When the pandemic hit, many of us found ourselves working from home,  If your business has taken a hit, there’s help available, including private grants and government programs.  Aside from the difficulties bought on by the pandemic, it can also be challenging if your living space doesn’t have a designated office or workspace.  For those who are invested in a home-based business, it’s important to consider creating a physical space within your home for your business.  Whether it means moving to a new home that can offer more space or building onto your current home, you’ll find your productivity skyrocketing once you establish your home office or workshop.

Types of Office Space

Before you begin redesigning your house or perusing real estate listings, consider what type of office space you need for your business.  If you’re capable of working by yourself, your home office space could be simplified to include just a small desk and chair.  For businesses that function completely online, this set-up – along with a strong internet connection – could be all you need.  However, if your home business involves storing inventory and preparing shipments you’ll need both a desk and storage space, plus an area to prepare shipments.

If you work as a consultant or often have one-on-one meetings with clients, it’s important to have a separate room that only serves as your office.  Creating an inviting space that also caters to your office needs can be challenging, so do some research and get ideas for creative office designs.

Designing A Home Office

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom, that will be the most obvious location for your home office.  For some, DigsDigs points out that it may be feasible to transform a corner of the living room into a home office nook.  However, having a designated room in the house will make a big difference.

If you’re transforming a spare room into an office, consider way to repurpose the space.  Some home have underutilized attic spaces, while others have expansive basements that could be perfect for an office space.  Consider areas of your home that provide privacy and that can be transformed without major construction  Get creative, using dividers to help section off an area of the room for your office.

Building Onto Your Home

While it may seem an extreme measure, building an office space onto (or into) your home doesn’t have to be a major construction project,  It may be as simple as refinishing your attic with flooring, walls and electricity.  Or, Family Handyman suggests perhaps an unused closet could be repurposed for your desk.

Some homeowners choose to refinance their homes in order to free up cash for upgrades and renovations.  While it is a good option for some, it’s important to understand precisely how refinancing works and what options are available.  Do some research and connect with a refinance specialist to find out if it’s a good fit for you.

Buying a New Home With Office Space

If your current home can’t provide enough space for your work, it may be time to look at buying a new house that fit both your business and personal needs.  Be sure to find a real estate agent or broker who is experienced in your area and can put you in a home that fits your needs and that you can afford.

Whether you’re sectioning off part of a room or doing a major overhaul, dedicating an area of your home to your business will make a difference in productivity and focus.  Don’t rule out a new property if it’s a must-have, and look into options that help with capital and cash flow.  Whatever choices you make, you’ll be glad once you have your own space for work.

To find the right home for you, your family and your business, reach out to Annie Challis by calling 310.720.1234 or emailing anniechallis@mac.com today!

Written by Tina Martin at Ideaspired.com