If you want to have your own office space at home, you can consider converting your shed into your own backyard office. Although there are great studios you can rent for your office space, it will save you a lot of money if you decide to create your ideal office with a shed kit or convert your existing shed right at your home.
You don’t need a huge amount of money to convert your shed into a backyard office. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can either consider it a DIY project or hire professionals to help you achieve your office space desires. Below are some of the steps you can follow to convert a shed into your backyard office:
Draft a Plan
Since there are lots of ways to convert a shed into a backyard office, it’s best to draw out a plan first. Before you start removing some parts of your shed or preparing your materials, plan what kind of backyard office you want and would perfectly suit your needs. For instance, will you use a cooling system like a PTAC unit (the kind often found in hotels) or would you rather settle with a fan only? In either case, you’ll need some degree of electrical work. Once you create your plan for your backyard office, it’s time to proceed with the next step.
Determine Your Office Layout
Know how much space you need for your backyard office. The space you’re working with will help you determine your office garden’s design. Oftentimes, sheds may range in small to big sizes.
Small sheds will not give you extra space for some of your amenities like refrigerators. But these can give you space for your desk, chair, and other essentials you may need to complete your work.
Medium sheds can provide you more flexibility in terms of the layout of your office. With these sheds, you’ll have space for extra office equipment like printers and bookcases.
Large sheds will not just accommodate your office essentials, but you’ll also have more space for other amenities you may need like a small refrigerator.
Add Electricity
For you to set up your office space completely, you need office essentials like computers. For these devices to work, you’ll require electricity. However, it’s important to keep in mind that electrical work isn’t something you should consider as a DIY project, unless you happen to be a certified electrician.
If possible, hire electricians who have experience with this sort of project, and offer a guarantee on their work. They can also work on the installation of cables and wires for internet access, lighting, and phone lines.
Prioritize Insulation
To keep your backyard office cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, you should prioritize insulation. If you’ve done insulation before, you probably know how itchy it could be. So, make sure to cover yourself adequately before you start the process. See to it that you fill the entire ceiling and wall cavities with this material. It includes the space behind the electrical boxes and would help keep air to get through. This can also soundproof your backyard office to some degree, allowing you to work in peace.
Put Up Drywall and Install Trim Work
Hang your preferred wall covering. It’s a good idea to at least cover the ceiling in drywall. Just make sure to pick a drywall length that suits your shed. After you’re done with wall covering, you can now proceed with installing trim work. This may include crown molding, window casing, and baseboards. Such elements can add a refined look to your converted shed, making it feel like a real office.
Install Proper Ventilation
To ensure comfort in your converted shed, you also need proper ventilation. This will guarantee that your insulation won’t reduce the lifespan of your roof shingles and will protect your shed from the moisture absorbed by the insulation. This can also help you prevent mold.
Depending on your preferences, you can either install continuous roof vents or standard plastic dome vents. These can be based on the kind of ceiling you’re going to have in your shed.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint and Don’t Forget Your Flooring
For some aesthetic purposes, hardwood or carpet floors and a fresh coat of paint can complete your shed’s comfortable design. Choose a color that would help boost your productivity level. Once you decide to skip on the flooring, a throw rug can cover your wooden base.
Start Furnishing
Fill your shed with your office essentials. You can include chairs, a computer, desks, filing racks, and more. You may also bring fans or space heaters for additional cooling and heating. Having live plants in your shed can complete your backyard office decoration. If you want something unique in your office space, you can get some inspiration by browsing online.
Conclusion
Converting a shed into a backyard office is easy and can be achieved by following the steps above. If you choose to go through this process, you’ll end up with something that is a good alternative to renting an office space, allowing you to complete your work right next to the comfort of your home.
