Crafting things and bringing your ideas to life is an exciting experience. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you probably have a list of projects you’d want to achieve within a given timeline. But to execute your project and accomplish your goals, you’ll need the right tools and a decent workspace.
And for that, a home workshop is advisable. One of the benefits of setting up your workspace is it increases productivity since you can customize it to your own convenience and access it anytime. It also improves your concentration, which is critical to boosting your creativity.
The best part is that you can set it up in your garage or any appropriate space in your home. That said, there are tips you can keep in mind to build a suitable home workshop. Read on to learn them.
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1. Consider The Location And Size
The size of your workspace is essential as it can impact your productivity. A small one may make you uncomfortable while working, making you lose motivation to finish your project.
Of course, a home workshop may not be for business purposes, but you must treat it like one. Therefore, elements like safety, productivity, and storage areas should be on top of your priority list as you decide the best size you need.
Do you have a spacious basement or garage? Be sure to stake out as much space as possible. If you have several free rooms that can provide the space you need, it’s advisable to choose one with a door to the outside. It will make work more convenient when you need to bring in or out things like plywood, lumber, or sheet goods.
Another factor you might want to consider when choosing the right size and location for your workshop is the intended purpose. What are some of the tasks you’ll be carrying out in your work area? If your projects involve inflammable solvents or welding, then a room separate from the main house with enough ventilation would be best.
You can also take short online courses in home renovation or DIY building. Learn how to perform a thorough evaluation of the specified space and make the best possible floor plan.
2. Organize Workbenches And Storage
The organization of your workshop is another critical factor to keep in mind. Depending on the purpose and the size of the space you’re planning to use, it’d be prudent to have multiple workbenches.
For instance, if you’ll be doing metalwork projects, carpentry, and auto repairs in the same workshop, you must have two or three separate workbenches. This approach will ensure that your projects will not mix with others for easy access and safety.
Once you’ve set up two or more work areas, you can build your storage accordingly. Ensure the tools and auto spares have storage close to their respective benches. The same goes for other stations in your workshop.
One storage technique you might want to consider is using a pegboard. It’s a versatile form of storage because it holds just about any tool that can be hung. A pegboard is also ideal for storing frequently used tools. The best part is that it’s easy to build this storage area. Plus, you can always rearrange the hooks to accommodate any new device.
Another storage option that could be ideal for you, especially if you have a small workspace, is a rolling mechanic box. You can use this to store tools for several projects, from auto repairs to woodwork. The graduated drawer in this box allows you to organize tools according to their sizes.
3. Add Room Lighting And Electrical Power
Lights and power supply should also be on your to-do list as you design your own steel garage workshop. If you’re building the workshop in your garage, leverage the natural lighting as much as possible. As you ventilate the room, work on adding a few windows, if possible, to allow the sun’s rays to pass through.
Even with natural light, install several electric bulbs or fluorescent tubes for the nighttime. The workbenches should also have dedicated light sources to enhance your productivity.
Once you’re done with planning the workshop’s lighting system, it’s time to do the same to the sockets. Every workbench, for one, should have access to socket outlets. Ensure the socket line can handle heavy currents because some workshop machines draw a lot of power. You can also include additional sockets around the workshop for other light tasks like charging your batteries or powering small appliances.
4. Prioritize The Security Of Your Workshop
Many people have lost their most expensive workshop equipment to burglars. No matter how secure your area is, you must still ensure all your belongings are secured. If you’re planning to use the garage workspace, invest in a durable and modern door.
While at it, you can also install motion sensor lights and CCTV cameras around the workshop. Of course, this depends on your budget but be sure to install at least one of the two features. After all, the shop may likely store expensive machines and materials, and you wouldn’t want to face any unnecessary losses.
5. Make Your Workspace Comfortable
Everyone wants to work in a space where they’re comfortable. And since you’ll spend several hours in your workshop, especially when doing DIY projects, it’d be wise to make it enjoyable.
Here are a few things you can add to your already-built workshop:
- Rubber floor tiles: workshop projects involve a lot of standing and walking around the room. Installing rubber floor tiles or fatigue mats will provide a soft and comfortable surface for your underfoot. It also offers proper shock absorption and cushioning.
- Room heater or fan: the workshop can get extremely hot or cold depending on your region’s climate. For that reason, you would need a heater or fan for your comfort.
- A sound system and TV: your mind can be exhausted even when doing what you love, especially if it’s a repetitive task. Having a sound system or TV entertainment in the background can keep you going. It might also come in handy if you’re a sports enthusiast but still want to spend your weekends and evenings in the workshop.
Conclusion
Building a home workshop can be a straightforward project when you know where to start. The first thing you should consider is the location of the shop and its size.
Be sure to choose a room that meets all the workshop safety rules. Workbenches, storage areas, power supply, and security are priority features to keep in mind. An entertainment system should also be on your list of investments to make the workshop much more fun.
