How to Change a Garage Into an Office

Research the building codes and requirements for your area. You will probably need a building permit for any conversion from a non-living space to a living space. A licensed contractor can help you with this process. Determine whether you will be making a total garage conversion or if part of the space will be reserved for typical garage use. Plan out what features you will need in your office such as electrical, phone and Internet connections, HVAC and plumbing systems.

Employ licensed and bonded professionals for permit-sensitive work. Hire someone with training and experience to do any job that needs to be done to code. Install the electrical, communication, HVAC and plumbing systems prior to any finishing work.

Thoroughly insulate the garage with the maximum amount of insulation you can fit between the studs in your garage. Cut the insulation with your utility knife so it fits snugly between the studs and in the rafters. Cut out around installed electrical, plumbing and HVAC components.

Screw the drywall to the studs with drywall screws using a screw gun. Start at the ceiling and work your way down to the walls. Use screws at each corner of the drywall and three to four screws between each corner, spaced evenly, along with three to four screws on each stud in the middle of the drywall.

Cover the seams in the drywall with drywall tape. Trowel on drywall mud over the seams and the holes from the screws. Smooth out the edges.

Sand the dried drywall mud smooth with a drywall sanding block. Clean the dust off of the surface with a vacuum or broom. Prime the walls and ceiling according to the manufacturer's specifications. Paint the walls once the primer is dry; again, follow the manufacturer's specifications for the number of coats and drying time.

Seal the floor with concrete treatment. Apply it according to the maker's instructions. Work your way from one corner to the opposite corner where the exit is located, otherwise you'll learn the origin of the phrase "painted into a corner." After this, you can lay down an area rug or install a carpet. Either way, use an all-weather product that will dry easily if it gets wet. Do not glue carpet or a carpet liner to the floor in case you need to remove it later.

Bring in a desk, chair and any other furniture you might need. Consider the size requirements and the use of the space. If you want to keep access to the rest of your garage from a partial office, you might look for a rolling desk that can be moved out of the way when not in use. It will be less work for the electrician if you choose to light your office with lamps, so bring in enough light sources to provide a bright but not overwhelming amount of light to the office. Dimmer lamps can be a good choice when working into the night or the early morning to use less energy when you need less to light the space adequately.