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Author: Sheila Olson

18% of workers across the United States work remotely on a full-time basis as reported by Review 42. Moreover, 99% of those working remotely would like to continue for the foreseeable future. This rise of popularity of remote working has shed light on the importance of having a dedicated home office as it increases productivity, reduces stress, and provides the bonus of increasing your home’s valuation. If you don’t have an extra room in your home and are wondering where to set up your office, this article by The Garage Shield will explore some simple ways to convert your garage into the perfect home office.  

Clear the Space

To make space for your office the first step is to get rid of the clutter such as old furniture, cleaning supplies, holiday decoration, etc. Next, give your garage a thorough cleaning which includes mopping the floor, wiping the windows, and removing dust and dirt from each nook and corner of the space.

Visualize the Design

With the space empty, fill it with your imagination. Use reference points such as the window or the door to ascertain where you can place important furniture such as your desk, chair, cupboards, electronics, etc. Additionally, take stock of all additions you’ll need to make, such as installing electric sockets, painting walls, adding more windows, etc. With all requirements in hand, start to decide which activities you can do yourself (buying furniture, painting) and for which you will need to hire professionals (wiring, window installation).

Add Insulation

When choosing insulating materials, focus on those with a high R-value. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, a higher R-value indicates greater insulating efficiency. Some of the best options include:

• Fiberglass: These are commonly sold as pre-cut blankets which can be fitted between wall studs and ceiling joints. It is cheap and makes for a quick DIY installation.

• Spray Foam: While priced on the higher side, it boasts of the best R-value and is a valuable investment if you plan to use the space for the long term. But, for installation, you will need to hire professionals.

Focus on Security

As reported by The Zebra, garages are one of the most likely points of entry for burglars, as a garage door is easy to force through and can be opened with a tool as simple as a coat hanger. To keep your home secure, consider installing the following in and around your office:

• The Garage Shield for your garage door, preventing thieves from accessing its emergency latch and opening the door.
• Motion sensor lights on your front lawn and driveway.
• An alarm system connected to all windows and secondary doors of your garage.

When it comes to paying for these upgrades, you don’t need to afford everything out of pocket. If you have a current mortgage, consider applying for a cash-out refinance, as it allows you to increase your repayment period and reduce interest rates. Additionally, you are granted a higher mortgage amount than your existing one, and the difference between the two is paid to you in cash, making it the perfect alternative to pay for your home office.

Similarly, if you’re a veteran, you can convert your current loan into an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), which, as the name suggests, makes you eligible for the lower interest rates and favorable repayment terms. Make sure you use sites like PennyMac to research VA IRRRL rates before you settle on an option.

Once your garage office is ready, you’ll have a great space away from distractions where you can focus on your work from the comfort of your home.