Working from home as an independent contractor has its benefits. One of those benefits is the ability to convert a garden shed into a work at home office space that is all your own. This means you can design the perfect workspace and have everything you've ever dreamed off in an office. If you are looking at expanding into your own work at home space and you plan on converting the garden shed as part of your plan, then her are a few steps to achieve your goal.

Insulating the Shed

If the shed is not already insulated, you will want to take that step before you begin the actual office construction. The reason for this is to keep the area comfortable for you and safe for your electronics. For example, you want to make sure that the humidity is kept to a minimum so your computers and printers aren't damaged. Proper insulation will help with this step. You can purchase the insulation from most home improvement stores, install it yourself, and then hang drywall over the insulated area. This will provide a climate controlled area while giving your new office a finished look.

Hire an Electrical Contractor

Running electric to the converted garden shed is something you should leave to the professionals. By hiring professional electrical contractors, you can safely have electricity wired to your new office. You can also have the electrical options, phone options, and internet plugs placed exactly where you need them. You can even have the contractors install timers to ensure the electric turns off at a certain time for energy efficiency.

Waterproofing and Painting

One of the last steps you will want to take in converting your garden shed into a home office space is to waterproof and paint the building. This includes waterproofing and sealing the concrete floor as well as painting the interior and exterior of the building. You can save time by using a waterproofing paint that has the sealant and the color all in one. To insulate the floor, if it is concrete, you can use an epoxy seal that will seal against water as well as offer a buffer against the cold that concrete can hold.

These are just three of the steps to converting a garden shed into a work at home office space. If you are serious about moving forward with these plans, you may want to consider discussing your options with, not only an electrical contractor, but also with a general contractor. They can tell you how to upgrade your space, any options they can offer you, and give you a price estimate for their services.