More and more people are working from their homes, both as self-employed small business people and as employees. There are a lot of advantages to working at home–including the fact that the dress code is generally more casual–but there are also a number of important things you’ll need to consider before setting up a home office. The most basic consideration is local zoning ordinances. If your home business consists of no more than a desk and a computer in a back bedroom, chances are no one will even know you’re operating. But if, for example, your office is open to the public (say you’re a chiropractor or a notary public) or you keep inventory on site, then your business affects your neighbors and is likely to be regulated.
A home office is a good room, for both parents and children, because it provides a designated area for quite study and concentration. Learn how to create the right atmosphere in your home office to reduce distractions and stimulate productivity. This section will help you find ways to create, decorate and organize a home office that will best suit your needs.
Basic Considerations:
* Once you’ve determined that you’ll be working at home, the next step is to find some office space. Professional office designers do it like this: first add up the sizes of all the furniture, equipment, and storage you’ll need, then design the space around it. Unfortunately, you’ll probably be limited to a few choices, so you’ll have to make them work no matter what size they are.
* Keep in mind that privacy–or a lack of it– can make or break a home business. Don’t underestimate your needs. If you are constantly being interrupted by family members because you are accessible, it’ll be hard to give your work the necessary concentration. If you have children, you probably know how futile it is to expect them to be quiet, too. Privacy is one of the most important considerations in choosing office space in your home.
* A second important consideration may be access. If clients will come to your office, you’ll need to have an office that is accessible without walking through the entire house–or you’ll have to clean up every time you expect a client. If you can’t find office space where there is a door nearby, you may want to consider adding a room.
* If accessibility is not a major issue, there are a lot of spaces in the average home that can be turned into office space. You may be able to divide your office into two or more spaces. For example, you may have a niche under a stairway you can use for a desk and a phone only. But just behind that niche might be a closet into which you can put a file cabinet, copy machine, and office books and supplies. It’s not as handy as having everything at your fingertips, but it may work. Here are some more ideas on finding space for an office.
* Adding Space–Building a room for an office is not really “finding” space–it’s “making” space. The advantage is you can design the size and layout you want. The disadvantage is its cost. You’re probably looking for a way to have a home office within your existing building. But don’t overlook the obvious but more expensive route of adding on. Possibly the room you add on as an office can become a bedroom or family room if you sell your house. You may get all your investment back, if the new room is appropriate, and have a nice office space all the years you used it.
* Guest Bedroom–Taking a wall or two from a room that might be used 10 or 12 nights of the year for guests is not unreasonable. You can build bookcases and/or other office storage up and around the bed. Or get a Murphy bed which folds up into the wall. Then the few nights the room is used for guests, push your office stuff away, and drop the bed down.
* Maybe you can buy a hide-a-bed type couch for another room in the house for infrequent guests, and make that guest bedroom into a full-time office.
* Basement–If you have a basement, this may be where you’ll find the most available space. There may be some disadvantages, such as client accessibility, a lack of natural light, or dampness. But the advantage of abundant space might outweigh all the disadvantages.
* Attic–The disadvantage of taking over the attic is that there may be no insulation, heat, electricity, air conditioning, etc. The advantage is that an attic can be a large, quiet space–and also bright and cheerful, if you install skylights or roof windows.
* Attached Garage–The layout here is often favorable, especially if your business involves having clients in. A garage will have easy and private access. It has quite a bit of room and can be finished off fairly easily. The big space left by the overhead door is a wonderful opportunity to design in some nice windows and/or door into your office. A big disadvantage is you lose your garage. Of course, if your home business does well, you can build a bigger one next year.
* Hallway–Hallways with niches or extra space are opportunities for small office spaces, although they may be just enough to get by.
* Closets–Closets are usually in short supply, so taking one over for an office space may not be a popular idea in your household. But possibly the closet contents can be moved to a basement area, attic area, or someplace that is good enough for storage but not good enough for office space.
* Sharing Space–A wall or two in the family room, living room, a bedroom, or some other room may be appropriate. Possibly some office functions can be in one space and others in a second or third space.
* Many of these spaces depend on how much privacy you need to work, but be imaginative as you look over all the possibilities. There may be more office space possibilities in your house than you think.
* Electricity–Don’t underestimate the amount of electrical power you’ll need in your office. Your needs will depend on how much electrical equipment you’ll be using, of course, but chances are you’ll want a 20-amp circuit. Preferably, that circuit should be dedicated to your office alone, so you won’t have to worry about someone in the house turning on a hair dryer or toaster at the same time you’re making copies and printing documents.
Common architectural symbols used to draw a floor plan.
A parallel layout is a good design for someone who regularly sees clients. The
An L-shaped layout is a good design for someone who spends most of their time working at the computer. A temporary layout table can be set up in the center of the room when needed.
A straight line layout trades storage and convenience for the ability to fit a conference table into the room.