If you’re like most of us, working from home has become the norm. You might be ready to create a dedicated office for yourself, too.
While you can certainly pay for an addition to the house, there’s a lot to be said for converting your garage. It can give you the space you need, help you avoid gobbling up space your family needs and save you money.
At Elite Door of New England we understand just what’s possible with a garage conversion. However, we also understand the importance of the right garage door here.
With that being said, a smart, modern garage door is just one part of the process. You need to follow four additional steps to get going.
Love this classic example? It’s an Eastman E-12 garage door (R-16 insulated) from the Townships Collection, 14' x 7', with a Claystone door and Ice White overlays, and four vertical lite Orion windows.
Step 1 – Check Your Garage Door
The first step in your conversion is all about the garage door. If it’s been a while since you replaced it, chances are good it’s showing signs of wear and tear, dings and dents, and possibly even rust or mold. Replacing it adds to your home’s value, curb appeal, and your enjoyment of it, too.
It’s not just about looks, though. Your garage door needs to protect your soon-to-be office space from weather, noise, and temperature fluctuations.
The following steps will help you decide if the door needs to be replaced: With the door closed, ask yourself – is the garage too hot or cold? Is there too much outside noise? Is there access for pests to get in under the door? A new garage door can keep you comfortable, the space quiet, and your work protected.
Prefer modern and elegant? This is Standard+ Vog (R-16 insulated), 10' x 7', Black, with Harmony windows.
Step 2 – Define Your Space Usage
It’s time to decide what you need in the office space to support your ability to work. Some considerations to make include:
- How large should the desk be? Do you want a standing desk instead?
- Will you need storage for documents, files, or books in your office?
- Could you use some extra space for client meetings, a place for lunch, or room for morning yoga?
Photo credit: Unsplash
The considerations above will play a role in how you lay out the space in your garage and will affect the functionality of the area, too.
Another question: Do you need multifunction space?
Want office space that can double as crafting space, or that might serve another purpose? In this Love Property blog, you’ll find garage conversions even add stairs to create a loft space.
Multifunctional space is going to affect the type of garage door that you choose, as well. For instance, consider this piece from Decoist that shows off a garage home office conversion with space for bikes.
Do you intend to use the garage space for storage, too? In that case, you need to make sure to keep a functional garage door, and avoid sealing the garage up.
Step 3 – Defining How Best to Use the Space
Not sure how to use the garage space to its best advantage? Consider working with a freelance interior designer. These pros can bring a lot of skills and education to bear, ensuring that you get a functional space that suits your needs.
These designers know how to take your goals and translate them into layout and design elements.
However, even if you’ve hired a designer, there are other things you’re going to need to think about here.
For instance, what do you want to do about the flooring? You can leave it bare, cover it with vinyl, install laminate flooring, and more. However, remember to think about function in addition to making the room comfortable.
Flooring isn’t the only creature comfort you’re going to need, either. What type of lighting do you want? What about bookcases and shelving? What color do you want to paint the walls?
Don’t be afraid to get creative here, either. Let your imagination run wild – some pendant lights could be just the thing, or you might want to add a touch of class with bookshelves and a library ladder.
Photo credit: Pixabay
Step 4 – Practical Considerations
Once you have an idea of how you want the space to look and feel, don’t overlook practical questions. Garages are pretty notorious for their humidity. At Elite Door of New England, we have some great tips for reducing the humidity in your garage. Insulation is a good first step that will also help you control the temperature, but there’s more you can and should do.
For instance, you’ll want a heater to keep you warm during the winter, and an air conditioner to keep you cool in the summer. It may be possible to tie into your home’s existing ductwork, but a window AC and a space heater are likely all you’ll need.
Remember: converting a garage is really just turning storage space into living space.
Doing so successfully will require that you take steps to make it livable. The changes we’ve talked about above will help make that possible.
Are You Ready to Replace Your Garage Door?
If so, contact a garage door dealer near you. They can provide you with the guidance you need, plus a lot of advice and even examples of doors you might like. Don’t want to call directly? At, Elite Door of New England we’re happy to provide you with an email quotation.
Call us directly at 603-833-7135, we’ll do everything we can to get you off on the right foot.
Dig apps?
Try out our Design Centre – you can digitally browse through garage door designs and see what’s available.
Want to see our results?
There are lots of gorgeous residential garage doors waiting for you here in our photo gallery.
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