How to Design Your Own Workshop
June 21, 2022There are infinite possibilities for creative folks to express themselves and enjoy their craft. But, space to thrive in these pursuits can sometimes be hard to come by. If you have a hobby or craft that requires some space, consider including a workshop in your custom home design. Working with a custom home builder can help you work out the details, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want. Here’s how to design your own workshop:
1. Determine How You Want to Use a Workshop
How you plan to use a workshop and what you plan to make influence what kind of workshop you will have and a ton of other details. Having an idea of what you will use a workshop to do will inform all of the choices you make when designing your own workshop and will be invaluable information for your custom home builder.
2. Think About How Much Space You Want
Once you have an idea of how you want to use a workshop, then you can think about how much space you need for it and how much space you want. You’ll need enough space to work in addition to space for supplies, space for finished things, space for things in progress, etc.
How much space you need is one of the factors that can help you and your builder figure out whether the best place for your workshop is in the garage or in a dedicated outbuilding on the property. Workshops are one of the popular ways to use a shed, so this could be an option for including a workshop in your home design.
3. Consider Any Specific Equipment, Tools, or Supplies You Need
The amount of space you need and also how you organize it will be affected by equipment, tools, supplies, etc. in addition to the actual workspace you need. This is why one of the big tips for how to design your own workshop is to consider specific equipment, tools, or supplies you need.
Depending on these factors, there will be special design considerations in the layout, flow, and elements of your workshop. It may also help you get creative with tool storage ideas that you can integrate into the design. This will also help inform the types of safety and protective gear you may need outside of standard safety glasses, gloves, and work aprons or coveralls.
4. Don’t Forget About Storage
When it comes to designing your own workshop, you don’t want to forget about storage. You’ll need space to store projects in progress, finished projects, all necessary supplies, extra tools, equipment, and more. In addition to actually having space for all of this, you’ll also need to figure out storage that helps you organize and access it efficiently.
Include Specific Storage You Will Need in the Design
Whether your workshop will be located in your garage or a separate structure, there are garage organization ideas that can help you maximize storage. Pegboards can be useful to store lightweight tools on a wall and keep them easily accessible.
Hooks, racks, lockers, and even ceiling storage and other overhead garage storage ideas can give you the storage space you need. If you’ll be generating a lot of dust, sawdust, or other airborne particulates, then it’s a good idea to have some closed or secure storage options that will keep items debris-free.
Start to Organize and Minimize Clutter During Design
You can also preemptively implement some garage organization tips to manage clutter to keep your supplies in order and your workspace organized. Knowing what you need to store, grouping things by type or function, and creating a specific place for each item can help you set up your workspace and storage in a way that minimizes clutter and helps you work on what you want easier.
5. Ensure You Have Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for any space and especially for a workshop where you may be generating debris, working with fumes, etc. Windows, fans, exhaust fans, and more can all make sure you have good ventilation and airflow in your workshop.
6. Make Sure You Have the Right Flooring
Workshops and craft rooms can get messy. Depending on what you’re doing, it can get really messy. Regardless, you’ll want to have the right flooring in your workshop.
Durable flooring is one of the big garage must-haves and it’s a must-have for your workshop too. There are plenty of durable flooring options that are easy to clean; it’s just a matter of picking the right one for you.
7. Get the Right Lighting
A window or two can provide some fresh air and some natural lighting, but it probably won’t give you all the lighting you need. It’s important to get the right lighting in your workshop. Depending on what you’re doing, a mix of lighting options that gives you good overhead lighting and task lighting when you need it is a good start.
8. Figure Out Maintenance and Cleanup
Other important considerations for designing your own workshop are maintenance and cleanup. Anything that can help you maintain the space and clean up after you’re done working is worth thinking about during the design phase.
Depending on what you’re doing, it may be worthwhile to include a central vacuum system in your workshop design. There are plenty of benefits of a central vacuum system and one of the biggest is that they are low-maintenance systems that make cleanup easy, convenient, and efficient.
These are just tips on how to design your own workshop to help you figure out what you want and need in a space. This will be valuable information that can help your custom home builder include the perfect workshop in your custom home design. Workshop or not, if you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!