Establishing a shed home office can be an exciting project. Unfortunately, though, not everyone will enjoy undertaking such an undertaking due to the time commitment and expertise necessary for turning an ordinary shed into an inviting workspace.
Purchase a shed built specifically for this use and follow these steps to turn it into a productive workspace: 1. Install Windows.
1. Create a Floor Plan
Garden sheds provide an idyllic retreat and space for planting seeds, starting them indoors, propagating cuttings or dividing plants to give away. However, these utilitarian buildings can also serve as showcases of your artwork, spaces to spend hours painting or drawing or simply an escape from noise-ridden homes.
No matter if you choose a pre-built shed or construct one yourself, it is crucial that the site and layout is well planned before construction begins. Laying out stakes to form a footprint and stringing mason line to help determine your ideal shed size is key – then measure its dimensions to ensure sufficient room is provided for your equipment and storage items.
As part of your floor plan, don’t forget to incorporate space for a workbench and potting table. Additionally, plan to install electrical outlets and utilities during construction for optimal cost efficiency – typically the least disruptive way. Furthermore, adding windows is another simple way to increase light inside your shed, making it feel more spacious; transom windows placed along upper walls are an effective solution here.
2. Add Windows
Natural lighting is essential to productivity and comfort when working in a shed, so windows should be added where possible to allow more natural light in. Insulation will also help regulate temperature while decreasing noise disturbance.
Choose from an array of window styles to meet the needs of your shed. Options might include hinged doors that open outward, sliding doors to save space or bifold doors that operate like garage doors.
Once your windows are in place, it’s time to complete the trim work – including baseboards, crown molding, and window casing – making your shed office appear polished and professional. These simple touches can truly give it that added polish!
If you don’t possess the expertise to install these elements yourself, hiring a professional may be your best bet. They will be able to add trim, wire up lights and outlets, install electrical components as needed and make your shed ready to use as an office!
3. Paint the Interior
Working from home can offer great work-life balance benefits, but having enough space for productivity is key. If your office cannot fit within your house, a garden shed might provide the ideal alternative.
Start by emptying and thoroughly cleaning the shed, treating its wood surfaces if necessary to make them weatherproof and help protect it against mould, damp and wood rot. This will protect its structure.
Once your shed has been thoroughly cleaned and painted, the next step is painting its interior. Choose a neutral colour that promotes productivity while adding personal touches with decorative items and accessories that reflect your personal style.
Prior to installing drywall or wallboard, it’s also essential that walls and ceilings be properly insulated. You have two options for insulation installation – buying it yourself and doing it yourself or hiring a professional service provider to handle this task for you.
If you plan to use a shed as an office or studio, adding windows will allow natural light to help maintain air quality and make you more comfortable. Ventilation fans are an investment worth making as they will remove stale air while providing ventilation; additionally, window units may even provide heating/cooling to the space.
4. Add Flooring
Flooring is essential in turning a shed into a home office. Selecting appropriate floors will ensure a comfortable, insulated environment that’s easy to keep clean – there are various carpet, wood, vinyl and tile options available.
Carpet is an affordable way to add warmth and softness to your shed, providing warmth as well as insulation against drafts. Unfortunately, however, it’s not very durable, absorbing liquids quickly that become trapped under its fibers and taking in any stains or smells that come its way – becoming moldy if neglected for too long!
If your shed will serve as a workspace, investing in concrete flooring might be worth your while. Not only is this cost-effective and durable option easy to install; once walls have been constructed it can even be poured right in!
Rubber matting makes an affordable yet practical choice for shed floors, providing a soft surface to sit or stand on, as well as being easy to keep clean – ideal for children’s playrooms or workshops. For something with more elegant aesthetics, epoxy flooring will turn your shed into an impressive and resilient space.
5. Add Trim
To turn your shed office into an environment in which you can be productive, a few final touches will be essential. Lighting should always be sufficient; whether through simple lamp illumination or built-in overhead lighting systems. Also important is insulation which will keep the space warmer during winter and cooler during summer – add full sheets of drywall as insulation material while filling any wall cavities including those behind electrical boxes.
Your next step should be waterproofing the shed roof to prevent leaks and water damage, then completing it with appropriate furnishings such as desk, chair and storage solutions to optimize workspace.
Once completed, your shed will have been transformed into a fully functional home office, providing you with an inviting place to work without the distractions of home and family life. Enjoy sipping coffee while taking on each day – don’t forget your productivity fuel of choice if that helps! If you’re thinking of turning your garden shed into an office space for good – why not browse our range of pre-built sheds first?
6. Install Lighting
Lighting should always be considered when upgrading a garden shed, from use as an art studio or cozy reading nook, to simply increasing natural lighting in the space. Even adding one window will help bring natural light into the shed space.
If you decide to add windows, be sure they’re energy-efficient so as to reduce utility bills. Transom windows allow natural light while freeing up valuable storage space.
Installing hardwired lighting into your shed is another option, providing more comfortable working conditions and making for easier work processes. However, this project should only be undertaken with professional assistance as this requires adhering to electrical building codes and following all regulations for its completion.
Solar-powered sconce lights make installing decorative exterior lighting easy for any shed, and offer the added advantage of automatically operating and installing.
7. Add Accessories
Once the walls and shed have been completed, it’s time to consider electrical outlets and lighting. Hiring a licensed electrician is advised, who will ensure there are enough power outlets for all your equipment as well as comply with all codes; additionally this could provide an ideal opportunity for running an ethernet cable for internet connectivity.
Next, add trim work such as baseboards and crown molding. This will create a more refined appearance and help it to feel like more of an office space. Finally, install light fixtures – lamps for an edgier modern vibe; track or overhead lighting can give it more traditional office feel.
With careful planning and execution, your garden shed can become an elegant home office that supports productivity while helping to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Grab some coffee (or whatever fuels your productivity!) and get to work!
