Working from home has numerous advantages, such as more flexible working hours, a better work-life balance, and no travel expenses, to name a few. All of this can be done in the privacy of your own garden shed!
When it comes to the working-from-home lifestyle, nothing beats having a dedicated workstation that feels like you’re in an actual office. It’s usually a good idea to choose a working place rather than confining yourself to your room, whether you’re working full-time, as a freelancer, or owning a business.
What if you don’t have the space for an office or find your house to be too distracting? If that’s the case, turning your shed into your ideal backyard office is a fantastic idea!
Step 1: Planning
The first step is to figure out what type of shed office you want. Depending on the type of work you conduct, this will vary.
Our experts also recommend that you think about how you’ll use the area and what you’ll need for it. If you need to use a laptop or computer in the office, for example, you’ll need to power your shed.
Make a list of all the options and consider what must be done before you can start using the shed as an office.
Step 2: Office Equipment
The next stage is to figure out what kind of furniture, storage, and accessories you’ll need. This will have an impact on the shed office’s design and access requirements, as well as the utilities you’ll require.
Furthermore, if you’re an artist or designer, you’ll want to use a desk or table to sketch, draw, or sculpt. You’ll also need a comfy chair and plenty of natural light.
If you’re writing in the office, you may not need a large desk, but you will need additional wall space for whiteboards or bookcases. You might even wish to get a kettle and a refrigerator for drinks at the office.
Step 3: Selecting a Design
If you plan to use your shed office regularly throughout the year, you’ll need to insulate it and make sure it’s completely weatherproofed.
Since a shed might be exposed to the elements during the winter, it’s critical to ensure that it’s structurally strong and won’t leak water, especially if you’ll be putting electronics inside.
Step 4: Layout and Size
It’s crucial to plan the style and size of your garden office, so you can see if the furniture and other items you want to include will fit.
Consider the size of your garden before buying an online shed to determine how much room it will take up. If you already have one, make sure all the furniture you plan to put inside is the proper size and fits in well.
Sheds come in a variety of sizes, so you can select a garden office that is as tiny or as large as you want, depending on the size of your garden.
Step 5: Evaluate the Condition of Your Shed
The next step is to inspect the state of your shed to see if it needs any repairs or if it is completely watertight. Keep an eye out for any tears in the roof felt and double-check that the roof is firmly attached.
Also, check the doors and windows to determine whether they’re working properly and if any gaps are present. Remove everything from the shed and inspect it for signs of mold, water, leaks, or wood decay. Before you can move on to turning your shed into an office, you’ll need to take care of these issues.
Step 6: Creating an Office in Your Garden Shed
You’re now ready to turn the shed into your ideal garden office! Treat the garden shed’s exterior to make it waterproof and less susceptible to dampness.
This will also extend the shed’s lifespan. Consider lighting, heating, insulation, and power next. These are the items that will turn your shed into a true office, allowing you to work from home!
Lighting
With the correct illumination, you’ll be able to work in your office at any time of day. Different types of lighting will suit your office’s needs.
Heating
No matter what time of year it is, heating will keep your office comfortable to work in. It will also keep the dampness out and prevent damage to any paperwork or electronics.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you turn your shed into the most magnificent garden office for your needs!