Designing a Bright, Inviting Home Office In A Finished Basement
Remodeling To Convert A Basement Into A Home Office
Since March, for many of us, our home has become our office. Add that it's also become our kids' schoolroom, and it's suddenly necessary to create a dedicated workspace where you can have the privacy and headspace you need to be able to work productively. In fact, many companies are extending remote work well into next year, so if you've been thinking about adding a new home office, now is the time!
If you want to put a new office in your home, look no further than your basement! The lower level is a great spot. It's isolated from the family living space, so you'll have the quiet you need to get the job done. Plus, you can add additional usable space for the family as well!
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A finished basement offers the perfect space for your office because much of the infrastructure like the exterior walls, floors, and utilities are already in place. So could your basement be a great home office? Consider these tips for constructing and outfitting your new workspace.
Start With A Thorough Assessment
It would be best if you thought about how you work and your physical needs in the space. Do you need a soundproof office? High-speed internet service like a T1 or separate digital cable line? Separate phone lines? Networked printers? By defining how you'll work in the space, you can then begin to take stock of the physical plant and start the design process.
Even though you're working with a basement, you'll want to make sure that the area you choose for your office is suitable. It will accommodate business furniture and equipment such as computers, fax machines, communications lines, including the internet and an independent phone line, storage, and the basics like lighting and heating. Make sure to inspect the space for leaks closely. Make sure you make any repairs that are necessary, like waterproofing and updating insulation and HVAC systems before any finishes are installed.
When considering the placement of your office, think about noise. Plan your space, so your office is isolated from noisy areas in the basement like playrooms or media rooms. For extra privacy, make sure to install soundproofing between the studs of your new office walls.
Will you be meeting with clients or colleagues? Think about a separate entrance. If you'll be visited during the workday, it's nice to have an independent doorway for privacy. Make sure you check your local building codes to make sure you can legally conduct business out of your home, and if necessary, engage an architect or designer to keep your new space in line with building codes.
Before you begin any construction, create your floor plan. Measure the available space, then using paper or boxes to represent furniture, create a sample layout, and organize the area. Think about electrical outlet placement, natural light (or the lack of it), and potential noise abatement if necessary. Always check to make sure that any essential furniture like credenzas, large shelves, or other work specific items will fit through doors and stairwells.
Update Infrastructure as Needed
Preparing your basement for your new home office is a bit more specific than building a playroom for the kids. You want to make sure that you're mindful of any equipment specifications when designing and selecting office furniture and equipment so that printers, scanners, monitors, and other equipment are appropriately placed. Make sure you have a furniture plan before updating any wiring.
You may also need to update or move HVAC, plumbing, or other infrastructure to accommodate your new space. This is where pre-planning your office layout can help.
Don't neglect amenities that can improve your work experience. For example, invest in a quality dehumidifier, or make sure your HVAC system can handle the extra load. A dehumidifier will make your workspace more comfortable and is especially useful for electronics.
Other amenities to consider might be adding a bathroom and kitchenette as a part of your office environment. Having these amenities in your workspace and separate from family areas can help keep you focused and on track. They're also elements to have if you have clients or coworkers visiting your home office.
Make sure to think about and get the lighting right! Good lighting is critical to a productive workspace. In addition to overhead lighting, or recessed fixtures, make sure you have receptacles available for under cabinet and plug-in task lighting.
Finally, make sure that you include adequate storage in your plans. Include a variety of open and closed shelving, cubbies, and file drawers. For added security to keep sensitive information secure (especially crucial if you'll be having clients of coworkers visiting), include some locked storage. Storage can also include decorative items like baskets and bins!
Remember, just because this is your workspace, it doesn't have to be sterile. It's also your home, and you can have fun with the process by designing not only a functional workspace but also an aesthetically pleasing home office. You'll be spending a lot of time sitting behind your desk, don't skimp of the furniture. Get a comfortable office chair and a large desk to make working at home as comfortable and productive as possible!
For many of us, remote work will become the new normal for the foreseeable future. Many companies are opting to make this seed change in how we work a permanent condition. If you're going to be spending time working from home, make your space productive, comfortable, and a reflection of your personal style!
Are you planning on adding a home office in your greater Madison, Wisconsin area finished basement? Click here to contact the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel or call us at (608) 846-5963. Let us help you create your ideal workspace that will not only meet your functional needs but also reflects your style!
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