A basement converted into a luxurious home office.

How to Convert Your Basement into the Perfect Home Office

The workplace has changed a great deal in the last few years. Companies are giving their employees more freedom to work from home or on a hybrid schedule than ever before. While the pandemic made it worthwhile for companies to afford their workers this ability, both sides are left figuring out how to make working from home as productive as being in the office. One way for employees to get their best work done is to create a dedicated space where they can focus.

It can be difficult to give up some of the space in your home for the purpose of work. This area needs to be functional while still remaining a part of your home. What better space to choose than the basement? Here are some tips for converting your basement into the perfect home office.

Unfinished: A Blank Canvas

In residential remodeling, an unfinished basement is going to give you the most flexibility when designing and constructing your home office. You will be in full control of square footage and be able to run electrical in a way that works best for you. What could be more exciting than designing the office of your dreams? You are not beholden to the existing layout of an uncomfortable workspace; you can craft one that you actually enjoy. Your desk can face whichever direction you’d like – an underestimated perk of working from home. The key is to be honest with yourself about how you will best get your work done and then build according to that reality. You can make the space entirely yours, keeping in mind that the goal is productivity, not necessarily comfort.

Unfortunately, one thing you won’t be able to get around will be the need for an egress window. In fact, this could very likely be the most labor intensive aspect of your new home office, especially if you need to frame walls or run electrical. However, it may prove to be the most important aspect of your basement remodel. It is highly likely that your state or city will require an egress for your home office, so it would be best to plan and budget accordingly. In the event of an emergency, it could make all the difference. 

Finished: Blessing or Curse?

If your basement is already finished, you will need to be much more strategic about how you design your home office. Unless you’re willing to take on a full basement remodel, you’re going to want to use the existing structure to your advantage. Do you have an extra outlet somewhere that might help you split up your power? How about a storage room that would really be better used as an office? Getting creative and utilizing the strengths of your space will help you create a conducive work environment, assuring your employer that you can still handle your workload. 

There are obvious advantages to reformatting a finished basement as well. For one, the electrical, plumbing, and egress may already be in place. Once you create a design plan and put on the finishing touches, you can jump right into your work.

Approach Your Basement Remodel the Right Way

Regardless of if you are starting from scratch or using an existing space, you can trust House Lift to handle your basement remodel. Over the last 30 years, we’ve completed more than 1,500 Twin Cities home remodeling, renovation and addition projects. We take a consultative approach from the initial design through the completion of your project, handling each stage with care and customization. We can even help navigate the process of getting any necessary permits or licenses. Let us help you create a home office you can be proud of – reach out to us to make your WFH dreams a reality.

 

No Response

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.