When you're buying a home, there are several things that need to be considered over and above the important factors of cost, location, condition and general comfort.
More people are thinking about striking a good work/life balance and how they might be able to work from home. Certainly, if you are running your own business from home, you'll need an area within the property that is given over to running the operation without it becoming overwhelming or upsetting the run of the home for family life.
Why a dedicated workspace matters
For those office workers who remember the heady, worrying days of working from home dictated by the Covid pandemic just a few years ago, finding a space to work was a necessity. The success, or otherwise, of this enforced exercise has made people think about the importance of having an area or a whole room given over to the times they are required to work from home.
Experts suggest that any such workspace must be kept separate from the rest of the life that goes on within the home so that these requirements don't blur around the edges. But achieving that in a busy family home can be quite difficult, as domestic calls on your time can be disruptive to the working day.
Nevertheless, if you are able to find a nook or room to devote to your working life, there are certain things you should consider as you organise the space. After all, if you are going to give a significant portion of your time to working there, it needs to be comfortable and free from as many non-work distractions as possible.
Seven things to consider when setting up a home office
Which?, the consumer champion, has provided a helpful list of things to consider as you organise this space.
Make sure your desk is big enough
Whether it's the dining room table or a purpose-bought desk, you need to make sure the space works for what you need to do, particularly if you have several pieces of technology running on it (one or more monitors, a laptop, a printer and so on). Make sure you also have space for working offline, for example writing notes or reading documents.
Think about the cables
If your workspace is tech-heavy, you need to manage the cables to avoid trip hazards and other problems. Think about using cable ties and other ways of securing the cables together so they are tidy and safe.
Keep things organised
It's easy to let notes, paperwork and other work items take over the workspace. Which? points out that productivity can take a significant hit the more untidy a working surface is. Think about desk tidies for the stationery you use regularly, stackable letter trays and cardboard wallets for organising your documents, and a set of drawers for putting everything away, especially if your workspace has other uses during the day (the kitchen table, for example, or a section of a bedroom).
Add shelving and cupboards
This is especially useful if you have a permanent spot to work from, but it can also help with areas that have multiple uses. In this case, you might want to think about ways of shutting it all away when it is not in use.
Get the lighting right
Making sure your workspace is well lit is very important to avoid stress and strain on your eyes. It can also improve your mood and boost your productivity in the process. Natural daylight is the best source of light for your work area, but well-placed desk lamps, standard lamps or ceiling and wall lights will all help. Consider using bulbs that give off light similar to daylight.
Choose a good office chair
While a dining or kitchen chair is perfect when you're eating, using it as an office chair for long periods may not be ergonomically ideal. Getting the right chair (with or without arms) with the right lumbar and seat support is the best way to avoid back and shoulder strain. If you don't want to invest in a specific office chair, try using cushions to make a standard chair more supportive.
Check your wi-fi coverage
Many of us do jobs that require almost constant access to the internet, so choose a spot in the house with good wi-fi coverage. If that's not feasible, consider installing a booster from your broadband provider.
Buying a home with a home office in mind
If you are looking at buying a new home and a home office is a necessity for your lifestyle, keep an eye on how a room or area in a property might be easily converted for that purpose, alongside all the other aspects of buying a home. Think about your likely storage needs too and how a room, or part of one, could be upgraded to provide it.
Talk to us about your move
However (and wherever) you are approaching your property project, you'll need effective and focused representation to make sure the legal side is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our conveyancers at Homeward Legal will start work on your plans as soon as you agree to the quotation and appoint them to represent you.
Call us on to get your conveyancing quote started or to discuss your plans to move. Or get a quick conveyancing quote online.