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Plus, 10 essentials you need to get started.

For many DIY enthusiasts, their biggest dream is to have a fully-equipped workshop. Whether you have a creative hobby or want to cut wood panelling for your home, having a dedicated workspace will give you room to focus – and keep everything in one place.

To help you transform your garage or shed into a workshop, Dominic Chinea from BBC's The Repair Shop has revealed the top tips everyone needs to know with a really useful DIY workshop guide, in partnership with industrial and homeware solutions supplier BiGDUG. Here's how you can make the most of your space...

Creating your dream workshop begins with layout. Decide how every inch of the garage should be used, working out what tools you need regular access to and if there is enough space for you to cut items, such as wood. Storage spaces that use up the floor will always make your workshop feel full and messy, so see if you can get creative with wall shelves instead.

'Think about the layout carefully, just as kitchens have a standard triangle layout between the sink, fridge and oven, think of your equivalent for your workshop space,' Dom says. 'Taking time to really think about this beforehand and plan the layout carefully will help so much when you are using the space.'

Keep your workshop clear and clutter-free by getting clever with your storage. While organising a workshop isn't a one-size-fits-all project, some ideas to steal include using the height of the space (including the ceiling and even on the roof), placing shelving above doorways, and picking up wall-to-wall cabinets for tools.

'Always install more plug sockets and power than you think you’ll need,' advises Dom. 'When planning your layout, you can see which items will need power, and potentially more than one circuit, but then add more. There are always batteries to charge, kettles to plug in and even taking the radio to the other side of the workshop needs a plug.'

There's no limit to imagination when it comes to your workshop. Consider painting the walls of your workshop in a light colour to create the illusion of more space, add posters on the wall, get a small kettle for tea, or make room for your favourite chair. Remember: 'It doesn't all need to be functional or utilitarian to be a working environment.'

Ready to transform your garage into a handy workshop? Take a look at the products you will need to get going...

10 products you need to get started

The workbench is one of the most important pieces of equipment for carrying out projects. As a rule of thumb, your workbench should be able to withstand the weight of your work pieces, be resistant to shocks and warping over time, and large enough for creative tasks. Yours could either be a central table or situated against a wall.

'I'm probably biased but I think a vice is essential no matter what your craft is,' continues Dom. 'They look great and are so useful for a variety of purposes. Even if you just use it as an extra pair of hands to hold something still, they are so useful, and you can find them very cheaply online or at car boot sales in so many different sizes and finishes depending on your craft.'

Good workbench stools can save you from an aching back or hurting knees. When shopping around, consider whether you want armrests or would prefer a height-adjustable chair. Delicate work might not necessarily need a huge bench, however, if you are embarking on a large DIY project it could be worth having a bigger chair with wheels so you can move around.

Garages and workshops can often be exposed to high levels of moisture and dust, so it's best to research the right bulbs first. Once you have chosen your light, it's time to decide on positioning.

'Think about where you may need direct lighting, above the workbench, near specific tools, and also have a bright lamp, even daylight if needed, that you can move about with you also if you really need a detailed look,' Dom adds.

'Regular storage and shelving are important but racking I think is just as essential, long lengths of wood or metal can be kept out of the way, large tools kept off the floor and racking can be adapted to so many purposes,' explains Dom. 'Or even if it's just to hide all of the bits you had in the garage before converting it!'

Workshops can get chilly when the temperature tumbles. Even in winter, projects, repairs and hobbies must go on, so Dom recommends picking up an electric heater that you can plug in beside you. As well as keeping working hands warm, it will help glues and paints on your project to dry quicker.

'A flammable cabinet, large or small, is important in any workshop. No doubt there will be some form of white spirit or paints,' suggests Dom. 'Make sure you place this in a ventilated area, not near the heaters or blocking an entrance (just in case!).'

Pigeonhole units are ideal for any busy workshop environments. Whether you choose floor standing, cupboard or wall-mounted options, they will help to keep items such as screws and spools in one place.

Keep track of to-do lists, ideas or paint names with the help of a white board (or chalk board, if you prefer something more old-school). Dom says: 'I find myself scribbling on my actual workbench or scraps of paper everywhere whereas an actual note board would be much harder to then lose!'

'A toolbox for your most used essential tools is vital, you can carry this around the workshop with you, take on location, keep under your bed at night… that collection of tools will become very precious!'

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