Anyone who has ever looked at a kitchen or dining room table strewn with work papers knows what it’s like to wish for their own home office. A separate space for peacefully working without interruption makes turning that garage space into a dream office even more attractive.
Before You Start Renovating
When it comes to your business and making changes to your home, you’ll need to check your local zoning regulations and get the necessary building permits from the state and possibly your homeowner’s association. Additionally, depending on what you’re doing, you may need to apply for industry-related licensing and permits from necessary federal and state agencies.
How to Turn Your Garage Into an Office
Before hanging out your business shingle, you need to ensure that your garage is equipped to be a livable space in which you can spend at least eight or more hours a day. Some modifications you’ll need to make include:
- Cleaning. The garage is usually the place where homeowners throw their unused items. Take some time and declutter the area beforehand.
- Flooring. Most garage floors are concrete. You can choose to add tiles, wood, or carpeting to make it feel cozier.
- Insulation. As a rule, garage insulation is terrible. Having good insulation won’t just make you more comfortable — it will save on energy costs. Consult a professional to see which type of insulation works best.
- Lighting and decor. Working in a dark garage can be depressing. Add windows for more natural light as well as some LED lights for late-night sessions.
- Technological. You can choose to run a long Ethernet cable to your office or use a Wi-Fi range extender, which costs less than $100.
Possible Tax Deduction
When it comes to claiming the business use of your home as a tax deduction, you can, but there are rules. According to the IRS, how you use your new garage office matters. If it’s used exclusively and regularly for your business, including as inventory storage or as a daycare facility, you may be able to claim it as a home office deduction. Contact a qualified tax professional to better understand the details.
How This Renovation Could Affect Your Home Value
Before the pandemic, only 20% of employees worked from home. That number more than tripled to over 70%, and after the outbreak, more than half still want to work from home. This trend is here to stay, and transforming your garage into a space that more homeowners are demanding could increase your home’s value.
If part of your reasoning for adding a home office is to someday sell it for a higher price, it’s worth remembering that its increase in value depends on many factors including location. Keep your receipts, and create a detailed before-and-after photo or video series for additional documentation.
Customizing Your Garage Home Office
While it seems like an easy idea, converting your garage to a beautiful home office relies on many steps, some of which you can’t control. Once it’s done, you can customize it to your tastes and enjoy your new space.
You can reach Tina Martin by clicking the following link.
After reading this blog are you inspired to tackle your home office? Please share what you would like to tackle, accomplish or just cross off your list. If you need help schedule a 15 minute session so we can talk. If you would like to join a community of women who are on their personal journey to organize their life click the following link to my Living Life Totally Organized Facebook Group
