A workshop in your home - how do-it-yourselfers can make dreams come true

As a result of the events surrounding corona, the home and its optimal design and utilisation have regained importance. Many a long-cherished dream is suddenly about to become reality. Many people are thinking about setting up a workshop in their home and how this can be realised. In this article you will learn about what you need to consider and what equipment and tools are worth acquiring. Let’s begin!

Ask yourself the following questions before setting up your workshop.

Such a project needs to be well thought out, because it is a decision that costs time, space and money. Once you have clarified the question of the budget, you can move on to the detailed planning.

What is the best place for the future workshop in your home?

When choosing a room, you should bear in mind that in a workshop there are some things that could lead to the other occupants protesting:

• dirt, dust

• odours

• noise

Usually the basement or the garage is preferred. It is advisable to install insulation (noise, heat, cold) with optimum ventilation. In addition to artificial lighting, plenty of daylight should be available to optimise light conditions.

Which elements / components are needed in the workshop?

Before you start with the actual set-up, take the opportunity to optimise the "infrastructure" of the room:

• Sockets (220 / 380 volts): these should be installed above table height in sufficient number. Experts recommend at least four per wall.

• Lighting: Ensure good lighting (daylight) and seek advice from a professional. In addition to stationary lighting systems (ceiling, wall), we also recommend the use of portable luminaires.

• Sufficient shelves on the walls with adequate load capacity that are well secured.

• Sturdy tables / workbenches that can take a beating with a hammer.

• Water connections and drains to wash the dirt off your hands after work.

• Heating for the cold season.

Even if you are a skilled do-it-yourselfer, some work requires professional assistance. For safety reasons, you should leave everything to do with electricity and water, possibly gas, in the hands of professionals.

What tools and machines are needed

What tools to get depends above all on the DIY skills of the do-it-yourselfer. If you like working with wood, then a saw and plane will be part of the standard equipment. If you work with metal, you might consider getting a welding machine, a cut-off wheel or even a small lathe. If you mainly repair watches, then the requirements are quite different.

When it comes to tools, you should ask the advice of DIY pros in addition to the salesperson in the specialist store, namely people who have already set up a workshop and work in it.

Overview of the standard equipment needed for a workshop at home

• Drill and cordless screwdriver

• Various screw clamps

• Saws for wood and metal, possibly an electric jigsaw with different blades

• Metal and wood drills in various sizes

• Set of open-end or ring spanners

• Set of allen keys

• Set of screwdrivers (cross-head, slotted and spax), also suitable for the cordless screwdriver

• Several pliers (combination pliers, side cutters, pointed pliers)

• Hot glue gun

• Range of wood and metal screws (different lengths and thickness)

• Toolbox with miscellaneous items: insulation tape, possibly a current tester, screwdriver, 

torch, pencils, selection of different wood and metal screws

Should you buy or rent a workshop: what is recommendable?

If there is no space or capacity for a workshop in your home, think about whether it would be an option to buy or rent. Currently, the market is in flux and many people want to sell their property. Due to the effect that corona has had on property prices, buying real estate and sustainable living has again moved into the realm of possibility. Maybe this is the perfect time to fulfil your dream of having your own workshop.