Since 2020, more and more people have been living that long-sought-after dream of working from home. It’s a great perk that more and more businesses have been offering. Big bosses realized that many employees are happier and more productive, being able to achieve a better work-life balance. It also cuts down on overhead costs for the company.
However, that leaves employees with the issue of finding a home space that’s both functional and comfortable in which to work. Nobody wants to be hunched over the kitchen table all day, nor do folks want to constantly be shushing the kids or have to hide in the bathroom for a Zoom meeting. The good news is, if you’ve got a basement, you’ve got the potentially perfect office just waiting to be transformed. Let’s explore how you can turn your dingy cellar into a fabulous work-from-home office!
1. Waterproofing and Climate Control
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure the basement won’t flood, leak, or have too much moisture. If you haven’t already done it, consider investing in French drains and a sump pump. These will go a long way in preventing water damage. Surprisingly, an average of 14,000 people a day have an emergency water situation in the U.S. alone.
The last thing you need is for computers and other electronics to get fried. Many plumbers will allow you to finance the work, and it may even be a tax write-off. While basements are usually pretty cool in the summer, you should invest in a dehumidifier. This will keep moisture from building up and will help keep you at a comfortable temperature. When the temperature drops, invest in a small space heater to keep you toasty.
2. Walls and Floors
Once your water situation is squared away, it’s time to think about your walls and floors. You can choose to carve out a space and put up some drywall, making your little area, or leave it open and just put some drapes or cute screens in the background. Your floor can consist of a simple area rug or some vinyl flooring. The only limit is how much you care to finance.
3. Furniture
Your office furniture should be what you concentrate on, as you’ll be spending a lot of time with it. Unless your job calls for several computers and other apparatus you don’t need a huge clunky desk. In fact, with the streamlining that’s taken place with electronics over the past few decades, the average workstation has shrunk from 80 square feet in the early 1990s to a mere 39 square feet.
Make sure the desk is comfortable and you’re able to organize yourself efficiently. Get a chair that is easy to maneuver from one area to another, and is suitable for your personal needs. Consider getting a good floor lamp and desk lamp to ensure proper lighting.
4. Decorations
Don’t feel guilty about getting a few things to spiffy up your office space. Remember you’re spending a big chunk of your day there, and you deserve to be comfy and relaxed. Get yourself some plants, wall hangings, frame some photos of the family and the cat, and anything else that reflects your interests and personality.
5. Storage
One thing that’s a must for any basement office is good storage. Start with some nice shelving and maybe a few bookcases. This way, you can organize and categorize books, files, and any other work-related paperwork. You may want to get a filing cabinet with a lock for confidential items or other things that need extra security.
A work-from-home office basement can be a great DIY project. But if it’s too much for you, no worries; there are many design firms out there that you can hire. They will send a team dedicated to building your office from the bottom up. Whatever you decide, make it your own!
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