Working from home has become the norm for many Americans in the past year, prompting a search for resources on how to create the best home office. Those with small children at home need a quiet space to focus, but there isn’t always a perfect spot inside the home to set up a desk or to create a little privacy. It’s no wonder, then, that the garage has become the go-to area for those who work from home. Perfect for both entrepreneurs and casual users, the garage can easily be transformed into a home office. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Resale value
Any time you make changes to your home, it’s important to think about future resale value. Some renovations are better than others when it comes to what buyers are looking for, and often it’s best to factor in trends in the area and the potential costs involved in returning the space to its original form. That’s why it’s a great idea to consult a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about design trends and what the numbers are when it comes to renovations. In Rhode Island, Edge Realty has the resources to help with all your real estate questions and can assist you in figuring out what your home is worth. Make sure you hang on to receipts from renovation purchases and take clear, professional-looking before-and-after photos of the space to aid in the process.
Plan for the seasons
When you’re ready to start setting up your office, consider how to make it as comfortable as possible. Most garage spaces don’t have air conditioning or heating, so if you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time in your office, you’ll want to make plans for adequate air circulation according to the seasons. Consider adding insulation and other weatherization tools to protect against the elements, and be careful about the type of air conditioning you choose, keeping safety in mind.
You’ll also want to think about the type of lighting you’ll need. Lamps and eco-friendly LED light bulbs are great budget-friendly alternatives to installing overhead lights, and they can easily be changed out if you decide to revert the garage down the road.
Stay organized
When setting up your office, it’s also crucial to think about how you’ll stay organized and maximize the space. In a garage, it’s easy to go up when you’re utilizing the area, so look for sturdy wire shelving that can be installed overhead for storage. Metal filing cabinets and hard plastic totes with lids are also great for garage storage because they protect against insects and mice.
Make things easier
Being self-employed and working from home can be liberating, but it also comes with some considerations to make. Working from your garage can bring some logistical issues if you run a business and need space for inventory or have a lot of paperwork to keep track of. However, you can make things much easier for yourself in the long run by forming an LLC. A Limited Liability Company will mean less paperwork for you, and it will allow you to protect your personal assets in the event of litigation. It also means more freedom in the way you run your business, but there are a few steps in the process of forming a Rhode Island LLC, so read up on the regulations and make sure you understand them. If you’re trying to save money, you can file the forms yourself or use a formation service, which saves you the attorney’s fees.
Setting up a garage office space doesn’t have to be costly or stressful. Think about what you truly need to be productive in order to maximize the area, and plan well for comfort in order to keep your productivity on track. By keeping things simple, you can leave the door open for a change back if you decide to sell your home or no longer need the office. Ready to get in touch with Edge Realty? Fill out the contact form today.