You’ve been building for years, and you have a pretty good business from selling your wares and products. Now it’s time to take the next step: turning your garage into a workshop so you can do your work in a professional setting. This is no easy task, but the rewards are high: once you turn your garage into a workspace, you can start making money from your hobbies.
Here are some steps to help you turn your garage into a place to work on production full-time.
Benefits of Converting Your Garage Into a Workshop
If you want a more professional-looking setup or plan on having a lot of different tools to work with, it’s best to designate an actual room. In this case, it’s your garage.
The good thing about converting your garage into a workshop is that it gives you both more breathing room and greater mobility. There’s no more relying on pulling things out and putting them back into the garage afterward.
It’s also easier to keep supplies because garage storage cabinets can hold a lot of materials and tools. And it’s easy to add more of these shelves.
Also, one of the benefits of having a home workshop is that it cuts down on your business expenses. You can save money on materials and shipping, which in turn can increase your profits.
Creating a Workshop in Your Garage
How do you go about converting your garage into a bona fide workshop? Here are some tips to get you started.
Determine what kind of workspace you need
Before you do anything, take a moment to assess your needs. What type of work do you plan on doing in your workshop? Will you need a lot of tools and machines, or will you be primarily hand-crafting items?
Once you have a good idea of the kind of work you’ll be doing, it will be easier to determine what type of workspace you need. If you’re mostly hand-crafting, you won’t need as much space as someone who needs a lot of tools and machines.
Get the necessary permits
Depending on your state and local regulations, you may need to get a permit to convert your garage into a workshop. Check with your local authorities to find out what you need to do.
You may also need to install a separate electrical panel and water line in some cases. Again, check with your local authorities to find out what’s required.
Decide on a layout for your space
Plan out where to put all your tools and equipment. From here, organize your workspace so that everything is easy to find when you’re working on different projects.
Moreover, you need to make sure there are enough power outlets nearby or invest in an extension cord or power strip if necessary. Otherwise, you won’t be able to power your equipment.
Consider labeling your shelving units with what they should be used for, such as “tools” or “woodworking supplies,” and store your items accordingly. This will make it easier and faster to find what you’re looking for when you need to.
You also need to give yourself space to move around because you can’t get anything done if you’re constantly bumping into things. Make sure the central area of your workshop is clear and free of clutter while then making space in other storage places.
Purchase all necessary materials to create the workshop
To purchase your necessary equipment and materials for the workshop, you can look into buying just what you need in terms of raw material. However, this may be expensive.
Buying in bulk is another option if you have the capital to do so. Since you’re already expanding with a workshop, you can choose to invest in materials and buy a significant amount in anticipation of higher production.
For equipment, ensure testing or inspection-approved equipment for safety purposes. This allows you to avoid accidents and keep your family and employees safe.
Purchasing the proper lighting is also essential. Make sure to read up on what kind of lights are best for your purpose so you can see every detail. Also, make sure to install security cameras all around the workshop so that you can monitor everything.
Final Reminders
Now it’s time to start working. You have all the equipment and materials you need, as well as a designated workspace. But there are still a few things to remember:
- Ensure all of your tools are in good condition and are properly stored when not in use.
- Do not neglect your safety and security, and make sure to inspect everything before you start using it.
- Factor in the hours you’ll need to complete projects, and be aware of how much time things take so that you can schedule accordingly.
Finally, go out there and start making money with your hobby.
Proper planning is key in converting a garage into a workshop. Follow these steps, and you’ll have everything you need to get started.
