The Next Stage in Working from Home: Transforming the Garage into the Home Office

As more and more of us are moving our work to our homes, we realize what we need and don't have is a dedicated office space in our homes.

One obvious solution is to turn your drafty, seldom-utilized garage into a highly functional office space that gives you all the space you need without impeding your family needs within your home.

Planning is the key to success.

As you move through this process, you'll find the professionals at International Door Corp are a tremendous help in guiding you not just in selecting a new door but throughout the process.

While choosing and installing a new door will address many of your office needs, you'll still have much to consider. Here are some questions to help you reflect on your project.

Eastman E-12, 14' x 7', Claystone door and Ice White overlays, 4 vertical lite Orion windows

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 – Is a New Garage Door Necessary?

It's time to be frank when answering this question. Garage doors are not designed to last forever. If yours hasn't be upgraded in several years, if it's showing some wear, or it doesn't match the façade of your home anymore, it's probably time to make a change that will help both your new office and your home's value.

More than anything, can you be sure your existing door will keep out the elements, insect and animal intruders, and neighborhood noises while you work?

Here's an experiment you can try: go into your garage in the middle of the day with the door shut; listen to the exterior noise level; evaluate the mid-day temperature. Then ask yourself, can I work in these conditions? Am I aware of spaces where light, heat, and bugs can move in and out?

Garage Door Model: Standard+ Vog, 10' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony

You like this look? This is Standard+ Vog (R-16 insulated), 10' x 7', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony

Question 2 – What's Your Vision of How the Space Will Be Used?

For what specifically will you be using your office?

  • Most everyone needs some kind of desk. What type and size will you need to accomplish your work?
  • Not only will you need a desk, but you'll require documents, disks, supplies, and so on. How much storage will you need?
  • Will clients come by so that you'll need a conference space? Do you want a dedicated coffee break space apart from your workspace to use as a lounge?

Home office picture - Abondant light and clean desk help getting work done

Photo credit: Unsplash

The answers to these questions are the priorities you'll keep in mind as you determine just how to make your new office completely functional.

Besides making the garage an office, will it be available for other uses?

So often, we make two-dimensional plans. Is it possible to have an upper level in the garage as well? Make sure you check out the Love Property blog to get an idea of useful loft space.

Is it important to be able to bring larger items directly into the garage? Consider, if you want to bring your bike straight in, the clever manner devised by Decoist in their garage home office design.

Then, too, you may still need storage space. All these possibilities imply that you need to have a traditional garage door instead of framing and closing the garage opening for your office.

Question 3 – What's the Most Functional Use of Your Garage/Office?

While creativity is to be applauded and encouraged, it's always nice to have a freelance interior designer standing by in case you get stumped about how to proceed.

If you have a good idea of how you want your space to work, often Designers can make your plans a reality.

Experts have been through the conversion process many times and not only anticipate problems but have multiple solutions to suggest.

The main thing to know about designers is that they use their expertise to breathe life into your ideas. The decisions are all yours.

One major decision you must make is about flooring : will you stay with a cement floor or go with carpeting, area rugs, or vinyl? The functionality you're intending will dictate what floor cover works best .

What other touches will make your office feel not only functional but welcoming? Think of walls, ceiling, lighting, and of course, vertical space as well.

When you've decided on the design direction your office is headed toward, you can release your creativity all the more. Many have chosen pendant lights during the conversion process. These are attractive to look at in addition to providing outstanding lighting. There are many other creative touches you can include as well.

Home office in Black & White with 3 tables made with painting trestles

Photo credit: Pixabay

Question 4 – Do You Have the Plan Worked Out?

In addition to creativity, another necessary aspect of the process is practicality.

If you have a garage, you know they are subject to several common problems. For instance, they often experience overabundant humidity. International Door Corp offers a series of solutions for this problem. Another common issue is temperature control, for which part of the solution is insulation.

In addition to insulation, a heater will almost surely be needed to warm up the winter air and, during summertime, it will take an air conditioner to cool things down.

As your plans come to fruition, you'll begin to recognize that what was just an isolated storage room has become a totally useful, viable office.

When you see where this is taking you, you'll likely want to make some additional changes. Perhaps this brings your budget to mind. You can rest assured, however, that every possibility we've discussed is less expensive than adding a room onto your existing home.

Have You Decided to Replace That Aging Garage Door?

If you've made that decision, your best bet is to contact a garage door dealer near you. The experts at a firm like International Door Corp are glad to give you a quotation by email. Their only interest is to make certain you find the perfect door to suit your individual purposes.

If you want to be inspired and get some wise advice, you can visit our showroom.

You can also give us a call at 207-784-0622 at any point in the process. We're always glad to help.

You can find us on your smartphone as well.

Use our app to check out our Design Centre. You can find the door of your dreams. You can select a door and use the app to test it on a picture of your home.

Want to check out some ideas to get started?

Take a look! Lots of gorgeous residential garage door waiting for you here.

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