A significant number of home garages in the UK are now too small to comfortably accommodate a modern car. At the same time, the boom in working-from-home practices has led many homeowners to create their own office spaces in their interiors.

By turning a neglected garage space into a home office, it’s possible to add significant value and utility to your home. But what’s the right way to go about this process?

Assess feasibility and compliance

To begin with, you’ll need to work out whether your garage space is going to make a good home office. More specifically, you’ll need to ensure that it’s going to be habitable, and compliant with building regulations, when you’re finished. This might mean installing a fire escape, extra ventilation, or creating cavity walls around the exterior. If you want to be sure that your design is compliant, then it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. If you’re going to be making significant changes to the exterior of the property (like removing the garage door), then you might also need to apply for planning permission.

Plan the layout and design

Having established that the project is viable, you’ll want to work out exactly where everything is going to go. The most crucial factor to consider is your desk, and how much natural light it’s going to receive while you’re working. If possible, try to block out the garage space using sheets of cardboard, once it’s empty. When you have an idea of where everything is going to go, you can start to think about how electricity will be routed, and where your storage is going to go.

Ensure security and accessibility

You’ll need to be sure that your home office is going to be secure. This goes especially if you’re going to be storing high-value computer equipment and other devices in there. Make sure that you have a door that will clearly separate the space from the rest of your interior, and, if necessary, look for an electric garage door that will provide you with the insulation you need. Another option might be to dispense with the door altogether, and brick up the opening.

Enhance comfort and utilities

For your space to be comfortable throughout the year, you’ll need to invest in the right insulation, heating, and cooling. You’ll be able to avoid issues with damp by installing adequate insulation, or by relying on electric dehumidifiers throughout the year. Trickle vents on windows can be an essential upgrade.

Most home offices will rely on computer equipment, including desktop machines, laptops, monitors, printers, scanners, and shredders. You’ll need to be sure that your garage receives all of the necessary power – and that the outlets are suitably located.

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