With more and more people working remotely, home office renovations have become quite popular. Whether you’re working from home full-time or yours is a hybrid model situation, you need a customized home office to increase productivity.
If you’re still using your dining table or kitchen island as a workspace, you need to level up. You can be successful working from home, provided you have the right working conditions. Designing the perfect home office to meet your needs requires serious thought. We each have different requirements for our workspaces, so make sure to tailor everything to your needs.
Here’s our description of home office design ideas that can help you transform your workspace into a functioning home office. We’ve covered everything from design to cost, including how you can finance the renovation.
Home Office Essentials
Before you embark on the project, you need to determine the essentials you’ll need for an ideal home office. They include the following:
Spacious Desk
One of the top priorities for your home office remodel should be a spacious desk. This is where you’ll spend most of your time, so you need to find one that’s perfectly suited to your needs. There are several desk layouts to choose from, but ultimately, whichever type you choose should be spacious enough to enable you to get your work done.
If you tend to have tons of paper files, you’ll need a desk with a large surface. If you often multitask, then a U-shaped or L-shaped desk will be ideal for compartmentalizing all your projects. For minimalists, a small corner desk should work just fine.
Ergonomic Chair
As people transitioned into remote work over the pandemic, many complained of back pain due to lack of movement and bad posture. Spending hours hunched over your laptop in a dining chair is bound to take a toll on your body.
You should invest in an ergonomic chair that supports a comfortable sitting position. This is a must-have for your home office and is quite convenient because it is affordable and does not take up much space.
Storage/Organizers
If you do not have enough cabinets, shelving, or drawers, it is very easy for clutter to accumulate. This can be a considerable barrier to productivity. Even if your workspace is too small for custom shelving or cabinets, you can purchase bins, baskets, and other portable organizers that are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Proper Lighting
You need good lighting in your home office to prevent headaches and eye strain. If possible, your office should have natural lighting as it has been shown to trigger endorphin release. The ideal lighting situation should be a combination of natural light, overhead lighting, and lamps to adjust the lighting throughout the day.
Optional Ideas For Your Home Office
Once you’ve covered the essentials, you can splurge on personal touches to give you a home office feel.
Gadgets and Electronics
A laptop or desktop computer is pretty much the first thing you need for your remote work. However, for some people, your work might involve using more sophisticated modern electronic gadgets, so ensure there is enough space in the house and a charging station for the gadgets.
Transitional Space
If you need a new home office but don’t want to lose your guest room or any other available space, you can create a transitional office space. This room will function both as a bedroom and home office, so you get more use out of the area.
Reading Nook/Lounge
Consider adding a reading nook or lounge area to make your home office even more comfortable. This way, you have more flexibility to move throughout the day, and if you need to take a break, make a call, or entertain company, you can move to a comfy lounge chair.
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is a game-changer for your home office, especially if you share your living space with other family members. There are a lot of noise distractions that can get in the way of your work, so you should seriously consider soundproofing your home office during the construction process.
Mini Pantry
Working from home, you’ll need snack breaks just like you would at the office. To avoid walking to the kitchen every time you need a bite or a drink, consider installing a mini pantry so you don’t have to interrupt your workflow.
Aesthetics
For your home office to feel unique, add personal touches here and there. You could throw in a plus rug, decorative wastebasket, an accent wall, and even houseplants. You can do some little interior design by decorating your office walls with awards, diplomas, and anything else you need to motivate yourself. This way, your workspace is not only functional but also fun.
Average Home Office Remodel Cost
The cost of your remodel will vary based on factors such as:
Size
The square footage of the space largely determines the cost of renovation. According to HomeAdvisor, home office renovation costs about $100 per square foot. So the larger the space, the deeper you’ll have to dig into your pockets.
Location
Home renovations typically tend to cost more in large metropolitan cities than in rural areas. This is because the cost of living in your area has a significant impact on the overall cost of the renovation. In addition, labor and materials are more expensive in the city than in rural settings.
Contractors vs. DIY
Hiring contractors means you’ll pay for labor. Doing it yourself might seem like a good option, but if you have no experience, it is advisable to hire knowledgeable and experienced contractors for the job. You can transform your existing space, such as a basement or attic, into an office to lower your final cost.
Construction Permits and Labor
Building permits typically cost around $1,300, while labor will depend on your contractor. Get quotes from at least three contractors to find the most suitable one for your budget.
Furniture
It will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 to furnish your home office, depending on the scope of your project.
Other Features
- Shelves or cabinets: $1,200 to $3,900
- Soundproofing: $1,000 to $2,400
- Lighting: $150 to $800
- Painting: $100 to $600
How to Maximize Your Budget For a Home Remodel
Here are three ways you can maximize your budget for a home office remodel.
Determine Your Priorities
Break down everything you’ll need for the renovation into wants and needs. The budget should cover the essentials first before you can add other features. Then, if you need to downsize at any point, you should know where to make cuts. Remember, you can always improve later, so you don’t need to go all flashy right off the bat.
Check Out Flea Markets
You can easily find high-quality items for sale on the flea market for even half the original price. Take time to check out local flea markets, and you could save up to thousands of dollars purchasing second-hand furniture and décor.
Look at Renovation Loan Options
If the renovation is going to cost a little more than you had hoped for, you can look for renovation loan options to finance your dream renovation.
Where to Get Funding For Your Home Office Remodel
There are several financing options for your home office remodel. You could pay for it out of your own pocket or opt for home construction loans that typically charge a higher interest rate than other loans.
