Convert your shed into an awesome work office.
Are you ready to be more productive and effective at work than you’ve ever been? If you’re weary of dealing with the distractions of working from home, be ready to create a workstation that will revolutionize your life. Enter the shed office, commonly referred to as a backyard office or a pod office. Whatever you name it, it’s just a little structure in your yard where you work. It may be a repurposed garden shed, a custom-built unit with floors and windows or a little do-it-yourself project The advantages of the office shed are that you can create some physical distinction between your house and your workplace, and you don’t have to take office space from your home’s current design.
Do you think this is one of the finest home office ideas you’ve heard? Enjoy transforming a shed into a home office shed by following the steps below!
Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Buy, Build or Use Current Shed
If you’ve already shed, move on to step 3. If not, your first move should be to buy a shed. You have two options.
DIY: Do it yourself!
Prebuilt: If DIY isn’t your thing or you don’t have the time to spend building a shed, a prebuilt shed is a way to go!
An 8×10, 10×10 or 10×12 shed provides enough room while being reasonably priced. However, carefully assess your area requirements and size accordingly. All options will vary on the amount of work and cost. You can find prebuilt sheds and building materials and supplies from your local home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes.
Step 2: Check to See if You Need a Permit
Your shed project may or may not require a permit depending on your county, state, or homeowner’s association. More information regarding the permission procedure and preparing the foundation for your shed may be found by contacting your HOA or community board. If you do the project on your own, you will have to personally reach out. However, if you work with a contractor, they may include getting the permits in their services. Always ask the company what their process is.
Step 3: Add Windows
Your shed, whether prebuilt or DIY, most certainly contains one or two windows. However, if you want to maximize natural daylight, you should consider adding one or two more. The more natural lighting you can offer for your shed’s inside, the less reliant you will be on electric lighting throughout the day. Plus, natural lighting is the best lighting source to work with if you want the most productivity. Transom windows and skylights are other excellent methods to maximize illumination in your shed’s interior. So, while you’re picking and designing your shed, be sure to add extra windows. If you currently have a shed and want to add extra windows, you may certainly do so. If you need to find windows or need inspiration, we recommend checking out Pella windows.
Step 4: Add Electricity
If you are working in your office shed, electricity will be very important. It is most likely the one thing you will need to get anything done. Therefore, ask yourself, ‘What do I intend to use daily inside my office shed?’
- Coffee Maker
- Laptop
- Internet
- Lamp
- Lights
- Clock
- Heater
- AC
Doing it yourself is the most cost-effective approach to adding power. Depending on your location and electrical requirements, going DIY might cost anywhere from $100 to $600. Hiring a contractor might range between $1,000 and $4,000. If you lack expertise or understanding of electrical work, it is preferable to engage a professional electrician to ensure that the task is done correctly. You do not want to cause an electrical fire or have more issues getting things started.
Step 5: Insulate
Whether you reside in the freezing north or the hot south, you will most likely want to invest in insulation for your office shed. Insulation keeps your shed warm and cool. Furthermore, because of its insulating capabilities, it helps keep your power expenses down when you operate a heater or AC inside your workplace.
Your two best alternatives are:
- Spray Foam
- Foam Board
If you do not want to perform your insulation, contact a local contractor to see if they can help you.
Step 6: Choose Safe Doors with Locks
Because you will be putting your pricey equipment (computer, monitors, etc.) overnight in your home office shed, you will need a lockable door. And one that locks securely! A bolt lock and video monitoring may be added for added security. We recommend checking our Pella doors for inspiration. Our team of skilled door installers can help you at Valor Home Services. Call us today to get a new exterior door to your office.
Step 7: Add Drywall
Even if you choose not to insulate (but especially if you did), you may want to create a more professional look inside your shed office. The best way to do so is by closing your walls. You can cover your walls with drywall. Once you have the drywall up, you can then add organization shelves, wall decor, calendars and more! If you are not a drywall finisher, we recommend working with a skilled contractor to complete the job.
Step 8: Paint
Wow, you’re getting closer to finishing your office shed than ever before!! What a thrilling sensation! Excellent work! Step number eight is to paint your office. Choose a hue that encourages your drive to get things done and your concentration for this task. White or off-white white is a common choice in an office setting. However, neutral hues like tans and beiges also work nicely. Of course, a splash of color always adds a bit more jazz or character, so paint whatever makes you feel good and inspired on those walls! Many DIYers prefer to do this step on their own, but you also can hire a professional contractor to get it done for you in no time.
Step 9: Install Flooring
Your shed floor will be clamoring for attention by this stage. And with the paint dried, it’s time to add the flooring.
Here are some shed flooring alternatives for you to consider.
- Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Carpet
- Laminate
- Engineered Hardwood Floor
If you are looking for inspiration or a product, we recommend heading over to our Free Resource page and downloading the product catalogs we have. Once you have your flooring picked, our skilled team of experts can help you with the installation.
Step 10: Decorate
Consider your shed home office as an opportunity to get creative with your workstation. Because it is not a part of your house, the décor does not have to be in the same style. While efficiency is at the heart of the design, incorporating wall art, a rug and creative home office lighting ideas may make the area feel more pleasant.
Converting a shed into an office shed is an excellent method to increase your living space without incurring the expenditure of a complete home addition. It will also provide you with complete privacy. Then relax and watch your productivity soar. Your office does not have to be in your shed. You can create one in your own home, and Valor Home Services is here to help! We can help you create a completely new one or update your current one. For more information or to get started, give us a call today.
