So many people are now working at home. Rather than sitting at your kitchen table or typing with a computer screen perched on your lap, maybe it’s time to set up a proper home office.
Having your own home office can transform your working life. No more clearing up at the end of the day, no more distractions and a space just for yourself.
If you want to make the permanent WFH shift, why not consider Peninsula Group to build your perfect home office?
Choosing The Best Location For Your Home Office
Picking the best location for your home office is the first step. The size of your home and garden, family life and budget are all huge factors to consider when choosing the ideal work base. Do you have a spare room that you could use? What about building an extension that doubles as a family room? We’ve run through five home office ideas:
Home Office In The Garden
These days home offices are more than just a garden shed! Artists, designers and creatives love garden offices for the natural light, and also those who need quiet and concentration away from the rest of the house. There are so many options, and they can make a stunning addition to the perfect home.
Revamp An Existing Room
Do you have an extra room that is a dumping ground for clutter? Spare rooms can often double up as a bedroom and office using compact or foldaway desks and clever storage. Tidy and throw away what you don’t need, and you’ll have the perfect office space.
Convert The Garage Or Loft
A loft or garage conversion can be the perfect spot to work. Our team of plumbers and electricians can extend your home’s central heating system and electrics and install installation, transforming your garage or loft into a warm and welcoming space.
Use Small Spaces
A small hidey-hole such as a walk-in wardrobe, a living room corner or understairs cupboard can be converted into a cosy home office with clever storage and lighting.
Build An Extension
If your home doesn’t have the space for a home office, then an extension could be the answer. Take a look at some of our house renovations and extensions, and read testimonials from our happy clients.
What Do You Need For Your Ideal Home Office?
Think about what you need from your home office. Write out a realistic wish list, taking into account the amount of space, storage and lighting you need to do your job. Here are some points to think about:
How much space do you need for desks and work surfaces?
If you need to spread out documents and creative materials, a large desk area and/or work surface is a must. If your job is computer-based, you can get away with a smaller space and desk with wiggle room for notebooks and a few files.
Have you thought about a standing desk? They take up less room than sit-down versions and are great for posture.
How much storage space do you need?
Artistsor tradespeople such as joiners need lots of storage for tools and materials. If you mainly WFH at a laptop or desktop, it’s unlikely you’ll need stacks of storage space.
What type of lighting is best for your line of work?
Natural daylight makes you feel energised and gives you a daily dose of vitamin D.
Think about the area of your house that gets good lighting. Close up, practical work such as jewellery making or creative jobs needs natural light. Consider a garden office with plenty of general light and large glass windows and doors.
Your home office will need artificial lighting for the darker months. Consider the best place for your lighting: ceiling spotlights, precision angled lamps for task lighting, or adjustable desk lamps.
Do you need a peaceful space to work?
Some people can blank out noise. If you’re one of the people who need quiet, consider a room away from the rest of the house. A spare bedroom or loft conversion is ideal. If you need to have one eye on young children, a room near where they play is perfect.
Don’t Forget Your Tech
A decent amount of plug sockets is a must-have for any home office. You’ll need enough for lamps, a computer, a phone charger and possibility a printer. When planning your home office, think about where to position sockets and factor in more than you need.
Good internet is essential if you’re doing lots of computer work or calls via Zoom or Teams. If your home office is away from the house, consider a separate router for reliable Wi-Fi.
Cost Cutting AND Investing In Your Home Office
If your job involves sitting down all day, buy the best chair you can afford. Having the right chair helps avoid lower back and neck pain, making you more productive. Consider ergonomic chairs that mould to your posture and desks fit for purpose.
Investing in ideal storage solutions means you won’t get overwhelmed by clutter. For a tricky space such as an alcove, think about bespoke, made-to-measure shelving and storage units to maximise space.
You can reduce costs by decorating yourself and adding a personal touch. Soothing colours such as greens, greys and off-whites encourage calm and clarity.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
If you want to convert a loft, revamp a spare room or convert a garage into a home office, you don’t need planning permission. Garden offices don’t require planning but make sure you look into height regulations.
If you live in a listed building, a flat or a maisonette, you need to apply.
Extensions need planning approval. At Peninsula Group, we take care of the planning process for you.
Why Choose Peninsula Group?
We’re a full-service construction company that build, renovate and extend houses in Wirral and Liverpool. Our team has created countless home offices for home workers, entrepreneurs and busy business owners across the North West.
Our team of project managers, construction experts, plumbers, electricians and interior designers are the best in their field.
We would love to work with you. Contact us today to talk about your dream project.
Posted on Thursday, April 14th, 2022 at 1:36 pm in Blog.