Table of Contents
Create a private space for work and hobbies
Working at home has become more popular within the past year. According to a recent NY Times article
, 43% of employed Americans spend time working from home. This creates a need for a private place to work, uninterrupted by family life and other distractions.
One of the major needs of working from home is privacy. It’s important to be able to concentrate on your work in a quiet space.
Since many people do not have a spare room to use as an office, many are buying storage sheds and converting them into office space.
Many companies even insulate and wire their sheds to provide the perfect office or workshop.
A backyard shed not only gives you a space to work uninterrupted, it also removes you from the temptations that occur when working in your house. Relaxing in your easy chair, running to the refrigerator, or talking to your spouse or children are always tempting when you are in the house.
Your office in the backyard removes those temptations and not only allows you to concentrate but because you are “at the office,” your mindset also changes.
You may be thinking that a shed means working in a barn or other uncomfortable space, but a well-built shed can be transformed into a comfortable and welcoming workspace.
You can add a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker to make your office shed more complete and to prevent the desire to run into the house for a snack or beverage.
When designing your home office shed, there are 6 things you ought to consider:
1. PURCHASE THE RIGHT SHED FOR THE JOB
The size of your backyard office is the first thing to consider. be sure to get a large enough building. You may be able to fit a desk, chair and bookcase in an 8’x8′ storage barn, but it may feel like you are locked in a box after awhile.
Be sure to purchase a shed with sufficient windows to create a bright welcoming atmosphere. On our Skyline series sheds at Dutch Barn Builders, we even build in a window dormer.
Although most sheds come with wooden doors which are more than adequate for the job at hand, you may want to consider a fiberglass door for added security. A door with windows also brings in more light.
Also check with your Home Owners Association and see if there are any special requirements for your backyard office. You may need to match the office to your house with vinyl siding of the same color.
I had one customer where their HOA required a shingled roof for their shed, not metal. Other HOA’s have size requirements.
2. INSTALL ELECTRICITY
In any home office or workshop, you will certainly want electricity. To run lights, office equipment and computers and a small heater, electricity is a necessity, not an option.
Be sure to check zoning permits for your city or community. If you want wire it yourself, here’s the easiest way to run power to your backyard office shed.
Be sure to install plenty of outlets and light fixtures. You can even put on a ceiling fan.
3. INSULATE YOUR SHED
If you are going to use your shed as an office, you will definately want to have it insulated. In the winter you want it insulated for keeping heat in. In the summer, you want it insulated to keep the cool in if you have an air conditioner.
I use this portable air conditioner in my office.
Companies like Dutch Barn Builders will insulate for you or you may desire to do the job yourself. In colder climates, you may want to upgrade your shed to 2″x6″ wall studs when ordering to allow thicker insulation. Here is an excellent tutorial for insulating a wooden shed.
Don’t forget to insulate the floor. You will be surprised at the difference this makes in keeping your building warm in the winter.
4. FINISH THE INTERIOR WALLS
Drywall or paneling will make the interior of your office much more attractive and homey. Although this is especially important if you will have clients visiting your office, even for yourself, it will provide a more professional and comfortable atmosphere.
Trim out the windows and the base of the walls. hang some nice pictures on the wall. Add a shelf and some live plants. All these things make the office into a space you want to work in.
If using drywall paint the walls a color that will increase your productivity.
5. YOU NEED A GOOD FLOOR
Be sure you buy a shed that has a good floor. Many companies offer inexpensive sheds by using thin plywood or OSB for flooring.
OSB is great for roofing and walls, but will quickly deteriorate if used as flooring.
Be sure to get a building with an exterior grade plywood and be sure it is tongue-in-groove. Tongue-in-groove plywood will resist warping and give added strength to your floor.
You can leave the plywood bare, but a nice rug or laminate flooring will again add atmosphere to your shed. You may also tile it or put down linoleum.
6. FURNISH & DECORATE
You will finish off your office with a desk or workbench. Of course, you want a comfortable chair, a bookshelf and a filing cabinet. But also consider live plants, family photos and other personal items to make the room more your own and a space you will be comfortable in.
A microwave, coffee maker and small refridgerator also make the space more independent from your home and will reduce unnecessary trips to the house.
By having everything you need in your office, you will be more productive. And that is the purpose of having a backyard office- to increase your productivity.
After 17 years in sales & marketing and as a sales trainer, Dennis Regling started a small construction company in 1998. In 2000, he started building trusses and doors for a local storage shed company. 20 years later, he has now become a sales & marketing consultant for storage shed companies.
