A Home Office Is A Valuable Asset

Long commutes, improving technologies, and more workplace flexibility – these are just some of the many reasons why as many as one million Australians are now regularly working from home, according to First National Real Estate.

And a stylish and functional office is an increasingly valuable asset to the family home or singles’ apartment.

“With more people working and studying from home, the office is more and more a central part of the house,” National Communications Manager Stewart Bunn said.

“Not only can it add increased value to a home, it is becoming a required feature, especially in central parts of the city and in coastal or inland lifestyle properties where people only commute to the city for a meeting.”

“Today, many buyers want houses equipped with home offices that deliver a proper working environment. They are becoming as important as a spacious living room, or well designed kitchen.”
But what features are most important in a home office and what are most likely to add long-term value to a home?

“Getting the electrical fittings, layout, lighting and furnishings right are important to both the comfort and performance of the person working from home as well as boosting the value of the property,” Mr Bunn said. “The serious home office is designed by professionals, in the same way a kitchen or bathroom is.”

First National Real Estate’s tips for establishing a suitable home office include:

• Consider crucial basics. Before renovating a kitchen or family room home- owners consider issues such as usage patterns, the amount of natural light, proximity to noise, and appropriate entry and exit areas, and a home office should be no different. “Think about how many people will use the room, if additional insulation may be needed to ensure someone can work in peace and privacy, if the room should have separate access, and how natural light will interact with computer screens,” Mr Bunn said. “The well thought out home office is a lot more than a desk and computer.”

• Call in professionals. At the very least, work with an electrician to determine what fittings and outlets are needed, and ensure they are professionally installed.

• Consider Occupational Health and Safety regulations. ”It can be tempting to by-pass the various regulations businesses are required to meet,” Mr Bunn said. “But safety is a critical feature of a proper home office.” First National Real Estate recommends investing in ergonomically designed furniture, correctly positioned technical components and the accurate positioning of shelving and storage.

• Make it comfortable. A good home office will be efficient but not utilitarian, Mr Bunn said. “If the room is also to be used by children to access the computer, plan appropriate seating,” he said. “If it will also act as an adult retreat, consider wiring for anther television and even basic kitchen facilities such as a coffee making and mini-bar area so that the room’s potential is fully utilised.”

Mr Bunn said any investment in a professional home office would be likely to be recovered.

“We think it will increasingly become a key selling point, which is why we recommend careful consideration of design issues,” he said.

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