Add a home office to your home

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If you run your own business or work from home, a home office can reduce stress and increase convenience. When it comes to additions, home office constructions are one of the most popular options. As you begin the planning process, use Reply! to find out about vendors and contractors in your area. The more you know before you begin construction or conversion, the easier the process will be.

The type of home office you choose will depend on your home, city regulations and your budget. The easiest way to create a home office is to convert an existing space. Any unused space will do - even a closet can become a small office if you remove the door and install a simple desktop. Other popular spaces for office conversions include guest bedrooms, garages, attics, utility rooms, closed-in porches and basements.

Factors to consider in space selection:

• Amount of room needed for work
• Traffic pattern and noise near the space
• Necessary office equipment
• Amount of construction needed
• Furniture that will fit in the space
• Possible future growth of the business
• Need for high-speed Internet

A second option for a home office is to build an addition onto your existing home. Residential remodeling deters many homeowners because of the work involved. Unless you plan to build the addition on your own, you will need to hire contractors. Permits are another important consideration. Depending on your city's requirements, you may need to get a permit, hire inspectors, make sure that electricity is up to code and jump through a variety of government hoops. Despite the hassle, however, home offices can add significant value to your home, which can positively impact the resale price.

Considerations for home additions:

• Permits
• Building regulations
• Construction restrictions
• Property line restrictions
• Square footage requirements
• Electricity
• Insulation
• Exterior finishing
• Heating
• Impact on taxes

If you are not able to build an addition onto your house or if you want more privacy for your home office, an external structure can be an ideal solution. If you have time, you can build an outbuilding on your property from the ground up and design it to fit your business needs.

When time is a factor, another option is to purchase a pre-built structure. In many cities, the building code allows you to add an exterior building without a permit as long as it is under a certain square footage. An inexpensive option is to buy a prefabricated shed, add insulation and run electricity from the main house.

Whether you are a small business owner or you simply want a workspace in your home, a home office will be a useful project. In general, a significant amount of planning goes into home additions. Home office additions are some of the most functional and valuable options, whether or not you plan to sell your house in the future. As you plan, use Reply! as a resource for information and reviews.