With the growing popularity of remote work, many people are building a cosy corner at home as a home office. However, an office right inside your home isn’t always a viable solution, especially if family members are lively! It can be quite challenging to focus amidst the noise.
So, a better option is to transform your shed into a home office. With the right customisation and design, you can build a calm and quiet work environment. So, let’s know all the steps to get this done!
Planning and Design
Before rebuilding your shed into a home office, plan and design how you want to upgrade your shed. Focus on these aspects:
Space
Investigate the shed’s size, condition, and interior space. Understand how much space you need for your office equipment.
Seek professional builders and know whether your shed has the potential for renovation. They will be able to customize your shed according to your preferences and needs.
Zoning
Consider whether you want to create different zones for work, storage, and relaxation. For instance, your workspace can be near the window as natural light boosts productivity. Storage can be away from doors and windows to protect documents from weather elements.
If the shed has small windows or doesn’t have windows, you can also incorporate large windows and skylights.
Renovation and Preparation
Once you’ve decided on the design plans, your next focus must be on the renovation of the shed’s structure. Mention these common shed upgrades to your shed builders to get an amazing workspace.
Walls and Flooring
If your shed’s floor is bare, install durable and comfortable flooring that match office aesthetics, such as hardwood, vinyl, or laminate. Next, insulate the walls and cover them with drywall. You can also apply wooden panelling for a polished finish.
Electricity
To power your office devices, lights, and HVAC systems, you will need electricity in your shed.
Install plenty of power outlets to accommodate all heavyweight devices, such as an air conditioner, heater, computer, printer, and other industry-specific devices. If you might pull all-nighters, you can even get a fridge and oven.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation at work is known to reduce productivity and increase sick leaves. So, pay special attention to the shed ventilation. Insulate walls, floors, and ceilings to regulate indoor temperature. Install a ceiling fan and vents to regulate airflow.
Soundproofing
Outside noise can be a major distraction to work. So, soundproof the shed to create the perfect environment to focus on work.
Security
Since you’ll store important work electronics, equipment, and sensitive documents in the shed, you must also focus on its security. Install a sturdy door with locks and surveillance cameras.
Furnishing and Décor
After the renovation, you must focus on decorating your office space to make it functional and more attractive.
Furniture
Invest in one ergonomic office chair for impeccable back support throughout long work hours. Purchase a large enough desk for your computer, keyboard, documents, and other office essentials.
Buy a standing desk so you don’t suffer from a sedentary lifestyle. Alternate between sitting and standing options for relief.
Lighting
Install desk lamps of adjustable brightness to focus on work. Get ambient lights, such as floor lamps or pendant lights, for relaxation.
Storage Solutions
Ensure the office is always organised by using built-in shelves and filing cabinets. If there’s too little space, maximise utility by adding some vertical shelves or wall-mounted storage. You can also get floating shelves to keep the floor space clean.
Technology and Connectivity
Your home office is incomplete without the right technology. So, let’s gather these minute elements.
Internet Connection
If you work on a computer or any other internet-based device, a stable and fast internet connection is a must-have for your workspace.
Based on the distance between your home and shed, you can extend the Wi-Fi signal with a wireless extender. Otherwise, contact your internet service provider for the most suitable solution.
Office Equipment
Get all the necessary office equipment, such as a computer, printer, and scanner. If necessary, invest in multiple monitors. Plan their placement to avoid crowding the shed.
Video Conference Setup
If you have to attend lots of client meetings on video call, set up a video conference spot. Arrange for a neutral background and proper lighting to give a professional impression.
You can also get a high-quality headset with a microphone to ensure a seamless on-call experience.
Conclusion
Transforming a shed into a functional home office is a rewarding process. So, follow this detailed guide and build a fully-furnished workspace right around your home!
