Remote work is here to stay. But, unfortunately, so are distractions like unruly children, busy roommates, and noisy pets. So how do you minimize distractions while working from home?
Many people in Austin have already figured out a creative solution: turning the garage into an additional living space and making it their new, upgraded home office.
Why Turn Your Garage into a Home Office?
There are numerous benefits of transforming your garage into a home office. It’s more versatile than a room inside your home, and the options for personalization depending on your work needs are endless.
Creating a garage home office is a fun way to infuse your personality into an often-forgotten part of your house. And as the number of companies leaning into remote or hybrid work continues to rise, there’s never been a better time to consider a garage home office for your next renovation project.
“Turning your garage into an additional living space, including a new home office, is a creative solution to many work-from-home challenges.”
A Peaceful, Quiet Workspace
Loud, distracting noises are the enemy of a productive work environment.
But if your garage is renovated into an office, it becomes a private refuge where the sound doesn’t carry. That means when you log onto your next Zoom meeting, it won’t matter if your children are playing or your dogs are barking because you won’t be able to hear them.
A private, work-oriented space is essential if you’re giving a presentation or have a leadership role where calls are a core part of your workday. If you have a job requiring extended focus on complex work, then your comfortable office, separated from the house, can be a place where you enter into a productive and relaxed mindset.
Keeping “Work” and “Home” Separate
Separating spaces and mentalities is an issue for many people who work from home. It’s hard to turn your “work brain” on and off when the office is also the kitchen or your bedroom.
The commute to and from work used to be the time when you geared up for and wound down from the day. Now, it’s tough to check out when the workday is over because your office is two steps away from your couch.
Transforming your garage into an office can provide that extra layer of separation so you can unwind. Conversely, the garage office can also help you be more productive while working without a nap or a snack tempting you between tasks!
Independent Temperature Control
The thermostat is a hard-won battleground in any household. With a home office in your garage, you don’t have to worry about it being too cold or too hot for the other people you live with.
Since most garages aren’t hooked up to regular HVAC systems, a separate one can be installed so that your garage office’s temperature is regulated separately from the house. That means you (and only you) control the room temperature all day.
Garage Offices Can Be Versatile
Maybe you have a less conventional job. Are you a drop shipper, Etsy seller, or woodworker? Great news! Your garage can be transformed into any type of office, depending on your needs and trade.
Do you need a workshop bench? Shelving space to store packages and materials? Room for double monitors and a desk?
It’s all possible when your office is in your garage. You can personalize and care for those features without anyone else using or modifying them.
Think of all the exciting things you would choose to include if you could build your dream office. With a garage office, it’s all possible.
What Should You Do With the Garage Door?
A big question you may have when turning your garage into a home office is what to do about the garage door. Should you leave it as is or build a wall instead? Should you customize it, lock it, insulate it?
Our contractors at Austin’s Greater Garage suggest that you keep your garage door to make it easier to convert the space again later. Plus, with material options like glass, steel, wood, vinyl, and aluminum, you can customize the door so it’s personal to you and matches the decor of your office space.
For example, if you decide on a glass garage door, you will let in loads of natural light (much better than harsh fluorescent lighting). On the other hand, if glass is too contemporary or you want more security, you can try a wood door with glass inserts to provide a pleasant office environment with just the right amount of light. With any option, it’s also fun to open your garage doors on nice days to enjoy the fresh air.
Convert Your Garage and Create an Office Space of Your Own
No project is too big for Austin’s Greater Garage Doors. With over 15 years of experience with installations, repairs, and replacements, we can bring your vision to life, no matter your needs or budget.
We offer repairs and replacements if you want to spruce up your existing garage doors. And if you’re ready to completely transform your garage into a home office, we have exciting garage door options to match your vision.
If you live in the Austin or Pflugerville areas, contact the expert contractors at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors today for all your home office garage door needs.
