With working from home becoming the norm for many employees, you may be looking to create a space that you can use as your home office. If your home is on the smaller side, you may not have room to create an office in the space you already have – this is where an extension comes in. You can enhance your home, increase value, and add another room with a brand-new extension so can benefit from your own private space to concentrate and be productive. Read on as we look at how to create an office space in your new extension, which type of extension you could choose and various factors to consider.
Types of extension
The first factor to consider when creating your brand-new office is the type of extension that you’re going to need to accommodate it. There are a few types of extensions that you could choose from depending on what you are hoping to achieve, these include:
- Single-storey extension: As the name suggests, this type of extension is built on the ground floor of your home. They can be used to extend your living space, whether you need a larger kitchen, living area or downstairs bathroom. They can be a great addition to a smaller home that may not live up to your current needs.
- Wrap around extension: This extension is L-shaped. It combines a rear extension with a side return extension as a way of redeveloping your current space. You can use bi-folding doors to include easy access to your garden.
- Side return extension: These extensions work well if you live in a Victorian home that may be hard to extend otherwise. It is a way of extending your home by using the alleyway to one side. It can work well if you would like to extend your kitchen or create a downstairs bathroom.
Placement
When creating your new office, you’ll have to think about placement. When working from home, you’re going to need an area that is quiet and calm so that you can concentrate when you need to be productive. This means your new office should be placed somewhere that is away from busy areas of your home, like the living room or the kitchen – this is essential if you are planning to build an open space that cannot be closed off from other rooms in your home so that you can limit distractions. If you are creating a new room, this isn’t such an issue as you can simply close the door. You’ll need to ensure you have boundaries so that you can work effectively.
Natural lighting
Another issue that you will need to address when it comes to creating a new extension is natural light. This creates a light and bright atmosphere that can not only help to enhance the space itself but can also help you to work more efficiently. Adding windows that allow light to flood the room can make your space seem bigger, and generally creates a more pleasant place to work. Natural light is important in workplaces so that employees can feel the benefit, so why not bring it into your home?
Furniture
Once you’ve chosen your ideal extension, and placement and added all the necessary natural light that you need, the next step is to choose the best furniture for your space. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your new home office, you’re going to need furniture that is comfortable and enhances the room that you have. For example, you’re going to need to choose a desk that is functional over anything else. A desk that has drawers for you to store everything you need so that it is within reaching distance when you need it. The chair that you choose is also important so that your body remains supported throughout the day, reducing the chance of you getting back aches, and allowing you to concentrate on your tasks for a long time.
