Working from Home: Why, How, and What to Consider with a Home Office
With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, having a dedicated workspace at home has become more important than ever. In this article, we will explore the benefits of creating or remodeling a home office, the impact it can have on your property’s value, and what factors to consider before committing to a home office project.
Having a well-designed home office can help you stay focused and productive, improve your work-life balance, and reduce stress by eliminating the need for a daily commute. According to a study by Zillow, homes with a home office sell for about 3.4% more than similar homes without one. Another study by the National Association of Realtors found that adding a home office could increase the resale value of a property by as much as $33,000.
When considering a home office project, it is important to carefully consider several factors, including project scope, budget, permits, and more. Budget is crucial, as is the decision to undertake the project as a DIY or hire a professional. Additionally, a well-designed and functional home office can increase productivity and improve the overall value of the home.
There are several features in particular that can add significant value to a new or remodeled home office. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Natural light: A well-lit office space can make a huge difference in productivity and mood. Consider adding large windows or skylights to bring in plenty of natural light.
- Built-in storage: A cluttered office can be distracting and unproductive. Built-in storage solutions, such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers, can help keep the space organized and functional.
- Smart technology: In today’s digital age, having a home office that is equipped with the latest technology can be a major selling point. Consider adding features such as built in desks, plugs where you need them to eliminate clutter, smart lighting, integrated sound systems, and high-speed internet to make the space more functional and appealing.
The cost of creating or remodeling a home office can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Here is a breakdown of the different cost categories and a low to high range for each:
- Size: The size of the home office will have a big impact on the cost. A small office may only cost a few thousand dollars to create or remodel, while a larger office could cost tens of thousands of dollars. The low end of the range for a small office would be around $2,000, while the high end for a large office could be $50,000 or more.
- Materials: The materials used in the construction or remodeling of the home office will also affect the cost. High-end materials like hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and high-end lighting fixtures will cost more than basic materials. The low end of the range for materials would be around $1,000, while the high end could be $20,000 or more.
- Amenities/Features: The amenities and features you choose for your home office will also impact the cost. For example, if you want a built-in bookshelf, a fireplace, or a custom desk, these will all add to the cost. The low end of the range for amenities/features would be around $500, while the high end could be $10,000 or more.
Overall, the total cost of creating or remodeling a home office can range from $3,500 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size, materials, and amenities/features you choose. At our company, we specialize in creating high-end home offices that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences. If you’re interested in creating a luxury home office, we would be happy to provide you with a detailed estimate based on your specific requirements.
The most expensive part of a home office creation or remodel is typically the cabinetry and millwork. This is because custom cabinetry and millwork require skilled craftsmanship and high-quality materials, which can drive up the cost significantly. Additionally there is a lot of competition for few highly skilled individuals, which drives the price of this up as well.
There are certainly other components and phases of a home office creation or remodel that can be expensive, such as high-end technology or custom lighting, cabinetry and millwork tend to be the most costly due to the level of skill and craftsmanship required.
By incorporating these features into your new or remodeled home office, you can create a space that is both luxurious and functional, adding significant value to your home.
Good candidates for creating or remodeling their home office are individuals who work from home, run their own business, or require a quiet space to focus, such as writers, artists, and designers. Some features that can add significant value to a new or remodeled home office include natural light, built-in storage, smart technology, and high-quality materials (which is an Item 5 specialty).
Sources:
- Zillow. (2021, May 11). Homes With Home Offices Sell for More Money Than Those Without. Retrieved from https://www.zillow.com/research/home-offices-add-value-28909/
- National Association of Realtors. (2021, May 26). Home Office is the Top Feature Buyers Want in a Home. Retrieved from https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/home-office-is-the-top-feature-buyers-want-in-a-home
https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/buildings/tools/Insulation Insights Unvented Attic Assemblies.pdf
