Telecommuting is fast becoming the norm with many companies opting to downscale office spaces in favour of working more remotely. To accommodate the change, many are choosing to invest in more permanent solutions for their home office. Apart from making the home better suited to this new lifestyle, these changes also hold the potential to increase the resale value of the home.
“In the months following the hard lockdown, we have seen an increase in demand for homes with their own office. As a result, those who choose to renovate existing rooms within the home or add onto the property to create an at-home workspace, could be increasing the appeal and therefore the value of the home,” says Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.
To help homeowners create a workable home office, RE/MAX of Southern Africa provides the following tips:
High-speed internet
The first and most important element for any at-home office is the availability of high-speed internet. There is nothing worse than having a meeting interrupted by a slow connection. Do your research and find out which option works best for you. Those on a limited budget could reach out to their neighbours to see if they would be willing to share the cost of a high-speed internet line.
Good lighting & a clear background
Video call meetings are the new normal. This means that when setting up a home office, homeowners will need to consider the wall behind the office chair. To avoid distractions, try to keep this wall as clear as possible and consider painting it a light and natural shade. For a crisp image, lighting is also important. Avoid having a window directly behind the chair. Instead, try and position the desk so that the light from the window comes from the front. Add a lamp beside the desk to brighten the space even further.
Consider the acoustics
Homeowners need to think strategically when deciding on where to place their home office. To avoid being disrupted by other noises in and around the home, homeowners should select a room that is as far removed from road noise as possible and is situated away from noisy rooms within the house, such as the kitchen or the children’s bedrooms. Beyond this, homeowners could also consider soundproofing the room. For better sound quality, add a rug and make sure that the room is full enough so that there is no echo.
Some of the above-mentioned advice will require more capital outlay than others. To help homeowners decide which renovations are worth spending money on, Goslett recommends speaking to a local real estate professional who can provide guidance on which features will add value and which will not. “Familiar with what buyers in their area want, local real estate advisors will have an informed opinion on which features add the most value. Those who are unsure of how best to spend their renovation budgets can get some free advice from a seasoned professional,” he concludes.
