Factors You Must Consider To Convert A Shed Into An Office

The pandemic brought much tragedy in modern society, forcing us to stay at home for so long. During this time, we have realized two things, traffic is a horrible thing to deal with, and working at home is much more convenient.   

However, the fact remains that not everybody has the luxury of having a distraction-free spare room to do their work. In the following sections, you’ll learn more about the considerations you must take to successfully convert your shed into an office.   

Small shed turned into an office

Getting A Shed  

Of course, the first step to converting your shed to an office should be getting the shed first. If you already have a shed, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, this isn’t the case for everyone.   

If you’re looking to get a new shed, it’s vital that you have a look at your local building codes to see if you need to get any paperwork in order before you start construction. This step applies if you’re going DIY or getting a pre-built shed.   

  • DIY  

The DIY route gives you the most flexibility, as you’re free to mix and match materials and components to best suit your needs. For example, you can freely install glass fiber-reinforced access doors to get the perfect blend of easy maintenance and aesthetics.  

  • Pre-Built  

Building your shed might be out of your comfort zone. In this case, you can freely purchase a bare pre-built shed to add your unique touch. There’s also the option of hiring full-service builders that’ll take care of all the labor needed to build a shed or opting for a prefab ADU is also a perfect idea.

New small shed delivered and set up

Thinking of Insulation  

Insulation is another factor you must consider when converting a shed to an office. You’ll be spending much time in this place, and keeping your office at a comfortable temperature is vital.  

Additionally, your air conditioning or heater will have a longer lifespan since your office will be thermally isolated from the outside. Another reason to have insulation is that it’ll allow you to keep moisture out, meaning all your electrical gear remains safe.  

Lastly, the insulation you get can also reduce noise from coming into the office. Some types of insulation offer phenomenal thermal and acoustic performance so you can remain in a comfortable and noise-free environment.   

Spray foam in shed for insulation

Getting A Weather-Tight Seal  

Once you have insulation installed, it’s crucial to keep these away from the outdoor weather. Rain and snow can ruin your insulation, and replacing it can be a hassle.   

Furthermore, if you don’t establish a good seal for your shed, you’ll most likely get cold drafts in the winter, or heat may find its way in during the summer.   

One fantastic way to isolate your shed from the outside is to elevate it. Installing supports that keep your shed off the ground helps prevent water from flowing through your floors.

On top of that, you’ll give the ground under your shed a chance to dry out. Having dry land ensures that the exterior walls of your shed are rot-free and will give your shed a longer lifespan.   

Shed on pavers

Necessities of Modern Life  

Modern society has afforded us many convenient utilities, such as electricity, running water, and gas. While you may not need a gas line to your shed, you’ll undoubtedly need electricity to operate your devices.   

Also, depending on your local building and safety codes, you may need to run water lines to have a functioning restroom. You should also look into the kind of AC or heater you can install in your shed.   

Properly installing all these utilities is vital, as electrical wires can be a fire hazard if you aren’t careful. Moreover, leaky water pipes will cause your insulation to deteriorate and may even damage some of your equipment. If you aren’t comfortable handling these, it’s better to hire a professional to install them.  

Man installing electric panel

Ensuring Security  

Experts have noted that burglars are less likely to break into buildings with better security measures since it takes longer to break through them and increases the chance of detection. With this, thieves are more likely to seek easier targets if they notice that your shed has the appropriate safety measures.   

Here are a few security features you can install in your shed:  

  • Door Reinforcement Plate  

Door Reinforcers are devices you can add to your existing door, and they’ll increase your door’s strength significantly. Adding this device to your door makes thieves less likely to force your shed door open. You can find this cheap and simple device at your local hardware store.  

  • Window Locks  

Windows are another favorite entry place for thieves since not everyone locks them. They’re also relatively quiet to open, so you may not notice someone breaking in through your shed windows. Attaching locks to your windows may not prevent a forced break-in, but it’ll give you a chance to take the appropriate safety measures.  

Enjoy Working From Home  

Working from home has unquestionably given us more freedom in our lives. Converting your shed into a comfortable working environment allows you to get the proper work-life separation while still being on your home premises. The customization options for sheds are endless, so it’s easy to get a workspace you’ll be happy to do your work.  

2 Comments

  1. Second paragraph:
    “However, the fact remains that everybody has the luxury of having a distraction-free spare room to do their work.”

    Did you meant o say NOT everybody? Oops!

    1. Author

      I did! Thanks for catching that!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.