4 Tips to Effectively and Affordably Upsize Your Home to Accommodate a Home Office

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Article by Guest Writer Sarah Velasquez 

Research from Mercer indicates that working from home may be far more practical than many people once thought. Moving forward, it is likely that companies will increasingly offer remote positions. Even so, working where you live can be tricky if you don't have the space to create a quiet, cozy and organized office. Consider several tips from Realtor Jason Gelios that may help you successfully transition to a larger home to accommodate your new professional routine.
 
1. Get Your Finances in Order
It's a good idea to start the home-buying process by outlining your current spending habits and determining how much you can afford to put toward housing expenses each month. Next, connect with an experienced and dedicated real estate agent and start browsing homes for sale.
 
Once you know the price range of the homes that interest you, be sure to meet with your bank or another lender. You will have a much better chance of closing a deal if you can show sellers that you have been preapproved for a mortgage of a certain amount. Preapproval demonstrates that you will be able to come up with the necessary funds to complete the purchase.
 
2. Capitalize on All Tax Advantages
If you are starting your own business, it may be wise to check your state’s regulations about forming a limited liability company. Score notes that LLCs offer numerous benefits, a key one being that you have some flexibility when it comes to how you handle taxes. You can either pay taxes via your personal tax return (if you are a single-member LLC) or as an S or C corporation.
 
Additionally, you may be able to save money on home expenses by deducting the amount you spend on your office from your taxes. This is often an option if your workspace is fully dedicated to professional use. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may also have access to special loans or tax breaks.
 
3. Design a Productive Workspace
When you view available homes, look for one that includes a room you can claim as your office. The best workspaces are in quiet areas of the house where there are minimal distractions. To set up your office, you will need several pieces of furniture, such as a desk, chair, bookshelf, and storage cabinet. Natural materials like wood or bamboo help to create an inviting Hygge-like atmosphere. You can also create a warm, welcoming atmosphere by purchasing custom wallpaper for your walls. That way, you can match the furniture and other decor you’ve selected. If you will meet with clients at your home, you may need a larger desk and a few extra seats.
 
Remember to purchase cozy and comfortable pieces made from quality materials. Ergonomic chairs and adjustable standing desks, for example, make long workdays feel more manageable. To enhance coziness and comfort, you might also want to have a space for a comfortable couch, either for work breaks or for those parts of the day when sitting at a desk just isn’t appealing anymore. Having plenty of storage space allows you to eliminate clutter, organize important documents, and maintain your focus.
 
4. Invest in Useful Tech
Some of the latest technology may help you do your job more effectively. For one, make sure you have high-speed internet access. If you conduct video conferences, consider investing in a top-tier webcam and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Those who spend a large portion of the day working on the computer may especially appreciate having an extra display monitor to supplement their laptop or desktop screen. You can connect your computer to these displays so you can view two pages at once and avoid squinting at a small screen.
 
Although the thought of moving away from a familiar living space can be troubling, doing so may be worthwhile if it helps you advance your career. Start searching for a home that fosters both a healthy personal life and a stable professional life.
 
Want to find a house that’s perfect for putting together a productive home office? In Southeast Michigan, Realtor Jason Gelios can help you find what you’re looking for. Call 586-419-2231 today.

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Sarah and Mark Velasquez are the creators of Our Perfect Abode. After years of renting, they recently bought their very first home. They’re currently hard at work turning that fixer upper into their perfect abode and are sharing their journey and all the tips and tricks they pick up along the way on their website.