With more people working and studying from home, and widespread net usage, the office is an increasingly central part of the house. There are a number of things you should consider before beginning your project, along with pitfalls to avoid and experts to consult.
Initial considerations
- Determine what your likely patterns of usage are. Whether you use the office during daytime, both night and day, or weekends only will affect your office design.
- Key factors include the positioning of lights, furnishings, storage and equipment, and the set-up of computer/telecommunications/equipment. Consult a home office store or specialist for the best positioning of these.
- Consider the size and shape of the designated office space and the positions of existing doors, windows, and skylights.
- Will you need to make structural changes, such as adding skylights or sliding doors, or can you work within the space as is? If creating separate access, adding windows/skylights or built-in shelving, allow for extra time and cost.
- Will the home office area be part of a larger room/ space (living area, guest-room) or a self-contained space? Is it to be hidden in a cupboard or visible?
- When planning a home office, it's important to consider occupational health. This is particularly important if your home is your primary place of work. Consider ergonomically designed furniture; correctly positioned keyboards, computer monitors and light sources; correct positioning/height of shelving and storage.
- If the home office space is close to sources of noise (eg kitchen or living areas, the road) consider sound-proofing.
- Determine what the space will be used for. For example, will it be used for work/writing, primarily net-based activities, graphics/artwork, study, meetings or multiple functions?
- How many people are likely to be using the space? Separately or simultaneously? Will you need to network the phones or computers? Will you need to add telephone plugs or wiring to accommodate the office set-up?
- If you intend storing lots of files and books allow more space for storage and shelving.
- A nursery or plant hire company can advise on best plants for aiding the removal of toxins from work environs.
- How will the 'time out' needed to restructure your home office affect household members' existing commitments? This is particularly important if your home is your primary place of business.
