Adding a Home Office

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Tired of sharing the living room, kitchen or bedroom with your family members in exchange for a small space to operate your home-based business? If you can’t designate a spare room as your own private office space, it may be time to have your own home office built.

If you have space issues, or even if you don’t, you should design your workspace with you in the center, preferably sitting in an ergonomically-designed office armchair with wheels. Then, you can design your space with all the functions you need to perform within reach. To illustrate, your computer might be located on a left hand extension from your desk, your printer could sit on a multi-purpose unit behind you, and your file drawers might also be on wheels, in the unit behind you, or even inside your desk drawers. One good way to save space is to purchase a combination printer, scanner and fax machine.

Another consideration for your new home office is the electrical wiring. Most building codes require that electrical outlets be placed every 12 feet. It is recommended that these be installed above desk level to avoid crawling around on your hands and knees. It is also recommended that you have two phone lines that are placed near the electrical outlets to support equipment that requires both.

When possible, you should use as much natural light as possible with a mix of ambient light with ceiling fixtures and task lighting over your work areas. Avoid track or recessed lighting, which don’t provide adequate lighting for a home office. If you must use fluorescent lighting, which is often harsh, using the warm bulbs will soften the light. While full-spectrum lighting is expensive to install, it replicates natural light and is the best choice for a work space that must properly illuminate true colors, such as an interior design office.

Sound issues are best dealt with by installing well-padded wall-to-wall carpeting, acoustic ceiling tile, weather-stripping, double-glazed windows and solid doors.

If you have clients visiting your home office, a separate entrance is always a good idea. This is also a great way to separate your home and work life and it creates boundaries, privacy and awareness for family members who might otherwise interrupt your work.

Adding a Home Office