Home offices are not a new thing – they have been around for quite some time. What is new, however, is the increased need for them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way many people work. More and more people are now working from home, and this is likely to continue for some time.
If you are one of the many people who are now working from home, you may be wondering if having a home office will increase the value of your property. In this blog post, we will answer that question and provide tips on how to make a home office addition!
Why Are Home Offices So Popular
Home offices are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. One of the main benefits is that they offer a lot of flexibility. You can work from home without having to commute, and you can also take breaks whenever you want. This can be a great way to improve your work-life balance.
Another reason why home offices are a good idea is that they can help you to save money. You won’t need to pay for office rent or gas to get there. And, if you work from home, you may be able to avoid paying for child care.
Finally, home offices can be a great way to boost your productivity. Studies have shown that working from home can actually make you more productive than working in an office! So, if you’re looking for a way to increase your productivity and reduce your costs, a home office could be the perfect solution.
Home Office Demand Influences And Predictions
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home who never have before and may continue to do so even after the pandemic ends. According to a recent study, two-thirds of global office workers say they would like to continue working from home at least part of the time even after the pandemic ends. And, 30 percent of respondents said they would consider quitting their jobs if hybrid working will be impossible.
The pandemic had a major influence on these trends, but even without considering its impact, it’s worth noting that many workplaces have been promoting remote work and hybrid work models for years now. The trend was already happening, but it has been amplified by the events of 2020.
These findings suggest that there will be an increased demand for home offices in the future. Already many prospective buyers will narrow their search down to properties that include a home office space or have the potential for developing one. If you’re thinking about selling your Nassau County home, adding a home office could be a great way to increase its value.
How To: Home Office Addition
If you are planning on adding a home office to your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
The first is to consider the needs of your business. What kind of equipment will you need? Will you be seeing clients in person?
The second is to think about the layout of your home. Where will the home office be located? How much space do you have to work with?
The third is to factor in the cost of construction and any necessary permits. Home office additions can be fairly simple or quite complex, so it’s important to get a realistic estimate of the costs involved before getting started.
Once you have all of this information, you can begin planning your home office addition!
Now, let’s have a look at the different approaches to a home office.
Home Office Nook
The most minimalistic way to add a home office to your home is to create a nook.
A home office nook is simply a small space that is designated as your home office. It can be as simple as setting up a desk in the corner of your living room or bedroom.
The advantage of a home office nook is that it doesn’t require any construction or permits. It’s also the most budget-friendly option since you likely already have most of the furniture and supplies you need.
The downside of a home office nook is that it may not provide enough separation between work and home life. If you find yourself working long hours or on weekends, it can be difficult to “turn off” when you actually finish working.
A home office nook is a good option if you:
- Don’t have the budget for a home office addition.
- Need a temporary home office.
- Are looking for a low-commitment way to add a home office to your property.
- Prefer not to make any changes to the structure of your home.
Repurpose a Different Room
One of the most popular home office ideas is to dedicate a specific room to working from home. This gives you the most separation between work and home life, which can be very important for some people.
If you have an extra bedroom, guest room, or den, this may be the best option for you. Simply design the space around your needs and make sure to include plenty of storage for all of your office materials.
You can also consider converting a closet into a home office. This is a great way to get a small home office without taking up too much space. Just be sure that the closet has enough outlets and is well-lit so that you can work comfortably inside.
The downside of this home office idea is that it may not be as convenient if you have young children or pets at home. If your home office is in a different room, you may find yourself having to walk back and forth between rooms throughout the day.
This home office idea is best if you:
- Have the space in your home for a dedicated home office.
- Want to create a clear separation between work and home life.
- Know that you will be working from home long term and want to invest in a home office space.
Build an Extension
A more extreme approach to adding a home office is to build an extension. This will obviously add value to your home, but it’s also a big project. If you have the time, money, and energy for a home renovation, then this could be the perfect solution for you.
Building an extension gives you the opportunity to create a bespoke home office space that is designed specifically for your needs. You can include everything from soundproofing to built-in storage and dedicated work surfaces.
If you are considering building an extension, it’s important to speak to a professional about Nassau County planning permission and building regulations before you get started.
This is a good option for those who:
- Have the space to build an extension.
- Have the budget for a home renovation project.
- Are looking for a long-term solution.
- Want to increase the value of their home.
Shed Home Office
Finally, a perfect option for those with a little bit of extra space in their garden is a home office shed.
This can be a cost-effective way to create a dedicated workspace without the need for planning permission or a home renovation project. A garden office shed is also a great option if you want to downsize your home but still have a dedicated workspace.
Nowadays you can even buy prefabricated home office sheds that come complete with electricity and insulation, making them a turn-key solution for those looking for a home office.
A home office shed is good for:
- People who want to downsize but still have a dedicated workspace.
- Those who want to add a home office without the need for planning permission or a home renovation project.
- Anyone who wants a cost-effective way to create a home office.
- Don’t have to be physically inside their house when working from home.
What Are The Home Office Features That Sell?
While home buyers are looking for different things in their home office, there are some features that are essential for any home office that wants to attract buyers.
Whether you are using this guide to make a home office for yourself or to increase the value of your home before selling, make sure to include the features we discuss below.
Built-In Desk
One of the most important features of a home office is a built-in desk.
This is because a built-in desk makes it clear that the space is meant to be used as an office, and it also saves space since you don’t have to worry about finding a place to put a desk in the room.
Since these desks are designed specifically for home office use, they should include functional features like drawers, pull-out trays, shelves with optimum height, and a cable management system.
Ample Storage
Storage solutions are important in any room of the house, but they are especially important in a home office. This is because you will likely have many items that need to be stored away, including files, books, electronics, and more.
Look for home office storage solutions that offer both open and closed storage so that you can easily access the items you need while also keeping your office looking neat and tidy.
It’s also worth remembering that you always end up needing more storage than you think, so err on the side of caution and choose home office storage that is both stylish and functional.
Natural Light
Whether you are repurposing the space you already have, or creating a brand new home office addition, it is important to make sure that your home office has plenty of natural light.
Not only does natural light help to create a more pleasant and inviting environment, but it can also help you to stay alert and focused while working.
If possible, choose a room with large windows or consider adding skylights to your home office space.
Privacy
It’s not as easy to find a quiet and private space to work in when you live in a busy household. If you can, choose a room that can be closed off from the rest of the house so that you can have some peace and quiet while working.
If that is not possible, for example, if you chose to go in the home office nook direction, you can still create a space that feels private by using a room divider or hanging a curtain.
Sound Proofing
When working from an office setting you can assume that the person in the office next to you will be somewhat quiet and respectful of others trying to focus. At home, however, that’s not always the case.
If you live with others, whether it be family, roommates, or even just your partner, you’ll want to soundproof your home office as much as possible so that you’re not constantly interrupted while working.
You don’t necessarily have to invest in soundproofing foam or anything like that (although it couldn’t hurt), but you can try to make your home office as secluded as possible.
This might mean working in a room with a door that you can close, adding sound muffling rugs, or using noise-canceling headphones.
How Much Value Does a Home Office Add?
The home office doesn’t just have to be a place for you to get work done; it can also be a selling point if you ever decide to put your house on the New York real estate market.
According to experts, a home office has become one of the most sought-after features in a home, and can even increase your home’s value by ten percent.
While that may not seem like a ton, it could make a big difference when you’re trying to sell.
So, if you’re thinking about building a home office in Nassau County, or even just making some minor changes to turn an unused room into an office, it could definitely pay off in the long run.
Is It Worth Adding a Home Office Before Selling a House in Nassau County?
While a home office can make your home more appealing to buyers, you need to be strategic about when you add one.
If you’re planning on selling in the near future, it might not be worth the investment to build an entire home office addition.
However, if you’re not planning on selling your New York state home anytime soon, a home office can be a great way to increase your productivity and make it more enjoyable for you to live in.
It’s also important to keep in mind that adding a home office in New York will likely increase the taxes you owe on your property. Be sure to factor this into your budget when deciding whether or not to build a home office.
The key is to balance the cost of the home office with the potential return on investment.
Get a Fair Price For Your Property With Simple Sell Homebuyers
The choice to build a home office is a personal one, but if you’re considering it for the sake of increasing your New York home’s value, be sure to do your research first. Just because home offices are currently a hot commodity doesn’t mean that you will be lucky enough to sell your home for a high price.
You need to be realistic about the value of your home and what potential buyers are willing to pay for it.
With Simple Sell Homebuyers you never have to worry about this because we give you a fair price for your Nassau County home no matter what the market is like.
Selling your house to Simple Sell is as easy as it gets, so if you’re considering selling your home, give us a call today! We would be more than happy to help you out.
