A lot of us are working from home these days. That makes having a home office that much more important. If you’re thinking of updating your home to include a home office addition, here are 5 key things to consider.
1. Size of your home office addition
It’s important that the size of your home office addition meets the needs of the work you’ll be doing. You’ll want to make sure it has enough room for a work desk, chair, storage cabinets, trash can and other items you’d typically have in a traditional office space.
Also keep in mind how much wall space you’ll need. Will you require a white board to keep track of notes or to-do lists? Do you need attached shelving for office accessories or equipment? Remember, doors and windows will take up some of that precious space, so plan accordingly.
2. Natural light
Speaking of windows, it can be tempting to save on budget by not including windows to your home office addition, but that may not reap benefits in the long run. Having natural light can help you concentrate and focus, and improve your overall mood. Having only artificial light can hamper your productivity, so discuss ideas with your contractor when it comes to natural light options, whether it’s different window styles or maybe even a skylight.
3. Home Office Addition Separation
Having a dedicated space for your home office addition is important for a few reasons. First, there are specific rules around what qualifies as a home office for tax deduction purposes, and separation plays a role here. The IRS states that in order to qualify for the home office deduction, part of your home must be used “regularly and exclusively” for business. While that doesn’t mean a completely walled off area, having a clearly separate office workspace can help justify taking this deduction.
A separate home office also helps set boundaries with kids, partners, and even pets in your home. When you’re in your office, it’s a signal that you’re working and shouldn’t be disturbed. Your contractor can help you design a space that minimizes traffic flow so you can stay productive.
4. Staying Connected
Wifi and plenty of electrical outlets will be critical for your home office. Make sure you have enough outlets for all of your devices — computer, printer, shredder, lamps, etc. — and that you can clearly access your home’s wifi. Maybe that means getting some wifi boosters for your home or other electrical needs. Again, your builder can assist with recommendations on how to make sure you have the juice you need to work well.
5. Design Continuity
Any addition should look like it belongs to the rest of your home. You’ll want to take the aesthetic of your existing home into account when designing your home office addition, so it flows seamlessly. Everything from the flooring to the window types can play a role, as will how it looks on the outside. This may not only help with your productivity, it will also reap benefits if you decide to sell your home later on. Working with a builder who also has design expertise or a design staff can help streamline this process and ensure your home’s design throughout.
Are you thinking about a home office addition? At Lamont Bros., we have years of experience creating home additions. Plus, our team of in-house designers will work with you every step of the way to ensure your project meets your needs and is completed efficiently. Schedule a call with us to get started!