How To Renovate A Double Garage Into A Home Office?

There has never been a better moment to consider setting up a home office, and many people around the country have realised this. However, many residences lack the requisite square footage for a home office, prompting the query, “Why not convert the garage into a home office?”

We are always looking for methods to make our houses more comfortable by increasing the usable square footage. As the necessity of a home office grows, many parents are left wondering where they will find room for their children’s study areas.

There is a wide range of possibilities, most of which are specific to your property and its layout. The attic, the basement, even the spare corner of the bedroom, are all viable options for establishing a high-tech office. However, the garage is a fun and unusual place to set up a home office for people who would prefer to keep their work space separate from the rest of the house.

If you don’t have a car and don’t mind leaving it in the driveway while working from home, this could be a decent temporary option until you can return to the office full-time. This month, we’ll cover the essentials for transforming your garage into a temporary office space.

Converting a garage into a workable space at home requires some forethought and creativity. In addition to serving as a garage, a large garage can also serve as a studio or home office. It can also serve as a secondary living space or a casual hangout and homework spot for the youngsters. Here are some of the most effective and elegant garage home office ideas to use as inspiration for your own space.

FAQs About Garage Renovation

Can You Convert A Garage Into A Home Office?

With space at a premium in many homes, a garage conversion can be a great way to gain that much-needed workspace. If your garage has more storage space (or dumping ground) than a safe place to park the car, it could be the ideal location for a home office.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Garage Into An Office?

Garage conversions vary in cost depending on the specifications of your garage space. However, Santander estimates that the average garage conversion costs approximately $6,300, including plastering and decoration. We would expect a garage conversion to cost between $5,000-and $10,000.

Can I Convert My Garage To An Office Without Planning Permission?

Planning permission is not usually required to convert your garage into additional living space for your home, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

How Long Does A Garage Conversion Take?

A single-car garage conversion can take anywhere from one week to one month, depending on the scale and scope of the conversion. If multiple tradespeople from different firms are contracted, make sure they’ll be available when they’re needed during the conversion.

How Do I Convert My Garage To A Room Temporarily?

There is no way to transform a garage into a habitable living area temporarily. The space will never be weather-tight, properly insulated and heated in winter, and would require new windows for ventilation and a host of other improvements.

Convert Your Garage Into A Home Office

Consider converting your garage into a home office to maximise your limited square footage. Due to their inclosure, garages make great candidates for home office conversions.

It’s time to clean up the garage, which may have become a catch-all for seasonal decorations and paint cans for when you finally get around to painting the interior of your home. Finding out whether or not your garage can be converted into a home office is the first step in planning the project. And the first step is to get rid of the junk! Sort out what is essential to keep and what can be discarded. Then, discover a spot to keep the things you can’t bear to part with. If you need a place to store things and keep them out of the way, you could always build some shelves in the garage or get a storage shed.
After you’ve finished cleaning out your garage, take a look around to get a feel for the space and make a list of the modifications you’d like to do in preparation for turning it into an office. For instance, a standard garage has a cement floor, ceiling lights, and a door. Paint the walls a bright colour for an instant refresh. For a cleaner, more put-together look, paint your garage door if it is a standard type. You may want to seek professional advice before doing a project of significant scope (such installing a hardwood floor or installing lighting in a location that requires additional electrical outlets).
Remember that garages are not suitable for year-round habitation, so you’ll need to instal heating and cooling systems to keep you comfortable in both the cold winter and the hot summer. Investing in a portable space heater, a fan, and a portable air conditioner for warmer days will help you simply (and cheaply) adapt to the changing temps outside. Though, in the long run, you’ll probably need to invest in a more permanent HVAC system to make sure the garage is always a reasonable temperature.
Shine That Light: You’re one of the lucky few if your garage has windows. However, good illumination is essential for those who are trapped within a room with no windows. To compensate for the lack of sunlight, you should instal lamps not only on your desk but also in other areas of your garage to serve as a makeshift office. Then you won’t feel like you’re working in the dark with the only light source being right next to you.
Make Sure Your Equipment Is Working: It’s possible that your Wi-Fi connection won’t drop if you’re in an attached garage. Be sure to give the network a thorough test run before relocating. One item is a cursory perusal. It’s another thing to hold a video conference while also switching between multiple tabs. Many attached garages are constructed with fire safety in mind, so Wi-Fi signals may have trouble piercing the garage walls while you research how to turn a garage into a home office. A cable connection, Wi-Fi extenders, or a mobile hotspot may be necessary, depending on the specifics of your case.
Adjust It to Your Needs: Even if you could afford to buy an ergonomic desk and chair, why not use the space to your full potential by creating a stunning home office? Make it your own by decorating it with things you like framed photos, throw rugs, and furniture.

Clean & Tidy

To begin, you should know that your garage is currently not a good area to get work done. If your garage is cluttered with boxes, trash, patio furniture, and other items, it’s time to clean it out.

Dispose of unwanted objects by giving them to charity, selling them on internet markets, or throwing them away. Store whatever it is you intend to keep in a safe place, like a shed or an attic. The chest freezer and the washing machine may have to stay, but if they do, attempt to push them to one side of the room.

As soon as you have made some headway in clearing out clutter, you may begin cleaning. Remove dust and oil stains from the floor by washing it, and then use a feather duster to clean the walls and any crevices. Having a clean slate to work with at the outset will make the rest of the process much easier.

Heating

There’s a solid reason why garages typically don’t have any sort of built-in heating system. But if you plan on spending a lot of time here, you should probably make yourself at home. First, you should inspect and repair your garage door, which may be the source of the water loss.

Installing a draught excluder at the bottom of your garage door, as well as a weather strip on the floor where your garage door hangs, will go a long way towards protecting your workday from cold air and damp weather.

Portable heaters are a worthwhile investment because temporary heating is required in a garage office. How much money you have and how much room you need to heat will determine what kind of heater you can afford.

If you plan on using this office in the future, whether as a workshop or office, you may wish to invest in an overhead heater. Make sure the garage heater is safe to use, and turn it off every night.

Electricity

Even while most garages have some form of electricity, you could require more than what is provided by your typical setup. The necessity to plug in your heating (see above) and lighting equipment should also be taken into account (see below). An extension may be required in this case.

Never plug too many things into one outlet or risk damaging an extension cord by submerging it in water. You can determine how many power outlets you have available and where they will be safe if you first clean and organise your garage.

Good Lighting

Unless you’re sitting exactly under it, a single bulb probably won’t provide adequate lighting for the entire garage. Since staring at a computer screen in the dark is bad for your eyes, it’s a smart idea to bring more light to your office by getting a desk lamp or a floor lap.

If you’re ready to invest in getting the electrical aspects of this space permanently fixed out, you might want to think about replacing the single light bulb in the ceiling with something more elaborate and spacious.

It’s important to have a well-lit home office, with a balance between job and ambient lighting. However, most garages already have enough of natural light, and ventilation may be further enhanced by swapping out the existing garage door for one made of translucent glass panels or sliding glass doors. Before making a major investment in converting the garage into a chic home office, it’s a good idea to test the waters with a smaller-scale project.

Office Equipment

Putting together a fully functional, attractive, and fun home office is where the fun begins. If you have a lot of files or reference books, do you need more shelving? Do you want me to set up two monitors for you at your desk? Do you think a corner desk would be more convenient? Arrange all of these items, as well as any specialised tools (or even just the bare essentials) that you’ll need to do your work.

This is a perfect opportunity to get the workplace furnished and decorated to your liking.

Extra Considerations

You’ve got everything you need to set up shop and conduct your work each day, but is there anything additional that would make working from home more pleasant?

Accents of colour and texture, and perhaps even a touch of cosiness, can be achieved with the addition of soft furniture. You can use a huge beanbag to take video chats comfortably, and a big rug can insulate against the cold floor.
Be sure your WiFi signal will reach your garage office before making the move.
Dishes and beverages – Trying to cut down on trips to the kitchen? Why not instal a tiny refrigerator, a kettle, and a dish full of snacks?

If your garage door is crooked on the tracks or won’t close properly, preventing you from using it as a temporary office, then you should call Doormatic right away. In order to ensure that your home office is as conducive to productivity as possible, we provide garage door repairs and maintenance in Surrey, Kent, London, and throughout the South East.

Getting The Basics Right

Style And Aesthetics

After you’ve gotten the fundamentals settled and made some improvements to the garage’s liveability, you can start thinking about the garage’s aesthetics and functionality.

Avoiding purely modern or contemporary styles in favour of a blend of industrial, farmhouse, or rustic with modern finishes is recommended here. First, make sure you have the essentials like a desk, chair, and shelves for your office. A neutral colour scheme reduces eye strain and creates a soothing atmosphere in the workplace.

Inexpensive Ideas To Turn The Garage Into A Home Office

Using the garage as an office frees up space inside your house and provides a chance to separate work from home life. When turning a garage into a home office, however, the expenses can add up quickly. The average cost to turn a garage into a living space is between $5,983 and $19,442, according to HomeAdvisor.com.

If you incorporate a few tricks and a DIY attitude, you can carry out a garage conversion for much less. Follow these low-cost strategies to turn a garage into a home office you look forward to working in.

Start By Clearing Out

Sort through all the stuff you’ve stashed in the garage, including the boxes, bikes, and tools. Get rid of the clutter and figure up a clever way to store what you’re keeping. For products you only require rarely, you may put in shelving units. The attic, a shed in the backyard, or some other storage area could house the surplus of equipment.

Think About The Climate

Make preparations to keep the house at a constant, pleasant temperature all year round, whether you reside in a region with scorching summers or cold winters. Verify the garage door is closed and make sure the space is properly sealed.

Grab A Paintbrush

Walls that have seen better days can benefit greatly from a new coat of paint. Put aside a weekend and give yourself a makeover with a new colour instead of spending money on a salon visit. Choose a lighter hue if you must use colour. A white, clutter-free background will help your video conference participants see you clearly.

Don’t Buy New Furniture.

Start your desk/chair search on Facebook Marketplace or other applications like OfferUp. The ideal sofa or bookcase could be waiting for you in your neighborhood’s thrift shop or garage sale. Make a plan and wait to buy supplies until you find ones that are both affordable and suitable to your taste.

Install Proper Lighting

Examine the existing lighting and its effects on the room. The majority of garages have few windows, resulting in dim lighting. Garage offices with only one overhead light bulb can be difficult to navigate after dark.

Find a desk lamp or a lamp to hang over the garage workstation to increase the illumination. Then, determine whether white or yellow light is more appropriate for your situation.

Have Fun With Colour.

Brighten up a garage with a concrete floor and drywall by considering layouts that have more windows.

“Patterned pillows, contrasting lights with darks, a lively rug, and brightly painted furniture aid in transforming a dreary cave into a Pinterest-inspired personal place,”

Artificial plants or potted herbs that don’t require a lot of light can be used to fill in empty spaces.

Make The Space Seem Larger.

If your garage is on the little side, you should find ways to make it more spacious. Make use of desk organisers, file cabinets, and wall shelves to minimise mess.

Bedford, creator of Vett Deck, said, “We put a wide mirror above my desk to make the area appear bigger.” Her workplace is located in a remodelled garage.

Focus On Comfort.

Install a snack bar in your garage office to keep you going through the day. Prepare a small fridge, place an espresso machine, or bring a number of baskets filled with individually wrapped goodies from your cupboard.

Put in some comfy chairs and some magazines or welcome pamphlets if you expect regular customers or visitors.

Check The Tech.

Check to see if there are enough plugs in the areas where you intend to keep your video equipment, several computers, and other frequently used electrical gear.

Find out if the internet is quick and stable as well. If your garage is where you spend a lot of time, it’s important to ensure sure your phone still works even when the garage door and windows are shut.

Bring In A Personal Touch.

Make the new home office feel more like a second home by decorating the walls with artwork, family photos, and other mementoes. Also helpful: a few candles, a cosy throw, and a stack of your favourite novels.

From Garage To Functional Home Office

It’s hard to picture a garage converted into an office space if it already houses a car, lawnmower, and other non-work-related objects. However, with some creative effort, it may be transformed into a place of delight.

Think of the empty walls of your new home as a chance to create something truly unique. When you put in the effort to make your home office uniquely yours, you bring a fresh perspective to your remote job.

Conclusion

Many homes lack the requisite square footage for a home office, prompting the query, “Why not convert the garage?”. Garages make great candidates for home office conversions due to their inclosure. A large garage can also serve as a secondary living space or a casual hangout and homework spot. Finding out whether your garage can be converted into a home office is the first step in planning the project. Garages are not suitable for year-round habitation, so you’ll need to instal heating and cooling systems. Good illumination is essential for those who are trapped within a room with no windows.

Content Summary

There has never been a better moment to consider setting up a home office, and many people around the country have realised this.
However, many residences lack the requisite square footage for a home office, prompting the query, “Why not convert the garage into a home office?”We are always looking for methods to make our houses more comfortable by increasing the usable square footage.
As the necessity of a home office grows, many parents are left wondering where they will find room for their children’s study areas.
There is a wide range of possibilities, most of which are specific to your property and its layout.
The attic, the basement, even the spare corner of the bedroom, are all viable options for establishing a high-tech office.
However, the garage is a fun and unusual place to set up a home office for people who would prefer to keep their work space separate from the rest of the house.
If you don’t have a car and don’t mind leaving it in the driveway while working from home, this could be a decent temporary option until you can return to the office full-time.
This month, we’ll cover the essentials for transforming your garage into a temporary office space.
Converting a garage into a workable space at home requires some forethought and creativity.
In addition to serving as a garage, a large garage can also serve as a studio or home office.
It can also serve as a secondary living space or a casual hangout and homework spot for the youngsters.
Here are some of the most effective and elegant garage home office ideas to use as inspiration for your own space.
Convert Your Garage Into A Home OfficeConsider converting your garage into a home office to maximise your limited square footage.
Due to their inclosure, garages make great candidates for home office conversions.
It’s time to clean up the garage, which may have become a catch-all for seasonal decorations and paint cans for when you finally get around to painting the interior of your home.
Finding out whether or not your garage can be converted into a home office is the first step in planning the project.
And the first step is to get rid of the junk!
Sort out what is essential to keep and what can be discarded.
Then, discover a spot to keep the things you can’t bear to part with.
If you need a place to store things and keep them out of the way, you could always build some shelves in the garage or get a storage shed.
After you’ve finished cleaning out your garage, take a look around to get a feel for the space and make a list of the modifications you’d like to do in preparation for turning it into an office.
For instance, a standard garage has a cement floor, ceiling lights, and a door.
Paint the walls a bright colour for an instant refresh.
For a cleaner, more put-together look, paint your garage door if it is a standard type.
You may want to seek professional advice before doing a project of significant scope (such installing a hardwood floor or installing lighting in a location that requires additional electrical outlets).
Remember that garages are not suitable for year-round habitation, so you’ll need to instal heating and cooling systems to keep you comfortable in both the cold winter and the hot summer.
Investing in a portable space heater, a fan, and a portable air conditioner for warmer days will help you simply (and cheaply) adapt to the changing temps outside.
Though, in the long run, you’ll probably need to invest in a more permanent HVAC system to make sure the garage is always a reasonable temperature.
Shine That Light: You’re one of the lucky few if your garage has windows.
However, good illumination is essential for those who are trapped within a room with no windows.
To compensate for the lack of sunlight, you should instal lamps not only on your desk but also in other areas of your garage to serve as a makeshift office.
Then you won’t feel like you’re working in the dark with the only light source being right next to you.