Garage to Office
In 2023, after 15 years in business, we bought out our partners and embraced a fresh chapter, shaping CenterBeam Construction into something truly our own. After a challenging time, we wanted a special, quiet space where our team could relax, think creatively, and work without distractions. With high rents everywhere in 2024, we decided to transform an unused 1,000 sq. ft. garage we already owned into something magical.
The vision was twofold: create a functional office for our team to meet, plan, and strategize now, and design it as a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment for future use once we move into a larger space. The transformation was no small task. We started by clearing out storage and ripping out old paneling. We carefully planned plumbing for the kitchen and bathroom without damaging the intact concrete, and tackled air conditioning, tile flooring, paint, fixtures, and design details like windows and layouts.
As a construction company, these challenges were right up our alley, and the results speak for themselves. This once-overlooked garage is now a beautiful, functional office space—and a testament to thinking creatively about the future.
What’s your favorite thing about the new space?
Christina: That’s an easy one—it’s the flow! The space has this incredible, natural rhythm that feels just like a 1920s bungalow. We had 1,200 sq ft of garage to work with, so I designed it to mirror the layout of our very first house in Avondale.
When you walk in, you’re greeted by the main space. Take a right, and there’s a cozy hallway. Straight ahead, you’ll find the bathroom, and on either side are the offices—just like bedrooms in a classic home. The main space, right off the entrance, is where all the action happens, with our meeting table and three work desks.
What I love most is the versatility. As much as it works perfectly as our office now, the layout is so functional that it could easily transition into a 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental down the line if we ever outgrow it. That kind of adaptability makes it feel even more special!
What was the best part about transforming this old garage space into your office?
Christina: Honestly, the best part was the total creative freedom we had! Since we didn’t involve an architect or designer, we could dream big and try out all our ideas. It was so fun to see how far we could stretch a limited budget by having everyone pitch in their time and talents.
The real joy came from watching it all come together in a way that’s super functional for our team. You know what I mean? We knew exactly how the office needed to work—quiet spaces for employees to focus, a big meeting table for brainstorming sessions, a roomy kitchen for our weekly gatherings, and, of course, a file room to keep us organized. Seeing it all click into place was so rewarding! It’s amazing what you can achieve when creativity and teamwork lead the way.
During Photos
What was the biggest challenge during the remodel?
Christina: Without a doubt, the biggest challenge was time—it always is! Overcoming obstacles or figuring out solutions to the endless problems that pop up is something you can work through, but time? You just can’t beat it. Everything takes longer and costs more—it’s just a fact of life in construction.
For this project, we hit a few major delays. We found out the property needed a brand-new septic system and well, and to top it off, the city was running a month behind on permitting. So, we simply had to wait. But the thing is, it all eventually gets done. You just have to learn to roll with it and not stress too much. As Jeff always says, “It is what it is.” And honestly, once it’s finished and you’re standing in the completed space, it all feels worth it!
