Home Office Remodeling Ideas

In the past few years, millions of Americans have transitioned to remote work due to the need for social distancing caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the convenience that remote work can offer. Even after most tasks have returned to in-person interactions, both employees and employers have recognized the benefits of remote work for productivity, overall mental health, and a larger pool of qualified job candidates from which to choose when hiring.

However, finding a space to work from home in the western suburbs of Minneapolis can be difficult for many people. If you are tired of sending emails from the kitchen table or navigating spreadsheets from the couch, it may be time to designate a room or space in your home as an office. And that could translate to one word: renovation.

Whether your plans involve reclaiming a spare bedroom or building out a space in an unfinished basement, don’t overlook these renovation ideas to boost your productivity, keep you organized, and make your home office the best place to work possible.

Remodeling Your Home Office: Choosing a Bright Space

Consider your work habits. Do you perform your best work in the dark, or are you more productive and content in a well-lit office with a pleasant view? If you’re like 78% of employees surveyed by Future Workplace, you’re likely happier in a space with outdoor views and plenty of natural light. When planning and selecting the ideal office space, try to choose a room with windows that can let in natural light. If this is not possible due to space limitations or because your office is located in the basement, paint the walls a light, bright color that will help reflect any natural light that does enter. The color you choose for your home office remodel can have a significant impact on your state of mind while you’re working in the space.

Home Office Remodeling: Including Power Outlets

The only thing worse for a home office design than not having enough space to plug in devices is not having any outlets near the ideal location for your desk. Ensure that your new office space has sufficient outlets for your computers, monitors, lamps, paper shredders, printers, and other electrical devices. Consider installing USB outlets if you’re having electrical outlets installed by a contractor or replacing them yourself. This will save space and allow you to charge smartphones and tablets without requiring a special charging base; you will only need the cable.

Consider asking the contractor to also install Cat5e ethernet cables in your new space if you are having lines installed. Even though wireless internet connections have vastly improved over the past decade, nothing beats a hardwired internet connection in terms of stability and quality.

Buying the Right Desk for a Home Office Remodel

Give yourself ample workspace with a sturdy, appropriately sized desk that is also comfortable to sit at. Your desk will serve as the hub for all your daily tasks, so it will be worthwhile to invest in one that is comfortable and allows you to maintain an organized home office. Invest in a laptop stand and a monitor arm to save space if you use a laptop computer and an external monitor for work. Shelving beneath your desk can hold your chargers and power strips and aid in cable organization. Depending on whether your room has hard flooring, or you plan to carpet your office, the appropriate chair mat will help protect the floor from scratches and wear and tear caused by rolling chairs. Invest in a quality desk lamp for use during video conference calls, especially if your office is in a dimly lit space.

Small Office Remodeling Tips: Make room for storage

As you continue to work from home, you will likely amass documents, books, and other items that you will need to keep close at hand. For organization, do not skimp on storage. Consider including bookcases or a small cabinet to maintain order. Wall-mounted elements, such as floating shelves, can add both aesthetic and practical value to an office.

After careful consideration, you may conclude that your home lacks suitable space for a home office at this time. However, you are not completely out of luck. There are many alternatives to a remote workspace outside the home that will keep you organized and provide everything you need for a productive workday, such as a storage unit office space or a local coffee shop!

Rent a Self-Storage Unit Throughout (and Following) Your Home or Office Renovation

Obviously, converting a spare bedroom or other spaces in your house will require you to remove some items to create additional space. Because of this, Belmont Remodeling is big fans of discovering new ways to maximize your home’s space and giving you the chance to make your renovation dreams a reality. Whether you are designing a new home office, constructing a nursery, or searching for a way to change things up at home, renting a self-storage unit can give you the freedom to do so.