Do you hate bringing your business clients through your house to meet with them in your home office? Do you need a more private space to conduct business? Here are some tips from Orlando garage floors installers, Garage Design Works, on how to turn your garage into a home office using these tips.
1. Estimate Your Space Needs: Will your office encompass the entire garage? Do you still need storage for the family or could you move items you have in storage from your garage into your existing home office? Will you be continuing to park your cars in the garage or will you be comfortable leaving them in the driveway? How much working and office storage space will you need?
2. Establish Your Budget: Will your office have that Wall Street executive look or will it be a private, more subdued space where you will work alone? For any major structural, plumbing, or electrical changes, contact a licensed home improvement contractor.
3. Declutter and Clean Your Garage: Donate, sell, or trash items you haven’t used in two years. You want to create as much open space as necessary.
4. What Will You Have for Flooring? You’ll want something attractive, safe, and durable like an epoxy floor coating product that comes in a variety of decorative colors.
5. Climate Control: If you are going the “Wall Street” look, you’ll need insulation, sheet-rocked walls, a climate-controlled system, and more natural or artificial lighting. You may even decide to turn your garage door into a large window with attractive landscaping outside of it.
6. Furniture: Decide what furniture you will need besides your desk and chair. If you are bringing clients into your office, you will need seating for them, too. Make sure there is a table near your desk for a printer and fax machine so you don’t have to leave your desk every time a printed or faxed item comes through. You should also have filing or storage cabinets in close proximity to your desk to maintain your business records and supplies.
7. Stay Connected: Don’t forget to have a router installed for Wi-Fi access so you can use your PC or mobile devices when working. Perhaps a small refrigerator would save time from running into the house every time you want a beverage or snack.
Your garage can easily be transformed into a comfortable, private home office. Don’t forget that there may be certain business tax deductions for your home office project. Discuss what can be claimed as a business expense with your accountant before making your final decision on the layout and style of your office.
If you need flooring and storage solutions for your project, delivered with excellent customer service, contact the Orlando garage floors experts at Garage Design Works at 407-447-8890 for your free in-home consultation. Start working in an office that will meet your business needs.