Create the Perfect Home Office

As more and more people opt to work from home these days, home offices have become an increasingly popular home addition. Having a space dedicated solely to work can increase productivity, establish a solid work-from-home routine, and help keep the boundary between work life and home life. Here are some tips on creating the perfect home office space.

Consider the Neccesities

One of the most important steps in designing the perfect home office is assessing the electrical needs. You may need to invest in more power outlets or power strips to make sure all work-related devices can be properly set up. You should also consider the phone and internet connectivity of the space and make sure that any necessary wifi extenders or phone lines are installed.

Another necessity in an office space? Comfort. Working from home means getting away from the fluorescent office lighting. Your space should be well lit with a bright desk lamp and ideally some natural light from a few windows to reduce eye strain from staring at a computer screen for hours at a time.

Location

The placement of your home office is another important factor to consider. Are there spaces in your home such as an extra bedroom, basement, or attic that aren’t being put to any use? A great place for a home office is in a location that is far away from busy parts of your home such as the kitchen or living room. If your home doesn’t have a ton of extra room, you could consider installing a dividing wall in a large room to break up the space.

Design

The design of office space depends on a lot of personal preferences. Do you work better in a minimalist, tidy space or a colorful one that drives creativity? What kinds of things are you prioritizing in your work from home life, comfort, function, or something else? If you’re starting from scratch by renovating an unfinished area into a home office, the space is a blank canvas. Interior design magazines and experts will help you settle on different elements of design.

Installations

You can maximize the potential of your space by installing office features such as a built-in desk, standing workstation, and extra storage space. Consider renovating to make the most of your square footage and add a unique style to your home office while adding value to your home.

Conclusion

Interested in renovating your house to make space for a home office? Contact us today with any questions!

December 13, 2021 0

Working from Home? Design a Productive Home Office

With a sudden shift to working from home, many people created make-shift work environments. Some have the luxury of a complete home office, and others are utilizing their kitchen tables or living rooms.

While these temporary home offices have played their part in the short-term, they may not suffice for people who continue to work from home. According to Global Workplace Analytics, many people will continue to work remotely, even after offices start to open back up.

“Our best estimate is that 25-30% of the workforce will be working-from-home multiple days a week by the end of 2021.”

– Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics.

With this rise in remote employees, home offices are becoming increasingly important. It’s essential to have a place that signals it is ‘working time,’ where you can focus and stay on task. Here are some tips to keep in mind when designing a home office:

Natural Light

Whenever possible, maximize natural light. Natural light boosts mood, increases productivity, and creates a feeling of openness. When arranging your desk and office furniture, place it so you can see out the windows, but out of direct glare from the sun. Ideally, you should be able to work all day with blinds open.

Add Lighting Options

Natural light isn’t always enough. Add a variety of lighting options in your home office so that you always have plenty of light for work tasks. Overhead lighting, combined with lamps at your working space, is often plenty of light. If you want to add in more, you can incorporate a floor lamp and recessed lighting in the ceiling.

Storage

Storage is needed in any work environment. Whether you need a filing cabinet, a bookcase, or a closet with shelves, make sure you have a system in place to stay organized.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics aims to design the workspace to improve performance and productivity. Often, seemingly small adjustments make a huge difference to how we feel physically and mentally after the workday. Set up your computer and keyboard so you eliminate the hunched over stance and find a chair that is both comfortable and supportive. If you have enough space, create a couple of working areas, including a place to stand, a place to sit, and even a small couch to change things up.

Office Nook

Not everyone has an entire room that can be dedicated to a home office. You can create an office nook that contains most of the above elements. Select a corner of a room that is seldom used, and add in floating shelves, a desk, and lighting. Some people even transform a closet into an office space.

If you are going to continue working from home, we recommend taking the time to design a space that fits your needs. Your home office should reflect your style, be a place that you enjoy, and an area where you can tune out distractions to accomplish your work goals.

May 12, 2020 0

Advantages to Finishing a Basement

Basements are excellent for storage. But that doesn’t mean basements need to remain dark and dingy. Remodeling the lower level of your home increases living space, can add value to your property, and is energy efficient.

More Living Space

If you love your house but feel cramped, or you want another area where you can get some privacy, a remodeled basement provides more living space. The best part of refinishing a basement is that you can be as creative as you want. Since the essential rooms are already on the upper levels of the home, you can utilize this extra space to create a dream room.

A dream basement might be a playroom for children, so you don’t have to look at toys in the main living room. It could include a fitness area, game room, home theater, or a home office that is secluded from the rest of the house. Whatever you wish you had the room for upstairs can become part of a finished basement.

Potential to Add Value to Your Property

You may already know that kitchen and bathroom renovations generally have the best return on investment. But a finished basement can also add value to your property. By setting a budget, and working with a contractor who knows zoning laws and regulations for your area, you can create a space that adds value to your house.

A finished basement may add value if it includes:

An additional bedroom. In smaller homes, a third or fourth bedroom in the basement may attract more buyers.
Additional bathroom. If your house has just one bathroom, adding another one can be a good return on investment. If the basement provides the space for an additional bathroom, it is a good idea to include in your renovations.
Income unit. An in-law suite or rental unit could also be designed for a basement remodel. This would need to follow zoning and safety regulations, so check with your contractor to ensure it is possible for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Cold air can leak in through the basement, making a house feel drafty. Energy Star recommends sealing air leaks in both the basement and the attic in order to decrease this cold airflow and save on energy bills. When renovating a basement, check to make sure there are no gaps around pipes or electrical lines. This is also the time to make sure the basement is insulated properly.

When thoughtfully designed, remodeling a basement has many benefits. What does your dream basement include?

October 1, 2019 0