Laguna Beach, Calif. — Before finding Modern-Shed, Jack had to live out of a hotel room due to undergoing cancer treatment.
Diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in March of 2014, Jack has since endured several treatment therapies, including radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Every two weeks, Jack undergoes chemotherapy treatment at the hospital infusion center, however, the drugs have had an unfortunate side effect for his wife, Linda. Continue reading
Saint Helena, Calif. —- When Norm and Patti purchased their new home, they knew they wanted a separate home office where Norm’s clients could meet with him privately.
Norm works in the executive search business, finding senior level employees for companies that have hired him to do so, and when he needs to meet with prospective candidates, he needs privacy.
“We had the intent that we would ultimately have a separate home office that would be on the property, but not inside the house,” Norm says. “We liked the confidentiality of it, not impeding into the life of our home. It provides a sense of distance and space for clients and candidates.” Continue reading
We often hear from our Modern-Shed customers about the invaluable ways that their sheds have enhanced their lives — Modern-Sheds have allowed clients to spend more time with family, carve out time to devote to their passions and simply relax in a space that is wholly their own.
But Modern-Sheds also have a financial upside.
In addition to the tax savings that Modern-Shed home office users reap — tax benefits vary by profession and the shed’s size and frequency of use — many Modern-Shed customers have found major savings from unexpected places. Continue reading
With less than 10 weeks until Memorial Day — the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of a season of patio parties and barbecues — it’s time to give more thought to the space where we might do a lot of our entertaining, eating and lounging: our backyard.
Many of our Modern-Shed customers use their sheds to anchor their outdoor living spaces, and more and more we’re seeing a blend between indoor-outdoor living.
Maybe you’ll spend two or three hours in your Modern-Shed art studio working on a piece, then you’ll step outside to breathe in inspiration from your garden or perhaps take your lunch break out on your patio with your partner or kids.
Getting outside, even for a few minutes, is a proven method of boosting creativity and productivity, and it will leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
But maybe you’re in need of ideas, or you’re tight on space or budget? Don’t worry. Here are some ideas to liven up your Modern-Shed outdoor space. Continue reading
Woodinville, Washington — Music is one of the most important things in Vinay’s life, but a couple of years ago, the software engineer was finding it increasingly difficult to make room in his life for that passion.
“We weren’t necessarily looking for a shed in the beginning,” he recalled. “There wasn’t any space for my music. Everything was spread out everywhere. I had four guitars and music scattered all over the place. I couldn’t find any of my sheet music. It was horrible.” Continue reading
SEATTLE — Growing up in Russia, Natasha has always considered using saunas to be an integral part of life.
Her husband, Bill, who worked in Russia for years, agreed, so when the couple started looking to expand their Seattle home, they knew they needed a special space.
“It’s our weekly ritual to relax,” Natasha said. “It’s cleansing and rejuvenating. We didn’t really have space in the house to have it and we saw Modern-Shed products online. They pop up and catch your eye.” Continue reading
Modern-Shed General Manager Tim Vack has worked from home for 20 years, broken up for a time working in an office with employees.
“Working from home with no commute is the best … for me,” he says. “For entrepreneurs and small business owners, there are large benefits in cost savings and tax advantages. For employees of other companies, the big savings is in time, frustration and cost of the typical commute.”
We know working from home has its challenges as well, and since so many of our customers use Modern-Shed to work from home, we’ve outlined some tips to be your most productive self without sacrificing the benefits of working from home.
Ultimately, one of the biggest tips we can give you is to create your own space.
Working from your bedroom, dining room table, the basement or even a spare room might not be the best way to have a productive work life, says Tim, who has worked in all manner of spaces.
“It doesn’t matter how big your dining room table is, you’ll be thinking of what to make for dinner, or how big your bedroom is, you might be tempted to take a nap,” Tim says. “Even a separate room may not be enough to keep out the sounds of a child crying or the dog needing to go out.”
That’s why the No. 1 use for our Modern-Sheds is a home office space, conveniently located in a private and professional space only steps from the house.
Make your Modern-Shed home office inviting by investing in a quality desk (perhaps a standing one to increase calorie burn) and phone, one that won’t be interrupted by personal calls and texts.
Consider the colors and textures that you like, keep your space organized and comfortable and let windows bring in natural light to restore your energy and relieve eyestrain from staring at a computer all day.
The biggest reason why people turn to a Modern-Shed home office beyond having their own private space is, of course, the cost savings.
From the dreaded commute that wears on your vehicle and your wallet to the added bonus of a tax advantage, there are many considerations to keep in mind.
“What you can save in fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle alone is amazing, let alone the time savings,” Tim says. “Just think what you could do with 250-375 hours per year and an extra $4,000 to $5,000.”
Talk to your tax professional for details about the IRS’ home office deductions, which can be significant when considering the purchase of a Modern-Shed or converting an existing space. Bills such as utilities, phone and internet can also be deducted, in accordance with the IRS guidelines.
There are large benefits to working from home — it saves time, money, the environment, your sanity and your relationships (we haven’t even discussed being closer to family).
If you invest in a Modern-Shed home office, you could work full-time, have an additional 275 possible billable hours per year, with the Modern-Shed paying for itself in commuting costs within four years. Talk about return on investment!
Visit modern-shed.com to see what Modern-Shed can do for you.
SANTA CRUZ — It’s been one year since Don installed a Modern-Shed meditation room in his backyard, and he couldn’t be more at peace with his decision.
“I think I was the ideal client,” Don recalled of the process. “I needed something like this, but I didn’t know anything like Modern-Shed existed and I didn’t have any options to get something built in less than three months. This prefab solution was perfect in my situation.” Continue reading
North of San Diego — When it comes to decorating her home with her husband of 30 years, Belinda had gotten used to compromising.
“Every single time we’ve had to cover a couch or pick a paint color, he wants to go in one direction and I want to go in another,” Belinda sighs. “And it’s always a compromise.”
Compromise works great in a marriage, but sometimes you just want to have things your own way, in your own style.
Enter Modern-Shed. Continue reading
Whatcom County, Wash. — Ever since Dirk and Diana bought their one-and-a-half story home, they knew they wanted to remodel.
“Dirk and I have been wrestling with this home and how to figure out how to fit two offices in our house and all that stuff,” Diana recalled. “Adding onto the home itself opened up a can of worms.”
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