Remote work continues to be and will likely stay part of the “norm” in the greater Los Angeles area for the long-term. The issue that at-home workers often face is not having dedicated space where they can remain productive and focused on their work. As a result, many will turn to converting an existing space, such as the garage, into their own office. That said, most DIY conversions simply do not fit the bill and may present more challenges than anticipated.
Is additional space on your property looking like an attractive option to pursue a greater work-from-home (WFH) lifestyle? If so, here’s a guide on what to know about turning your garage into an office before you get started.
Consider Your Needs and Aesthetic Before Fully Conceptualizing Your Space
A garage home office looks different for everyone, but simply diving straight into this type of project without the necessary preparation can put a damper on the excitement if it’s executed incorrectly. Instead, set aside some time to consider your needs as a WFH professional and how you can best meet these in your new space.
Ultimately, the nature of your work will determine what you need to get the most of your space. For example, if your work is heavily collaborative, having your own space where you’re able to communicate with your clients and co-workers more effectively (bigger work screens, quieter space, etc.) and draw up ideas with ease may be what a desirable garage office conversion looks like to you. On the other hand, if you’re someone who needs to do work in absolute silence and requires a minimalist layout in order to stay on task, you’ll have much different needs.
Before you begin pursuing a garage into office project, consider what your space will need to offer you in order to be a more effective working professional as you continue your WFH journey.
Know That Your Garage Will Require Major Renovations to Make It Livable
Some individuals may clean out their space, move a desk and chair into their garage, and settle. The problem? Garages weren’t made to be used as livable space. Some of the main issues you may face in your own garage include a lack of ventilation, major temperature fluctuations due to a lack of insulation, and a lack of lighting, which may affect your ability to see and do work. In these conditions, you may even find that doing work within the home would be a better option.
If you’re looking to pursue a garage into office project, the best way to go about this is to turn your garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). ADUs are extensions or, in this case, conversions made to your property so that you can transform unused space into a livable property.
Other considerations to keep in mind for updating your Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley property with a garage conversion are whether you’d want a kitchenette, a ¼ bath, or other improvements to increase the comfort of your space. These additions require remodeling for plumbing and may have additional zoning requirements.
Without the proper renovations, working in your garage can become more of a disadvantage than a benefit. If you want a true home office, you’ll need to follow through on the renovations required to make it a space that you can truly thrive in.
A Home Office in the Garage Will Likely Require Major Changes to Make It Tech-Friendly
One of the most important items to focus on when developing a garage home office is that you have what you need to operate all of the technology you’ll have in your new workspace. While many garages may have outlets, for example, they may not all be placed in accessible locations, which is one area of focus when you’re pursuing a garage office conversion. Another consideration that you may not think of until it’s too late is whether or not you have reliable WiFi connectivity in your garage space.
Given that we live in the digital age, ensuring that you have the access to everything you’ll need while working in your new garage into office conversion is crucial to getting the most out of your space.
Ready to Transform Your Garage Into Your New Home Office?
The guide above provides you with greater insight into some of the considerations you’ll need to make if you want your garage to serve as your new home office. But arguably the hardest part of turning your garage into your new office space is finding the right company to help you with your endeavors. Fortunately, A-List Builders is on your side! We are a family-owned, design-build firm dedicated to helping you make the most out of your garage space, with plenty of experience designing garage conversions and ADUs. From concept to completion, we handle every step of the process so that you can rest easy as we build your ideal work-from-home space.
Ready to get more out of your workspace by pursuing a garage into office conversion? If so, schedule a discovery call with us now so that we can learn more about your property and what you’re looking to achieve with your garage before we get started!
