If you’ve been running your small business from the dining room table, now might be the time to get your own space. If you’re keen to spread out but aren’t ready for the risks involved with opening your own premises, a garage conversion can be the ideal interim solution. Not only will your garage conversion add value to your home, but expanding your work space is a great way to start expanding your home business without the extra expense of rented workspace.
And believe it or not, the work can be completed within a week. These tips will help you transform your garage into the ultimate home for your business.
Flooring
The existing concrete flooring in your garage could be sufficiently sturdy, but you are likely to need extra layers to ensure that the floor is level, damp-proof and well insulated. While you may worry that additional layers of flooring may raise your floor level of the floor unduly, it’s worth bearing in mind that the floor of your garage is usually at a lower level than the rest of the house, so if anything you’ll be bringing the garage floor up to the same height.
Once you have laid down the required layers, your garage floor could be the ideal height for a step-free entrance, which will further integrate the new office with the rest of the home. It’s a good idea to select a hardwearing and neutral top layer, as your newly converted garage may one day become extra living space for your home, once your business has grown enough to move into a larger premises.
Proper Insulation
A converted garage can function as professional office premises if you make the space comfortable and finish the work to a reasonably high spec. However, one of the factors that can make a garage-based business seem unprofessional is the lack of insulation. When you host your clients for meetings, you don’t want them shivering with cold or sweating into their coffee.
If your garage is already integrated with the rest of your house, it may already be insulated. However, you will need to upgrade the insulation if your garage is detached or built with a single-skin construction. You can insulate your new office with Spray Foam Insulation, which is the most cost-effective and efficient method. Alternately, you could erect stud-walling. If you go the stud-walling route, ensure that the wood you use has sufficient depth to manage the insulation you require. It’s also advisable to leave a gap to allow air movement.
Fill In The Door
If you want your garage to operate effectively as business premises, it’s important to have a separate entrance. But there’s nothing less professional-looking than a gaping garage door. Filling in the garage door is the main change that will transform the space from a garage to a useful commercial space. The most common approach is to fill in the door with a regular wall. Before you start this work, it’s essential that you check the relevant building regulations, and determine whether the foundations can take the extra load.
Whether you’ve just started a small business or you’re a successful entrepreneur, a simple garage conversion is a great way to give your business the space it needs to grow. These tips will help you get started on the project.
