Working from home is beginning to get the respect it deserves. While once associated with stuffing envelopes and other very low-paying tasks, today's home-based workers can start their own small businesses or build successful careers through freelancing in writing, web design, programming, and many other fields.
While those who work from home enjoy non-conforming to traditional work rules and schedules, they do share a common need for having workspaces that boost creativity and productivity while still offering plenty of comfort and convenience.
If you are part of the work-from-home movement and preparing to build a new home, these tips can help ensure that your new home's workspace will be a great fit for you and your career.
Determine the basic requirements of your work
Before beginning the process of creating rough plans for your new home, home-based workers should first outline the exact requirements they need for their work. Some ideas that may need to be considered or included in the final design are:
- sufficient square footage for the workspace
- basic design features, such as lighting, electrical circuitry, internet access, plumbing, HVAC, and hygiene needs
- how the business will be accessed and whether a separate customer or client entrance is needed
- safe parking for customers, clients, service people, employees, and delivery vehicles
- signage, exterior lighting, and landscaping
It is also wise to spend time determining the number and size of windows and which surfaces, finishes, and cabinetry will be needed or desired in the space.
Define work areas that can be kept separate from living areas
One of the most common downfalls associated with working from home is when workspaces begin to bleed over into the living areas. The lack of separate, clearly defined areas in which to work and live can elevate stress levels and lead to loss of creativity and productivity.
While defining these separate spaces can be very difficult to accomplish in an existing home, the design and construction of a new home offers work-from-homers a perfect opportunity to achieve this goal.
Some ideas for achieving this type of beneficial separation include:
- construction of a two-level home with your workspace on the lower level and the residence in the upper level
- construction of a home with two clearly defined wings, one for a workspace, one for living space
- construction of a home with an adjoining structure in which to house the workspace
Being creative and productive while working from home is easiest in the right space. Before selecting the features and amenities you want to include in your new home design, take time to discuss your concerns and goals with a reputable home builder in your area. For more information, contact a company like Kent Gayle Homes today.
Share