Telecommuting has become quite the trend among employers and employees as of late, allowing more and more people to work from home. It may even reduce stress. Aside from that, many people are also starting up their own side businesses more than ever before. And so, people are looking for ways to create that home office space that will provide them with the room they need to be productive.
If your house doesn’t have a dedicated space for an office, and you’re already tight for space as it is, it’s time to get creative about where you can set up your office. One option you may want to consider is to build a garden shed that also works as your own home office. Think about it, you’ll have the space and privacy you need without taking away from your home’s square footage.
If you think an outdoor garden office could be what you need, then you’re going to want to make use of these helpful tips and steps.
Pick the Configuration and Size that Works for You
When it comes to the design, you have to consider the size of the shed. Something like the 10×14 Gable Storage Shed Plan from 3DSHEDPLANS could be exactly what you’re after. This design is extremely attractive, offering lovely double doors with windows in them, it’s tall enough to walk around in, plus there are windows on the side to allow the light in. What’s great about this is that you can cut the costs down by about 50% when you work from a plan.
Another great aspect of the floor plan from 3D Shed Plans is the fact it’s meant for beginners. There is no need to have any building experience. The plan comes with easy-to-follow instructions that take you through all the steps. It even features a shopping list so you will be sure to have all the materials and tools on-hand when you’re ready to start.
Consider also finishing the interior of your shed with drywall. This will give it a more complete look and feel, and also help with insulation. If you live in a cold climate, this will be all the more important. So that you aren’t cold while working.
What About Electricity?
Electricity can be a tricky issue, as you’ll likely need some sort of power source out there. If that’s the case you can run the electricity from your home to your shed. Before doing this, however, you’ll want to check with the building codes in your town/city to be sure this is allowed. It’s a good idea to deal with these electrical issues during the planning stage, as you can then include the electrical wiring behind the drywall if you plan on finishing the walls.
You can also go with the option of solar panels, which are really useful. You can even choose to lease solar panels instead of buying them outright.
Make Sure it is Accessible
When it comes to the placement of your shed, you want to be sure it is easily accessible from your house. This could mean that you build a pathway to the shed, or have it right off a main door or deck. The last thing you want to deal with is trudging through thick bushes, and darting around trees just to get to your office. You want to be sure it’s also well-lit so that if you’re working in the evening hours you have no problems finding your way back to the house.
What Will Go in Your Office?
As you think about the floor plan for your office space, it’s important to consider what items/furniture you want to place in there. Common furniture you’ll want to include is a desk, chair, file cabinet, shelving, and task lighting (floor and desk lamps). If you will be seeing clients/customers in your office space, then you’ll also need a chair or couch for them.
In order to warm up the space, and make it more comfortable, you can also include things like an area carpet, wall hangings, and mirrors to create the illusion of space and light. If you plan on spending long amounts of time in your garden office you may also want to include a small bar fridge for snacks and beverages. A space heater may also be necessary depending on where you live. Opt for one with an automatic shut-off so you don’t have to worry about safety issues.
The Perfect Home Office
Transforming a shed into your home office is not only a creative use of space, it also allows you to have that dedicated, private, and quiet space you need in order to be productive.