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Create the Best Home Office

This year, home offices have become of primary importance. Home remodeling planning and organization will create an atmosphere conducive for peak productivity. Good design will create a space you want to be in and can make it versatile for changing needs over time, like a study.  Now that we are approaching the end of the year stretch of holiday celebrations, you will want to close out noise to work more efficiently to finish your workday and step into your evening.

Select the Location
How much space is needed for work zones and accessible storage? Will you meet clients or do peer collaboration and want privacy and direct access so they don’t need to go through the home? How close or far removed from the daily flow of the household activities?  Some repurpose an unused bedroom, formal dining room, perhaps you can reconfigure the laundry to stackable washer and dryer in a closet and use that space. Some have enclosed a part of the patio or have done an addition. Others with older homes with a 2-car garage that is too small for 2 cars, have captured part of one for an office.

Plan the Layout
Computer station. Ideally it would be next to a window for natural light to not be shining on the screen, and to offer a visual break that one can look at a distance to relax the eyes. Consider the space opposite the computer that would be seen in Zoom calls. Having a wall with attractive artwork will have you always ready to create a good impression. If the space is needed on that wall for storage, get enclosed cabinetry, with some open shelves for depth and décor. Lighting for video calls is also important. Just as in a bathroom you do not want only overhead lighting, you will want diffused lighting on the side. The next factor would be planning to be able to work standing periodically. Our bodies are not made to sit for long periods, it is even worse than smoking!  There are adjustable standing desks that are placed on a desktop. If you have a laptop and a wireless keypad, you could have a shelves installed that are the right height for you.

Work zone.  There is an art to organization so a desk can remain clutter free with needed materials easily accessed from drawers. A three-ring binder can hold forms frequently used and can be put away at the end of the day. The key is to have enough filing drawers easily accessible to meet your needs. Do not crowd your desk with a printer, plan it in a space that is out of when seated at your desk, like behind you in a corner. If you go back and forth from computer work to paperwork, you may want to consider an L shaped desk, or two parallel desks (one against the wall and one freestanding desk in the room). For in person meetings, a two-sided desk would be needed. If you have others that will be doing work, plan for a workstation of their own spot to minimize distraction.

Storage  Do you want a wall of counter sized cabinetry to meet filing storage needs that includes a computer station, and an open slimline desk for work? How much shelving do you need for books and décor? A place for everything and everything in its place lessens stress. Do you need a tea/coffee bar and mini refrigerator? A TV for presentations (that is out of sight otherwise). Plan to design the room to fit into the rest of your home, so it is warm and inviting.

Finally, plan for your selections that the chair, location and height of the monitor, the keyboard and mouse ergonomically facilitate good posture for the back, legs, eyes, and wrist. Keep your wires tamed and wireless router at least 8 feet from where you sit. Add plants that purify the air. For those who are a business owner, independent contractor or network marketer who work from home as their principal place of income earning activity, your office expenses may be eligible for a tax write off (check with your tax advisor).

Happy Home Remodeling!

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We needed to correct structural issues to our basement to reduce the amount of noise downstairs. The problem of uneven flooring was worse than anticipated, but Cook Remodeling identified each and every issue, discussed it with us and found solutions. They started exactly on time and finished ahead of expectations. We did a total kitchen remodel, redid the fireplace and media wall in our family room. Every Cook Remodeling employee was professional, talented, trustworthy, courteous, and respectful–they are in a class all their own. We gave them complete access to our home. They treated it as if it were their own home. We have never felt 100% comfortable with a contractor’s employees and their workmanship before this, all of them at Cook Remodeling were incredible. Cook Remodeling did an amazing, outstanding job. We highly recommend Cook Remodeling and Custom Construction.
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