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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Increased connectivity, new lifestyle preferences, and shifting work environments are making more people to start working from home. The 2017 US census report showed that over 8 million people, or 8% of the population, worked from home in 2017. Another report discussed in a recent CNBC article indicates that approximately 70% of people in the world work from home at least one in a week. There are various developments that have made having a home office more of a necessity than a luxury today.
If you are looking to buy a home soon, a home office should be part of the package. A home office is not just an extra room with a good view. Instead, it is a proper office with amenities like high-speed internet and air conditioning.
Looking to buy a home with a home office? Here are some of the things to keep in mind before starting to shop around:
- Don’t Break the Bank
Consider the cost of the home office. There shouldn’t be much difference between an ordinary home and one that also doubles as your workplace. In most cases, that spare bedroom or attic can be spruced up to be an office.
However, make sure the office meets all the conditions necessary for it to be considered a proper workplace. Does the room have an internet connection? Is it quiet or does it have sound-deadening insulation? Does it have enough light? Who will be your neighbors and do they own a noisy pet or host frequent parties?
Even with all these considerations, any apartment, condo, or studio could serve as a home/office, provided it meets all the requirements. Therefore, a good home that also doubles up as your workplace shouldn’t be expensive at all.
- The Interior Setup
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a home/office is the interior setup. This is a critical point to consider, especially if you will be living with a partner of your family.
Get a house with a room that is perfectly positioned for a quiet office environment. Houses with a detached extension, guest room, or servants’ quarters are ideal for a home office. Spacious attics, guest rooms, and gazebos are also ideal office locations.
Before buying a house, check its interior layout and visualize the location of your home. Involve your family members in inspecting the house to determine where the office should be in relation to their bedroom, playroom, and entertainment room choices.
- Location Is Key
Part of the reason why many people prefer working from home is the convenience and relaxing environment. Therefore, look for a house that is far enough from your workplace. You don’t want to be dashing between your home and office at random times.
Also, check that your home/office isn’t in a busy or noisy part of town. A home in the suburbs or a small town is great for those who want to work from home. Proximity to key transport hubs like train stations could also inform your decisions to buy, in case you want to work from home but also need to be available occasionally in the office.
- Storage or Spatial Considerations
A home office could be different depending on your career. For instance, a digital worker only needs a space to work distraction-free while an online merchant dealing with physical goods might need storage space in their home. Your spatial requirements for the home office/ living arrangement should guide you in choosing a house.
A house with a decently sized garage is an attractive option for those who need extra space for work. Some homes also come with large storage rooms, basements, and sheds. If you are eyeing the attic, put an office desk and chair in it to see if it works for you.
- Resale Value and Renting Options
You might want to change careers along the way. For example, a new job might change your work-at-home arrangements or require frequent travel. Can you rent or sell that house if priorities or work environments change in the future? Some locations might attract low-price or problematic tenants, while others are not even viable for renting, quick resales, or Airbnb arrangements.
For instance, your apartment, condo, or studio might be part of a complex where renting out is frowned upon. Most remote workers prefer a bit of flexibility in managing their home’s occupancy. This usually involves renting out or selling after a short period.
Whatever you do, your house should feel like home, even if it will double as your workplace. Location, price, flexibility, and space should guide you when you are planning to buy a house when you need a home office.