Tricks for Creating an Amazing Home Office
This is a guest post by Marissa Perez of BusinessPop.
Where you work has as much of an impact on your career as what type of job you do. And if you’re working from home, your office is a vital part of your day. Whether you’re planning to build out your home, are shopping for property, or just want to design a cozy office space, here’s what to factor in.
Buying? Understand the Process
Buying a house might make financial sense, especially if your professional success hinges on having enough square footage for a home office. But a few essential steps must come ahead of your interior design plans, such as navigating how to buy a home.
You need to know how much you can afford based on your current earnings before you can begin. You also must apply for pre-approval for a loan. Finding a trustworthy real estate agent is another vital step. Once you have those items in order, you can begin searching for a home.
Finding the Right Home for Your Business
If a move is in the cards, you’ll want to ensure that you’re making the right decision. When shopping for property, consider factors such as:
● Whether your business is permissible in the location (whether zoned residential or commercial)
● The overall square footage and space available for a home office
● The location in relation to where your customer base lives or works
● Whether clients will need to visit your home
● The available amenities, such as reliable internet and cell phone service, at the property
Buying a house that doesn’t fit your personal and professional needs isn’t a smart investment. Plus, you may rack up legal fees and other costs if your business requires special permits. It’s also worth noting that you may be able to receive a deduction on your taxes for the cost of your home office—so spending a bit more might be possible thanks to tax breaks.
Choose Features for Productivity
Wherever your home office is, the way you organize and design it matters. You want a quiet space that’s free from family and other distractions, but you should also aim for features that can help boost your productivity.
For example, adequate lighting can help; Psychology Today notes that studies show that exposure to natural light sources boosts workplace performance. Paint colors can affect your home office atmosphere, too. Consider blue to boost focus, pink for enhanced creativity, or yellow for creating energetic vibes.
Think About Comfort
You might think that a garage office is a good compromise, especially if your home (whether existing or just purchased) lacks the space for a dedicated workspace. But your comfort must top the list of priorities, especially if you’ll be spending 40 (or more) hours per week in there. A garage conversion can also be expensive.
Plus, if your business requires you to stock inventory, climate control is even more critical. Even if your products can withstand severe temperature fluctuations, don’t discount the potential for damage due to mold, mildew, or even pests.
Don’t Skimp on Equipment
Your equipment needs will vary widely based on the type of business you run. But most home offices need a desk and comfortable chair at a minimum. Even if you don’t plan to sit for eight-hour stretches, the ergonomics of your seating matter, says Spine-Health. Features like lumbar support, an adequate backrest, and swiveling capabilities can help you avoid injury and remain comfortable throughout your workday.
In addition to comfortable seating, you should also invest in high-quality equipment. Whether your office space needs a reliable printer, multiple mega-sized computer screens, or a professional drafting table, don’t take the cheap way out. Investing in better-quality items up-front means less money—and stress—over time when the low-priced and low-quality stuff quits. Plus, small business owners can deduct many of their expenses come tax time. Just be sure to save the receipts and invoices.
Investing in your home office is a smart way to siphon funds into your business. Choosing the right space and features is critical. After all, the more comfortable and relaxed you are, the bigger the payoff in terms of work quality and productivity.
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