Working From a Home Office; a Growing Trend
Whether to work at home or for use managing the clerical and financial aspects of the household, the home office has become a popular concept. Regardless if it is a small closet space set up with a simple computer desk, or an elaborate room with home office furniture and extensive home office equipment, just about every homeowner has one.
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver have all seen a growing trend of professionals seeking to work from home. Including a home office in the floor plan for new construction homes or in a home renovation project has become commonplace.
The functional modern home office has several requirements to be a workable option for the corporate professional. Including a copy machine, fax, computer equipment and computer network, home office phone system, and high speed internet connection. Long hours may necessitate creating a pleasant environment conducive to productive activity; accomplished with well thought out lighting, placement of furnishings, and dècor.
Designate Space for Your Home Office
The amount of space required for a home office is determined by how much it will be used. If it will be used only occasionally for miscellaneous tasks, a converted closet space with a simple work station may prove adequate.
If you plan to spend long hours in the office running your own company, you probably will need a larger, more specialized office space with everything necessary to conduct business from that room. For instance, you wouldn't want to have to run to the other end of the house to get a necessary item in the middle of phone call.
For appropriating office space in an existing home, consider rooms that are infrequently used, such as a guest room or basement. Whatever space you designate should have easy access, and a door to close it off from potential distractions. In addition, a more elaborate home office will require additional electrical service to handle the office equipment. It might be a wise decision to consult an electrical wiring contractor to make sure you will have ample service.
Multi-line phone systems and computer networks can be quite complicated; you may want to consult with a telecommunications contractor for proper installation and set up.
Before beginning work on a new construction home or renovation project such as a home office, consult with your general contractor or remodeling contractor. Discussing plans for special computer network wiring or additional electrical service before work begins can save you time and money.
Designing and Planning the Workspace
There are four factors that enter into consideration for your home office design idea; efficiency, comfort, color, and beauty.
Work out a floor plan for placement of your work station or computer desk, telephones, (opt for one that is portable) and office equipment; including printer, copier, and fax machine. Of course if you will be running a company from your home office, there may be other items to include; such as filing cabinets, also drawing or design tables.
Keep in mind that you will need a hard surface around the desk area to allow for office chair wheels. Everything should be placed in such a manner that movement flows easily in the room.
Incorporate ample heating and cooling into your small home office design, comfort is necessary for a productive work environment.
Color is important; muted earth tones create a calm soothing atmosphere, making the office experience a pleasant one. Tasteful furnishings and room dècor also add to the overall beauty and appeal of the room. Remember - this is your private work space which can be decorated to suit your taste; not a corporate “sweat shop†adorned with motivational slogans or posters.
Finding the Right Contractor
It has never been easier to locate a reliable, knowledgeable contractor. Homeowners all over the United States in places like Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Miami are turning to TrustedPros.com, where finding a contractor for your home office design project is a snap.
Just post the project requirements and guidelines online where local contractors can see your project and begin providing competitive bids. Posting your project is absolutely free, with no obligation whatsoever. Begin to receive contractor responses in days, even hours after posting!
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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