Transform Your Garage into Your Home Office with 4 Simple Steps!

Like so many of us, you find you enjoy working from home, but don't you need a dedicated office space?

One solution growing in popularity that doesn't upset the whole house or break the bank is to transform your garage into a large, highly functional office space.

Planning is the key to success.

If you'd like some insight into the best way to do this, consider consulting the experts at Caspersen Door Systems. These folks have a clear understanding of how to make such a project happen and how to choose the proper door.

A new garage door is one of the first considerations in this process. Let's begin by going through a checklist of garage-to-office steps.

Eastman E-12, 14' x 7', Claystone door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Orion windows

You like this look? This an Eastman E-12 garage door (R-16 insulated) from the Townships Collection, 14' x 7', Claystone door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Orion windows

Question 1 – Is Your Current Garage Door Suitable?

Chances are, you never thought about giving your workspace "curb appeal." If, however, your door is showing wear and has not been replaced in several years, turning the garage into your office is the best opportunity you're going to have to update it—Not to mention the boost it will give to your home's appearance.

Frankly, an equally important consideration is whether or not your current door will protect your office from weather, temperature fluctuation, and outside noise.

You might step out into the garage and ask yourself seriously: can I work in this temperature, can varmints or neighbor kids get in, are there heat and air leaks? If it turns out the door is not perfectly suitable, a new garage door may be the key to boosting your productivity by preventing discomfort and distractions.

Garage Door Model: Standard+ Vog, 10' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony

You like this look? This is Standard+ Vog (R-16 insulated), 10' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony

Question 2 – Exactly How Will the Space Be Used?

Ever had a perfect office space before? Now you can design your own.

  • When it comes to creative space, everyone needs a desk. Ideally, what sort of surface would work best for you?
  • Storage space is the next necessity. What resources, files, and manuals will you need in your office?
  • Would you like to have a meeting area for conferences with clients, or even a lounge space for the occasional rest break?

Home office picture - Abondant light and clean desk help getting work done

Photo credit: Unsplash

Chances are, in the past, you've just had to accept the available space you were given and adapt it to your tasks. If you're creating your own office space, you get to design in functionality from the beginning.

Often, a garage is large enough to make the space multi-functional. Will that be a plus for you?

Perhaps you've been thinking horizontal terms, but maybe there is vertical space available as well. Check out the blog Love Property to see how a loft space may be designed for various uses.

Then, too, Decoist has a garage home office design that allows for space to store a bike. These additional uses will impact your choice in garage doors as well.

Suppose multi-function is appropriate for your space, and you need to store items as well for landscaping or stuff that needs to stay close but not in the house. In that case, it's necessary to keep a true garage door as opposed to framing in the opening and limiting access.

Question 3 – What's the Best Way to Make it Functional?

Perhaps you'd like some assistance in designing the space for flow, storage, and use. There are helpful freelance interior designers available.

Professional designers can take your priorities and turn them into realities.

It's great to have some original, creative ideas. At the same time, designers who work on this type of project have many insights to share that might not occur to us.

Still, working with a designer doesn't mean you have to give up the final say, and many decisions will be left up to you.

One of the most important decisions has to do with the flooring. Most garage floors are cement. Will you let it stay as is, or treat it with area rugs, carpet, or vinyl? There are really two decisions here: functionality as well as comfort must be considered.

This leads to other considerations. What will make this space feel more comfortable than the office you're leaving? You have many options for wall treatments (wallpaper, paint, decorations) as well as many styles of lighting.

In this design phase, creativity is king. Think outside the box for additions like pendant lights. These are not only efficient and affordable but draw the eye upward. What about built-in bookshelves with a rolling ladder?

Home office in Black & White with 3 tables made with painting trestles

Photo credit: Pixabay

Question 4 – What Are the Practical Considerations?

To make your new office work, there are some construction issues that must be considered.

Humidity is often an issue with garages. Check with Caspersen Door Systems for humidity solutions. Remember as well your proximity to the exterior, which will make insulation a real necessity.

Few garages are part of the home's HVAC system, so you must reflect on what you'll need in the way of a heater in the winter and, of course, an air conditioner in the summer.

Completing your garage-to-office will actually turn a mostly unfinished storage space into a habitable part of your home.

Accordingly, you'll want your new office space to be as comfortable as possible. While some expense is involved, all we've discussed is still far more affordable than building on an addition—not to mention the added value it gives your house.

Does a New Garage/Office Put a New Garage Door on Your To-Do List?

Often homeowners don't realize there are garage door dealers close by that you can contact. These are professional craftsmen who are accustomed to dealing with every need and unique personal desire.

Caspersen Door Systems is transparent in its pricing and is glad to offer an email quotation.

Feel free to visit our showroom. You might find your creative juices stirred, plus our professionals standby to offer insight and advice.

We look forward to being part of this new process, so give us a call at 508-563-5633.

Have a smartphone?

Check out our Design Centre. Upload a picture of your home to see how one of our doors fits your house perfectly!

Looking for creative possibilities?

Lots of gorgeous residential garage door waiting for you here, so take a look!

Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.