How to design home office

Real Estate Weekly, Nov 21, 2001 by Ellen Berns

For many people, the idea of avoiding the 9 to 5 routing is a dream come true. Over the past few years, changing business trends and new technology led to a huge growth in home offices. Converting a spare area -- be it a bedroom, an attic, or an empty kitchen corner -- into a well-designed, useful service area takes careful organization and planning.

When developing a customized home office, it is imperative to have a precise plan of action.

Without one, a lot of time, effort, and money if often wasted. The more comprehensive and clear this plan is, the more successfully the actual new space will reflect its goals. Upon clarification of space allocations, designations, and approvals, the decisive focus should shift toward the interior design aesthetics.

As these initial building blocks are developer, the space will begin to reflect the planning and the office will, eventually, function as a well-tooled machine. The following guidelines serve to support the many practical requirements necessary for creating an outstanding home office design.

Squaring foundations:

* Determine the actual considered area, including existing spacial dimensions and electrical lighting.

* Clearly outline new usage of functions: dissect each individual work area and its specific equipment requests. Make certain each area will function at 100% capacity and will be easily adaptable to alternative needs.

* Attain all equipment specifications, dimensions, and electrical requirements.

* Establish a realistic, accurately estimated budget listing, including equipment costs, revised lighting/electrical requisites, storage needs, office supplies, professional design services, etc.

* Be able to answer the basic "Who, what, where, when, and why" questions, as they concern area usage, equipment, computer areas, filing, entertainment, supplies, mail bins, warp stations, lighting, finish specifications, general contractor involvement, and design professional involvement.

With the numerous varied project areas and expenses, emphasis on achieving the greatest spacial efficiency requirements for the new home office is imperative. The design professional's capabilities to assemble all specific details into a budget-approved, functional, well-designed package establishes the project's foundation.