The numbers are impressive; according to undress4success.com, “The number of Americans who worked from home or remotely at least one day per month for their employer (“employee telecommuters”) increased from approximately 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008. A 39% 2 year increase and 74% increase since 2005. ”

They go on to say that about half of all businesses are home-based business'. This makes sense because freelancing is becoming more attractive as employer fringe benefits such as health care benefits and pensions keep dropping. As work-at-home types quickly find out, a computer on the dining table with kids scampering about just doesn't work.
Why a Garage Home Office?
In many cases, all the home's bedrooms are already occupied and/or being used for hobbies or arts and crafts or as a man cave. The garage, especially a 2-car garage, has the potential for configurable space and already offers some degree of solitude.
A Remodeling Plan and Construction Budget

It's easy to get carried away with this type of project. Research and planning are key to a successful outcome. It helps to make a list of all items with the must-haves at the top and the wish list at the bottom.

Then figure out a realistic construction budget, get prices, and red-line the items that just don't fit in the budget. These aren't things that can't ever go in; they just have to go in cold storage for a while. Don't go down the small business loan road unless absolutely necessary. There's no sense beginning with a large debt load.Kelly Smith