Working remotely means that your house will become much more than just a place to unwind after the workday. It’ll become a multi-use space where you ply your trade, spend time with your loved ones, and possibly host clients, depending on the nature of your business.
You might find that renovations are needed to make your work environment more conducive to delivering your best work. Fortunately, there’s no need to undertake large-scale renovation projects in order to create a suitable place to work from home. Instead, some smart remodeling ideas will do — whether you hire a contractor or make it a DIY effort.
One source notes that Americans are on pace to spend a record sum — $522 billion — on home renovations this year. So, investing in creating a better space for remote work could make sense.
Keep reading to learn about home renovation projects to consider if you work remotely.
1. Dedicate a Room to Work
The first and most important step towards efficiency and productivity improvements is designing a place where you can sit down, roll up your sleeves, and work in a dedicated space.
It doesn’t necessarily matter whether you have a room specifically designed for remote work, though. Sometimes, you have to work with what you have. You’ll find it easier to get down to business during regular working hours, though, if you have a space set aside for work.
You can consider turning a spare guest room into a home office, creating a workspace in the basement, or building a cozy office nook in the basement or on an enclosed porch.
2. Make Sure Your Room is Well-Lit
Poor lighting is harmful for two reasons — it may damage your eyes and distract you from work. However, with proper lighting, you can remain productive and energized during the workday.
The good news is it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You can, for instance, do the following:
- Increase the amount of natural light in your workspace with larger windows.
- Add brighter light fixtures, such as LED lights or skylights.
- Use task lights above your desk.
If it’s a possibility in your home, set up a home office near a window for the associated benefits.
3. Isolate Yourself from Noise
While working at home, you’ll have to deal with plenty of noise — ranging from outdoor street and foot traffic to kids and pets playing and running around inside.
To avoid distractions and remain productive despite the chaos around you, you may consider soundproofing measures. Whether doing it yourself or hiring a contractor or handyman, you can choose to add sound insulation to the walls or use acoustic panels.
4. Increase Built-In Storage
When working at home, you’ll likely end up accumulating a lot of papers and other clutter, and that’ll inevitably spread across your desk if you don’t have any convenient storage places nearby.
Built-in storage will allow you to solve this issue. It can consist of the following:
- A shelving unit or shelves.
- An office cabinet.
- Integrated storage spaces in a desk.
It’s also worth considering software that can help you stay organized. If you run an online store, for instance, you might want to invest in an inventory management application. Doing everything manually is about working harder rather than working smarter. The right software will help you achieve real-time visibility, enabling you to manage your inventory efficiently.
5. Get a Wired Internet Connection
If you work online a lot, it’s important to get a fast and reliable Internet connection. If you’re having difficulties with video calls or file transfers due to your current connection speed, it’s high time you upgraded.
You can install Ethernet ports, upgrade your router, switch to a faster Internet plan, and ensure your Wi-Fi covers all your work areas.
6. Create a Multi-Functional Place to Work
Sometimes, someone who works at home doesn’t have enough room to allocate a special place for office equipment. You might have to think outside the box to get what you need without overwhelming your workspace with a lot of clutter. You can consider the following:
- Placing a folding desk on the couch in the living room
- Turning a closet into an office by using special desks
- Placing a desk in your bedroom
Depending on your budget, you might want to remodel a single-use space into a multi-use one. Use your creativity to make your home more remote-work ready.
7. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Sitting at a desk for long hours can lead to health issues, ranging from back pain to leg swelling. To avoid this, try some ergonomic furniture options.
A sit-stand desk, an ergonomic office chair, and a special computer setup that involves placing the screen at eye level are some things that can make your workspace safer.
8. Upgrade Your Flooring
While it may seem unnecessary, a floor covering can improve your comfort — and a more comfortable workspace will be an environment where you can be more productive.
A carpet or area rug will provide sound absorption, and cork flooring not only will make for a quieter space but also will be pleasant to stand or walk barefoot on.
9. Get an Outdoor Working Area
Being constantly surrounded by four walls, you may experience a lack of inspiration. So, you should consider spending some time outside during the workday. You may try the following:
- Build a covered patio with a table.
- Construct a backyard office.
- Arrange an outdoor seating area and add a little desk for working.
10. Design Your Space So as to Provide Work-Life Balance
If you don’t have a large home, it can be hard to keep work and leisure separated. However, there are some tricks that may help you to achieve just that.
You can install room dividers, set your workspace apart with sliding doors or visual barriers, and use interior design elements to differentiate working and living spaces.
Working from home requires a lot of effort. But proper home renovation may make this process much easier and more efficient.
Holding a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, Emily Rodriguez has dedicated more than two decades to the art and science of building renovation. Starting her journey in historic preservation, she developed a profound respect for blending old with new in building design. Emily became a vital part of our team in 2019, renowned for her insightful and innovative renovation tips. She has been leading our DIY home improvement series since ever since, where she shares her wealth of knowledge in turning outdated spaces into modern havens. When not engaged in writing or consulting, Emily is a passionate advocate for heritage conservation and enjoys exploring vintage architecture, a hobby that complements her professional expertise.
