Have you found yourself in need of a dedicated home office, but you just don’t seem to have room for it?
Converting your garage into a home office is a simple solution that will give you the space you need without encroaching on the rest of the family.
The folks at Upper Level Doors know better than anyone how much potential your garage holds, and they’re the experts in helping you choose the perfect door for the job.
Installing a stylish new garage door is only one part of the process, though. Here are the other big questions to ask in order to make your garage conversion a success.
You like this look? This an Eastman E-12 garage door (R-16 insulated) from the Townships Collection, 14' x 7', Claystone door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Orion windows
Question 1 – Do You Need a New Garage Door?
If it’s been several years since you’ve updated your garage door and it looks a little worse for wear, replacing it will instantly boost the appearance of your future office space. And your home’s curb appeal too!
You should also install a new garage door if your current one won’t adequately protect you from weather, noise, and pests during the workday.
To help you decide, step into your garage with the door closed. Is the temperature comfortable? Are there air leaks letting in noise or critters? If so, installing a new garage door will limit distractions while you’re working and boost your productivity.
You like this look? This is Standard+ Vog (R-16 insulated), 10' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony
Question 2 - How Do You Want to Use the Space?
Think about the specific things you need from your home office space.
- Do you need a large desk to spread out and work, or would you work better with a small standing desk?
- Do you need storage for files, books, and other business items?
- What about a lounge space to meet with clients or to kick back and unwind at the end of the day?
Photo credit: Unsplash
You’ll want to think about all of these issues related to functionality from the very beginning because they’ll play a role in the rest of the decisions you make.
Another question is whether you want the space to be multi-functional.
Maybe you want it to double as a home gym or potting shed? As the blog Love Property shows, some garage conversions even add stairs to create a loft space.
This question will make a difference in the type of garage door you choose, too. For example, Decoist highlights a garage home office conversion that includes space to park a bike.
If you want to access the garage for storing things like outdoor gear or gardening supplies, you’ll definitely want to stick with a functional garage door, rather than framing it out and enclosing the space.
Question 3 - How Can You Make the Best Use of the Space?
If you struggle with envisioning how to set up your space, working with a freelance interior designer can be extremely helpful.
Designers know how to translate your goals for functionality and style into a setup that actually works.
This is a process that us regular folks often struggle with, which is why working with a pro makes it so much easier to ensure your space gets set up right.
Even if you are working with a designer, there are certain decisions you’ll have to make throughout the process.
For example, will you want to keep the concrete flooring, cover it with a material like vinyl, or add area rugs? Again, you’ll want to think about the function you need from the space, along with what makes it feel cozier and more comfortable to spend time in .
Along with flooring, be sure to think about other comforts that make the space feel homey, like lighting and paint for the walls. If you’re adding stairs for a loft area, you can make the most of the vertical space available.
Feel free to get creative with your solutions! For instance, you could hang pendant lights to bring the eye upward, plus tall bookshelves with a library-style ladder.
Photo credit: Pixabay
Question 4 – What Steps Will it Take?
Once you have an idea of how you want the space to look and feel, don’t overlook practical questions.
Garages are notorious for getting overly humid, but Upper Level Doors has great tips for reducing the humidity in your garage. Insulation is one solution that helps, plus insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Even with insulation, you’ll probably need a heater to help maintain temperature, and in summertime, an air conditioner can help keep the space comfortable.
When you convert a garage, what you’re ultimately doing is turning an area that’s been used for storage into living space.
This means you’ll have to make some changes that make it livable! Making these changes is still way more affordable, not to mention easier, than building an addition, and the end result will be well worth your time
Replacing Your Garage Door is on Your List of Must-Do’s?
Contact a garage door dealer near you. They are best qualified to give you proper guidance to make your garage door a true reflection of your personality.
If you’d like, Upper Level Doors can easily provide you with a quotation by email.
You can also visit their showroom get inspired by our garage door models and get advice too.
Give them a call they will be happy to guide you all through your journey.
Kingston: 613-547-4566
Belleville: 613-966-5655
You love cell phone apps?
Than you got to try their Design Centre to pick out the door style that fits you perfectly, you can even try your favorite ones on a photo of your home!
You need ideas first?
Lots of gorgeous residential garage door waiting for you here, so take a look!
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