Despite the growing number of people who work at home, the field of home
office design is still in its infancy. There are no guidelines on how to
set-up and organize a home office: the equipments needed, where to put these
equipments, how long the worktables and cabinets should be. Creating a home
office becomes even more of a challenge if you are working at home with your
spouse: there are hardly any his-and-hers modular office furniture systems
out there. Homes are usually not designed with business in mind, so you will
have to do some creating thinking to make your home office work for you.
Still, there are proven principles to keep in mind when putting together a
home office that works.
1. The choice of the location of your home
office is crucial to the success of your business.
Many home
business owners assume that all they need is a little corner of a room, yet
they end up being all over the place. Having a central place of work will
allow you to conduct your business efficiently and function more
productively. No more "where did I put that receipt?" complaints
or running across the hall when the phone rings. It should be spacious
enough to allow you to conduct all your work -- from preparing your report,
organizing records, paying the bills, and making business calls. Architects
recommend that a home office should at least measure 10 by 10 feet.
2. The size and set-up of your home office will
depend on the nature of your work and the number of people using the office.
The ideal home office should contain adequate space for a desk,
chair, and computer; as well as storage and shelf space for files and books.
But its actual size will depend on your business and how you will use it. If
your business requires assembly or manufacturing of products, you may need a
long table in your office. If you have clients visiting your office for
meetings or work sessions, then you will need a couch or meeting area. A
separate entrance to your office is also recommended, as well as an access
to a guest bathroom. You do not want your business clients tripping on your
children's toys, and compromising the air of professionalism that you need
to project.
3. Your budget will determine the kind of work
surfaces and storage of your home office.
Many new home owners
are incorporating a home office into the construction plans of their houses.
However, if built-ins are too expensive for you, modular office furniture
systems are your most affordable option. Modular systems -- which typically
include desks, computer tables, bookshelves and cabinets - are flexible and
can be expanded as your requirements grow. If budget is a problem, look
around your home and find pieces of furniture that you can use for your
business.
4. Lighting, both natural and artificial, is an
important part of the equation.
Corporate offices put great
emphasis on the quality of lighting - and with good reason. Poor lighting
causes eyestrain, and your home office should be situated in a place where
good lighting exists. If you are working with a computer most of the time,
avoid putting your monitor in areas that produces glare such as the back of
the window or skylight. If your office is near a window, be sure to put
draperies or blinds to cut down glare. You can place either fluorescent,
incandescent lights, or recessed lights to brighten the room. Use smaller
task lights to illuminate specific work areas.
5. Your home office should be scalable and ready
for expansion.
At the start of your home business, you may be
operating with the barest of equipment and facilities. As your business
grows, your office needs to have additional outlets to accommodate
electronic equipment such as faxes, copiers, and shredders. 6. Proper
planning can minimize conflicts between your business and your family. When
operating a business out of your home, chances are high that conflicts may
arise between your business and your family. You cannot expect your children
to tiptoe quietly across the room just because you are on the phone with a
client or supplier. Expect your family to run around the house, interrupt
you, and demand your attention when you are trying to work. Your best bet is
to use a separate room as your home office, as it structurally separates
your business from the rest of the house and you can close the door.
About the Author:
Lyve Alexis Pleshette is a staff
writer of Power Homebiz Guides.
