The pandemic has forced several employees to work from home. Some actually prefer not being in offices to avoid the virus. But having a designated workspace might be a problem for some.
If you do not have a working area in your home and lack the space to build a new one inside, why not turn to your garden and transform your shed into a home office? You can work in a quieter area just a few feet from your house. Your garden shed can be more than just a storage compartment for your tools and equipment.
We all have particular needs with our office, depending on the nature of our work. And with those needs might come a bit of a hefty budget if you are going to build your garden shed office from scratch. Start your renovation plans, ask for help from your loved ones, and watch some tutorials online for some DIY projects, and you might be able to cut the cost.
1. Make a Plan
Before renovating your shed, make a sketch and a to-do list of what you want to have in your new working space. Include your interior and all the other things you’ll need like an electric socket, furniture, internet, paint, and lighting. By making a list, you can also figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your renovation and have the time to organize and decide when you will start the project.
2. Add the Right Decoration and Furniture
The furniture and decor you’ll need depend on the industry of your work. After deciding what to do with the shed, you can now consider storage and other accessories that will fit your plan. The possibilities are endless with design so take your time to plan everything and consider the essentials.
If you have a small business, you might need to look into used forklifts for sale to carry heavy shipments and products. If you’re a freelancer or an employee that requires a computer set up, you will need a table and chair, stationary, and a strong internet connection. And if you are using the office to write, you need whiteboards, cork boards on the wall, or bookcases.
It would be best if you made it a comfortable and relaxing place to spend time in despite it being a place meant for work. Add some throw pillows and a small sofa for you to rest in during short breaks, put some plants near windowsills to bring some life into the room, and place some personal touches on your tables like some posters or a framed photo of you and your loved ones,
3. Run Power to Your Shed
Most offices need electronics such as a phone, laptop, computer, and even a printer, so you need to hire a professional to carry out this part. Count how many electrical sockets and light switches you’ll need and where you would like to place them. It’s best to put one near your office table and where the electronics will be placed.
4. Keep It Secure
Always keep your shed locked to prevent thieves and intruders from stealing your office equipment. Replace your door handles that have a strong lock on them. Get padlocks or sensors so that you can be alerted in case of a break-in. You can also put up heavy curtains or install window blinds to prevent passers-by from getting a peek of the inside.
5. Get Proper Insulation
If you plan to do every work on your garden shed, you will need to prepare it for any weather and temperature, whether in summer or winter. You will also need to make it waterproof since there are risks of water leaks when it starts to snow. Ensure there are no creases between your walls, doors, and windows to keep the air from getting through.
You can use a silicone sealant to seal around the base of your shed to prevent water from coming in during the cold season. Putting a sealant will help prevent possible drainage end water moisture.
You don’t want to risk getting electronics and other valuables wet. Installing proper insulation will also help soundproof the building if you’ll have virtual meetings and want complete silence or prefer to work with full blast music playing from the background.
6. Pest-proof Your Office
Many insects and rodents might be living in your garden, such as rats, spiders, cockroaches, and other pests that can get inside your shed and reside in your storage closets. Hire a pest control or do the precautionary measures yourself by putting steel mesh wires from any openings and sealing holes and cracks with stainless steel scouring pads.
To avoid luring them in, make sure to keep your shed spotless. Dispose of your garbage properly before leaving and get rid of food wrappers, leftovers, or any trash.
7. Install Proper Lighting
There are several types of lighting to choose from, like LED lighting and halogen lights for overhead and adjustable spotlights. Of course, natural lighting would be the best one to have that will be coming from your windows. You can also install sliding doors to allow the sun during the day. But there might be times when you need to stay longer until nighttime. Hence, invest in good traditional lighting.
Making your own office from a shed is not an easy task, but it will be worth it in the end when you are done with your renovation and end up having a spacious office nestled in your garden. Remember to plan everything you need and just have fun with your project.