In the wake of the recent level 4 lockdown, it has been made clear that people are not only capable, but flourish when working from home.

The recent pandemic has opened the eyes of employers and employees alike, highlighting the high levels of productivity that can be accomplished, and paving the way towards a new style of working.

Creating a home office to call your own, gives you the privacy, productivity, and space you need to pursue both your creative and work endeavors in harmony.

At Outlast Builders we are here to help you. Whether you’re interested in transforming an existing space, or extending your home to accommodate a new office, we can create the space you need to embrace this new home-work balance.

Follow our key tips, and soon enough you will have a functional and enjoyable office space to call your own.

Tip #1 – Brainstorm

Before you start doing any work on your home office renovations, develop a list of everything your dream office would include. While some of these goals may be slightly out of reach, planning exactly what you’re looking for before you begin, can provide you with a clear direction to move toward.

Select pictures of layouts, design features or furniture you enjoy – all of these items will help you!

Once you’ve got your list, these ideas can be laid out during your consultation with our renovation specialist to provide the building blocks in creating your dream office.

Tip #2 – Budget

Once you have an idea of what you want in your dream office, it’s time to consider how those things fit in with your finances. Chances are you can’t afford everything on the list you created — and that’s okay. Your dream list wasn’t meant to be your shopping list, only a source of inspiration.

However, you do need to be realistic – if you’re aiming to extend your home and create an additional 15m2 office but your budget wont allow it, look at what your options are within your existing space. Can you extend a room by shifting a linen cupboard? Maybe a spare room can be re-configured to meet your feng shui requirements? Or maybe your budget and land size allows you to construct a minor dwelling completely detached from your home?

Whichever version is right for you, Outlast builders can make it happen.

Tip #3 – Natural light is your friend

If you don’t have enough natural light – let us create it! Adding a large window will work wonders for your office space and your mental health. Natural light causes our bodies to release higher levels of serotonin and absorption of Vitamin D, the key ingredients our bodies need to regulate moods, maintain a healthy appetite, sleep properly and even improve memory

In the home office, you want to avoid excessive glare from your computer. As well as letting in as much natural light as possible, incorporate a soft lighting scheme, this will help you get lots of work done without straining your eyes. Placing your desk near a source of natural light is a great way to keep in touch with natural light cycles so you can get a good night’s rest after you put in your work hours. You should also consider apps that make your computer screen mimic the light outside – they work wonders for avoiding tired eyes!

Tip #4 – Prioritize Organization

Although most files are kept electronically these days, if you’re anything like us, it pays to have some of the more important files, books and documents on hand when you need them.

In order to stay productive in your home office, you want to keep the clutter to a minimum. Keep in mind these organizational tips:

• Files and documents should be neatly stored away
• Supplies should have a clear place to go
• Your desk should be clear and clean when you sit down to do work

Consider your organization needs now and in the future. The sooner you get your files and items organized, the easier it will be to keep a clean, productive workspace.

When our Outlast renovation specialist designs your office, they will consider these needs and supply custom storage options that complement your design and take up next to no floor space.

Tip #5 – Electrics

If you own an older home, you may be limited with your power point options (most only have one per room). Having extension cords and multi plugs lying around may be a cheaper option but the are an eyesore, create clutter and are a potential risk.

We like to refer to our electricians as ninjas, as you never know they were there – they can take electrical feeds from anywhere, to anywhere, and without ripping entire walls apart. With all the devices we utilize in our day to day lives, not having the correct amount of power sources can be a nightmare – installing new power points means you can also add USB inputs, eliminating the need for wall plug chargers.

If you are limited on light and adding a window isn’t an option, why not install new lighting – the options nowadays are endless and its amazing how properly positioned lighting can transform your office space.

If you’re looking to extend, renovate or create an office in your existing home, get in touch with us today, and we can turn your dream office into a reality!