With the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increasing the need to be able to work remotely, working from home is fast becoming the norm. And it is only expected to continue, so it’s no surprise that a home office or study space is quickly becoming an essential feature for many of today’s buyers.
But if you own your property, the big question is … will adding a home office enhance your home’s value?
A decent home office can add significant value, especially if you have a separate space that allows you to maintain a natural division between work and family life. Being able to close the door and “leave” work is important for your mental and emotional health.
A home office offers a central space for computers, files, records, and for activities such as bill paying and family scheduling. Offices also provide a designated area for paperwork, documents, and other necessary items that otherwise can be difficult to organise and store. And when you feel more organised, you are more productive.
A home office can also offer school-aged children a quiet space for studying and learning. Students can get their work done without interruption, and the rest of the household doesn’t have to worry about disturbing them.
Parents can monitor technology use more effectively from a central point. When computers and tablets are kept in a home office, it can be easier to enforce screen time limits and to track browsing history.
An office that incorporates built-in bookcases, shelves, cabinets, or a closet offers important additional storage space in a home.
Office space can add valuable square footage to floor plans. Depending on the area’s design and location, some home offices can count as another bedroom, which can also add value to listings.
The problem many people’ think’ they have is that their homes don’t include dedicated office space. But surprisingly, there are lots of small spaces in your home that can be converted to a workspace…if you get creative!
Here are a few ideas to get you started …
Look for dead spaces – such as wide hallways and unused areas in bedrooms which could have a built-in desk as an extension of the existing wardrobe joinery.
Rethink existing dual-purpose zones – a sunroom could become an office and a sitting area. A guest bedroom could have a fold-out sofa bed and a desk and chair instead of one large bed.
If your home has a secondary dining or living space, you could potentially work a study area into the more casual of the two.
In larger homes consider converting one of the bedrooms into an office.
Or do you have attic or loft space? Converting an area like this is a great addition if the option is there.
In apartments or small homes, or in narrow areas, use a smaller console table instead of a traditional desk. And ensure you use all the wall space available to you with pinboards and floating shelves above the desk.
If you don’t know where to begin, give us a call, and we will be able to help you with the latest home office design trends and features buyers in your area are looking for.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 