting. If you have access to a storage shed, you can convert it into a home office. Personalized spaces are essential since they allow you to work in privacy, away from distractions that hinder your productivity.
Here is a step to step guide to how you can turn your storage shed into a backyard office.
Come up with a plan
First, create a plan on what kind of shed office you would want. This will depend on the type of work you do, how you will use the space, and the requirements needed to meet this use. Create a list of what needs to be done before putting the shed to use.
Create a detailed job list
A detailed job list helps you establish which supplies and professional help you require for each job and each process stage. This enables you to set up a budget that can facilitate all the products and services needed for the entire process to be completed successfully.
Office essentials
Consider what furniture and accessories you will need to create a working environment. There are endless possibilities to what you can require for your home office. For instance, if you are a writer, you need a working desk with a comfortable chair, an internet connection, ample lighting, and storage space. Office furniture and accessories will affect the overall design of your office shed.
Layout and size
Planning the layout and size of your backyard office will help you determine if the office furniture will fit well inside. While purchasing furniture for your office shed, ensure that it fits well and has the right sizes. You can try experimenting with different ways and come up with a good office layout.
Assess your shed’s condition
Check if your shed requires any alterations before progressing to convert it into a home office. Make sure to test the doors and windows to see if they are working correctly. Empty the shed and look for any signs of mold, gaps on windows or room corners, leaks, and wood rot. If there are any, ensure that you thoroughly clean the shed before insulating. Remember to secure removed contents from your shed.
Insulate your office shed
If you plan on using the shed office all year round, ensure that you insulate the entire building to make it weatherproof. Insulating your backyard office shed gives you a controlled climate environment through stabilizing temperatures and humidity. A properly insulated office shed prevents rain from finding its way to your electrical equipment, which might damage them. An insulator also acts as a soundproof, which is suitable if you enjoy loud music when working.
Convert your backyard shed office
Once you have insulated your office shed, you are now ready to transform your shed into a real office. Start installing lighting and heating appliances, but first, you’ll need to fit the shed with electricity. You can use either mains or alternative sources like wind or solar. Ask a professional to carry any electrical work for you, who will then sign them off for insurance purposes. You can install lighting of your choice such as halogen, LED lights, lamps, or fluorescents.
Decorate and furnish your home office
Arrange all your furniture in a well-organized manner to be able to run your office smoothly. If there is still ample space left, you can add extra chairs and perhaps a couch for comfort. Go ahead and paint your office to create a striking look, then add finishing touches like pictures, curtains, live plants, and rugs to breathe life into your new home office.
Enjoy doing your work from home
Working from a home office is the perfect place to complete your work without having to leave the comfort of your home, not to mention you can still work while in your pajamas. A home office is a great alternative to renting an office space,