Outbuildings can add a great deal of glamour, value and functionality to a modern home. But to reach its potential, an outbuilding will need to be appropriately modified and renovated to suit a particular purpose.
If you’ve got an outbuilding that’s looking a little bit neglected, then there are a number of transformations you might consider.
Gym
One of the best things about a traditional gym is that it doesn’t require electricity. If all you’re doing is burpees, pullups and kettlebell swings, then there’s no need to worry about getting electricity into the outbuilding.
If you do want power to the gym, then you can either thread cables beneath the ground, or make use of a portable generator. Since you’re only going to be using the power for a limited time every day, this option might be the more practicable one.
Home gyms have the advantage of being available all the time, at any time of day or night. You’ll also save on the ongoing costs of a gym membership, meaning that these changes might pay for themselves.
Games room
If you’d prefer to have a place to escape during your downtime, then turning the outbuilding into a games room might be advisable. You can store all of your board games and retro cartridges here, hang a dartboard on the wall, and, if you’ve got the room for it, install a pool table, too.
Home office
If you’re going to be working from home, then the availability of a dedicated space outside the home can help you to really focus on the tasks you have in front of you. You won’t have to contend with the noise of barking dogs, screaming children, or the television. You’ll be able to achieve a sense of separation between home and work, too.
Studio
For committed musicians, having a purpose-built studio space can be invaluable. You’ll be able to treat the building appropriately, ensuring that it’s acoustically perfect, and that the sounds you generate aren’t going to disturb anyone else in the residence.
Naturally, if you’re going to be storing lots of high-value equipment in your outhouse, then it pays to make sure that you’ve taken moisture-proofing and security very seriously. Invest in cameras, alarms, locks and insurance, and make sure that your studio recordings are being backed up to a storage drive in your home – or in the cloud!
