Building a Garden Shed Office Space
Shed offices are the latest trend in work-from-home solutions, offering productivity, comfort, and privacy at a more reasonable cost than upgrading to a home office.
Traditional sheds tend to be small lean-to structures designed to store lawnmowers and deck chairs. But garden rooms equipped with multiple windows allow natural light to fill the room, creating an environment filled with illumination.
Space Planning
Selecting an effective space for your garden shed office is key to its effectiveness as an office environment. You want the room to feel like home while remaining functional for work-related tasks – here are some tips on achieving both.
Begin by clearing out your shed and sorting through items you no longer require before finding appropriate storage spots for items that must remain. This will give you a clear understanding of what materials will be needed and how much can fit within available space.
Once you know what furniture will make up the shed office, think about what desk or chair will serve as your office and any additional pieces like bookshelves you may require (for instance). Once you know exactly what needs to be accomplished in the shed workspace, think about its layout: where your computer will reside, who you will seat during meetings and other important details – make sure adequate lighting has been planned so you can stay focused without straining your eyes too much!
Insulation should also be an investment if you plan on using your shed office year-round, to keep the workspace comfortable while also cutting back on electricity bills. Hiring professional help for this step is best as they will be able to ensure it meets energy efficiency standards while remaining safe for use.
Add the finishing touches to create your ideal home office shed by including artwork, decorations and storage for Marvel Comics action figures you have been collecting. Also consider security to safeguard technical equipment as well as lockable doors to provide privacy and peace of mind.
An outdoor office can be an invaluable addition to your home and an effective way to strike a healthy work-life balance. Not only can it improve health, productivity and stress reduction; but its cost effectiveness makes it more economical than hiring virtual assistants or taking time off for business travel. In fact, backyard offices usually yield 50-80% return in added home value and sell faster than homes without them!
Electrical
Electrical wiring is essential to making your shed into an effective home office. You’ll require power for computers, lights and any other devices used during work; as well as plenty of lighting that improves focus and productivity while decreasing eye strain and creating a cozy atmosphere.
As with any project that requires electrical wiring or plumbing, hiring a licensed electrician is key for ensuring work completed meets codes and safety for you and your family. In addition, local zoning regulations may have an effect on where your backyard workspace should be situated; and Arizona electrical codes regulate everything from wiring requirements to equipment restrictions.
If you don’t possess the required DIY skills, professional electrical and plumbing contractors should be hired for electrical and plumbing work. This helps protect your investment while assuring all connections are properly made; saving costly repairs and safety hazards in the process. A reputable contractor will take the time to assess your needs before creating a detailed plan that ensures all electrical and plumbing work adheres to code and meets local ordinance.
As soon as you’re ready to install electrical wires, start by marking all the studs where handy boxes will go. These plastic boxes house outlets, switches, smoke detectors and low voltage wiring; code compliance requires they be placed 14 inches above the floor. Pull all conductors through these plastic boxes using screw-in terminals secured with plastic clamps before pulling all conductors through into them for safekeeping.
Once the electrical wiring is in place, it’s time to add lights and finishing touches. Be sure to select fixtures that are energy efficient to help keep your shed cool during Arizona summers; additionally, consider investing in a ductless evaporative cooling system for quiet yet efficient operation.
Another way of keeping your shed cool is with a swamp cooler, which uses water instead of refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and direct it towards the ground. Not only is this solution greener than conventional air conditioning which uses chemical refrigerants but is also an inexpensive option.
Flooring
If you intend on using your shed as an office for working from home purposes, investing in quality flooring solutions is vital to creating an ergonomic work space and protecting it from heavy machinery or equipment that could potentially cause damage to the floor surface. Invest in good-quality carpet, laminate, or tile floor surfaces if possible as this will keep the space comfortable and prevent potential damages to its surfaces caused by heavy machinery or equipment.
Vinyl tiles are an easy, cost-effective and versatile flooring material suitable for garden sheds, making them a top pick among many available options. Easy to install and available in multiple colours and patterns, vinyl tiles offer long term stability that can withstand office furniture weight as well as moisture changes or temperature shifts without losing their sheen or resilience.
Linoleum flooring provides durability and style in equal measure, featuring an array of colours and patterns with some products offering warranties up to 25 years. In addition, water resistance makes linoleum stain resistant against oils or household chemicals that might stain it.
Cork flooring makes an ideal surface for sheds, being soft yet providing an ergonomic surface to stand on. Plus, cork acts as a natural insulator while its bright finish brightens a dark space. Rubber flooring has also become increasingly popular as an economical and practical choice; water resistant features, non-slip surfaces, anti-slip properties and ease of maintenance have helped it gain in popularity over time.
Wood flooring provides your shed with an elegant aesthetic and comes in various styles from tongue and groove engineered planks to cladding panels. However, this more expensive material requires regular upkeep such as sanding and repainting for optimal results.
As another alternative, you could purchase a shed that’s already been converted to home office use. There are various companies in the UK offering this service – typically installing new roofing and insulation materials before laying a sturdy wooden floor – this solution tends to be faster, simpler and less costly than converting an ordinary garden shed; but may not suit every purpose.
Dakota Storage places great care into creating sheds of the highest quality, from their roof shingles and flooring materials to their joists and epoxy coating protection, which helps extend their floor covering’s lifespan while making cleaning and maintaining easier. They even offer epoxy floor protection as an added feature! Dakota Storage shed offices boast this great feature and are guaranteed to add years of extra life and convenience for their users.
Finishing
An efficient workspace in a backyard shed is key to working from home successfully. It helps eliminate distractions and gives you space to focus on professional goals. By adding insulation, electricity, furniture and other comforts to the space you can transform it into an effective office.
Consider installing a ceiling fan to keep the temperature down in summer and a space heater for winter comfort. If your shed serves as an office space or clinic, include toilet facilities such as commode or shower to create an independent workspace apart from your home. A separate area is also beneficial when working collaboratively on projects; this prevents having to leave your shed for shared amenities in your home.
Installing windows and skylights into your shed office is an excellent way to bring natural light in, which will boost productivity while improving comfort. When choosing energy-efficient models that provide maximum light with minimal impact on utility bills, opting for energy-saving models could save on utility costs too! For sheds situated far from your house, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi extender in order to maintain strong internet connection for video calls and research online.
Sheds can also serve as versatile workshops, ideal for DIY or craft projects. Installing shelves and racks to organize tools and materials are great solutions, while adding wood preservative can protect it from weather elements and protect it from mold and mildew growth. Look for clear preservative that won’t stain your shed surface and louvered gable-end vents or ridge vents will expel hot air while creating an airy working space.
No matter if you opt for DIYing or purchasing a Smart Shed, garden shed offices will become invaluable tools in maintaining productivity from home. Smart Sheds are a cost-effective and hassle-free solution to providing fully functional climate controlled workspace tailored to individual needs, delivered directly to your yard – offering much simpler and less costly solutions than converting an existing shed or constructing something from scratch.