As people around North Carolina continue to work from home on a daily basis, the home office has gained an outsized interest from homebuyers looking for properties in Winston-Salem with a dedicated space from which to telecommute. Many other Triad homeowners have turned a spare room into a workstation as companies have gone remote permanently.
In fact, if you work from home, your home office space and expenses may even qualify for tax breaks. While strict rules apply, up to 300 square feet can be considered an office space for tax deduction purposes.
If you are planning to set up an office space or hope to spruce up your existing home office nook, you don’t have to break the bank. We put together some ideas to help you take your office space right on to the next level.
Location
Identify a space that is infrequently used and with little to no traffic flow, such as a guest room, attic, or basement. If possible, you want to choose a space where you can close the door while you work. The key is to find a private area that is quiet and allows you to withstand distractions.
Lighting
Ample lighting cannot be over-stressed, as it plays a key role on your productivity and mental health. If the room you choose for your office space has a window, make sure to position the desk where you can look out the window. Layering different sources of light, such as a window’s natural light, a warm light that illuminates the entire room, or a lamp that directly illuminates your desk, is ideal.
Chair
You’ll likely spend most of your day hours sitting in a chair, so it’s important to invest in an ergonomic office seat designed to help you sit comfortably and maintain correct posture. There are many choices on the market at a variety of price points. Make sure to test the chair before the purchase to make sure it suits your needs. If you like to put your feet up, you can also get a small footstool for under your desk.
Walls
If you are taking video calls and meeting clients via video conference on a regular basis, you want to make sure your home office is camera-ready. By giving your walls a fresh coat of paint and adding texture with shiplaps or PVC lattice, you can create a visually appealing background.
Is there anything that The Sharpe Mortgage Team can do for you this week? If you’re interested in purchasing a home or refinancing your current home in Winston-Salem or the surrounding areas, give us a call! We can discuss your financial goals and discuss a loan program that might be right for you.
