If you’re a small-business owner, odds are you work from home. A home office has multitudes of benefits, giving you greater control over your hours and eliminating commuting. However, it can also result in a lack of focus. From piles of laundry demanding washing to pets that need walking, household tasks can quickly distract entrepreneurs trying to focus at home.
Establishing a separate office space distinct from the rest of the house is the solution. Whether you own a contracting business or run a digital media consultancy, you need a secluded spot where you can concentrate on your work. This guide explores three routes you can take to creating a workspace that encourages focus and productivity.
Buy a house to accommodate your dream office.
If your current home doesn’t have room for an office, look for a larger house. You can sell your current property and use the profits to put towards a down payment. Get an idea of how much money you’ll need by researching home prices in your target area. Markets vary significantly depending on location. For example, the average cost of a house in Ottawa is $373,200, compared to $921,000 in Toronto.
If you’re worried about affordability, there are more cost-efficient options. You can buy a house “as is,” for example. This usually allows for a lower sale price. However, you have to take the house in its given condition and can’t ask the seller to make any renovations, even in case of serious defects like a cracked foundation or pest infestation. Consult with an attorney if you go this route and be sure to examine the land deed and conduct a title search.
Renovate the home you own now to accommodate your workspace.
Another option is to renovate your current home to create space for your office. If you have a little-used attic or basement, this can make for the ideal home office because it’s away from distractions. However, you will likely have to undertake some home improvements to make such areas appropriate for everyday use — for example, adding insulation and ventilation.
HGTV Canada has attic renovation ideas to inspire you. For example, you can incorporate a workspace under a sloped roof. Before you undertake any major remodeling, however, check whether you need building permits. Refer to your local province and municipality for site-specific details. For example, permit requirements in Ottawa vary from those in Calgary. A local contractor can also advise you on the permits you need.
Design the perfect office to suit your unique needs.
Once you have the actual room ready to go, you can get to the fun part: designing your dream office space. Consider both functionality and aesthetics. For example, you will need a desk, chair, and storage for valuable documents. Prioritize ergonomic office furniture for your comfort, such as a desk chair with lumbar support.
With the basics in place, you can go on to consider design details. You want to make sure the office is sufficiently lit, for example, as a bright space helps you stay alert and encourages productivity. You might also want to consider incorporating office plants, which are shown to reduce work-related stress. The point is to create a room where you feel both comfortable and inspired.
As the above guide demonstrates, you have various options when it comes to creating an office that suits your needs. Putting in the effort to buy, renovate, or design your ideal workspace will be well worth it. Once you have a place where you can focus undisturbed, you will be more productive and can find even greater success as a small business owner.
Hard Hat Hunter is devoted to helping small business owners in the skilled trades thrive. Visit the blog for more articles with resources and tips designed to support your success.
Author: Tina Martin
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
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