Gone are the days when every employee worked an 8-hour shift, Monday–Friday, at the office site. Today, there are folks who work from home full-time (also known as “working remote”), and there are even more people who work a “hybrid” schedule, which means they work at home some days and in the building on others.
According to the Pew Research Center, “Roughly three years after the COVID-19 pandemic upended U.S. workplaces, about a third (35%) of workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home all of the time…up from only 7% before the pandemic.”
If you are working from home all the time, it’s likely that your employer requires you to have a “dedicated workspace,” complete with computer, internet access, and a desk station conducive to getting the job done. Usually, the contract also stipulates that the area not double as a child space, and that you have the ability to close the area to limit distractions.
Even if you don’t solely work from home, you still might want an office space to use as needed, to pay bills, or for kids to do their homework.
All of this information boils down to one thing—the need for a home office. And we have good news for you!
Turn a Bedroom Into a Home Office
Some people who work from home just grab their laptop and work wherever they can. But this isn’t practical for jobs that require multiple screens, printers, and so forth. It’s also challenging to concentrate on business while seated in the living room or another high-traffic area.
But it’s also a bit uncomfortable to work a paid position from the bedroom when the job requires you to appear on screen for client calls or team meetings. Plus, some people like to keep their bedroom off limits to work-related tasks, because it’s their get-away spot or relaxation retreat from the day.
However, lots of people have a spare bedroom that is used as a guest room when friends or family members come to town. That’s okay—there are plenty of ways to design the room so that nobody on the job can tell it’s a bedroom; you can do the same thing with any unused corners of the house.
Remodel Current Space to Create a Home Office
For folks who don’t want their bedroom or guest room to double as an office, and would like dedicated space rather than outfitting a corner of the living room or kitchen with a desk and chair, a remodel is the right choice for you.
Make sure your new office has the desired square footage so you don’t feel cramped once your furniture is in place. Also, be sure your electrical needs are met so you have outlets for each piece of equipment or tech, and a way to hide all the unsightly cords.
Here are some other features to consider:
- Built-in bookcases
- Sufficient Shelving
- Plenty of storage space
- Natural lighting
- Biophilic elements
- Acoustics
If two people will use the office, especially at the same time, you might want to think about building a trendy “dual den.” This can accommodate two adults working from home or allow children a formal place to study outside of their bedrooms.
Benefits to a Home Office Remodel
Experts agree that the future of employment will feature some form of working from home—whether it’s completely remote, hybrid, a freelance/contract position, or something new that’s not been introduced yet. Home builders have recognized the job landscape and have started constructing new homes to include a separate home office.
Remodeling your current home so that it provides a dedicated workspace is a great opportunity to invest in yourself, your career, and your financial future. For starters, a home office can allow you to claim deductions on your income taxes.
Additionally, the return on your remodeling investment makes the project worth it! Just look at these facts from Zillow research:
- A home office is at the top of the list for potential homebuyers.
- Homes with dedicated workspace sell faster.
- Listings mentioning a home office jumped about 10% in a single year.
Tips for a Home Office Remodel
When designing a home office space as part of a remodel, it’s important to provide ample lighting and ventilation. You’re going to be in the room for a large part of the day, so you want to be comfortable, healthy, and happy.
To this end, be sure to purchase ergonomic furniture for desks and seating. Perhaps replacing a conventional desk with a standing one or treadmill option will be a way to keep moving throughout the day, since you no longer have to walk from office to office or to the water cooler or copy machine.
Or go with a conventional option that allows room for an under-desk elliptical or pedal exerciser.
This doesn’t mean your office has to be all function and no form. There are plenty of decorating tips to make your space calming yet inspiring.
Local Home Office Remodel Companies
Even if no one in your household works from home, but you’d like a smaller dedicated workspace to pay bills or write the next great American novel, contact the experts at Straight Line Construction today.
You don’t even need to have a spare room. We can utilize excess square footage from any room in the house, and transform any non-functional area into something useful and beautiful. Formal dining rooms are often used to create a new office space.
Schedule a free consultation, then visit one of our showrooms in Gainesville or Ocala to talk to our design team and view our products. Straight Line is your construction concierge, making remodels a breeze by guiding you through every step of the process.