Do you work remotely, but don’t have a designated home office? Why not revamp your dusty attic to convert it into a fully functioning office space that suits you?
Before diving into this exciting venture, there are a few things you’ll need to consider the logistics of it and how you’ll arrange your new working space.
Here are five tips for converting your attic into your ideal home office.
Professional Evaluation
Before getting too excited, and to avoid disappointment, we recommend hiring a professional to survey your attic space. Your office space must be completely safe and secure before you remodel.
A structural engineer or contractor can help you determine if the joints in your attic are fit to support the new use of the space. A professional in this field can also inspect for mold, damage, and insulation issues.
The expert you hire may determine that the space needs to be re-engineered to support larger loads apart from just storage boxes and bits and bobs. In this case, your next step is to focus on flooring.
You’ll need a solid floor, potentially a subfloor, and a top floor. The last thing you want is to be maneuvering around your office on beams and insulation.
Choose flooring that can withstand fluctuations in temperature and support all your furniture, as well as your body weight. Good-quality wood, cork, laminate, and bamboo are your best bet.
Functional Furniture
Your next step is to introduce your office furniture. This includes your desk, chairs, electronic equipment, decor, light fixtures, and any other necessary elements.
An attic usually tends to be a rather small space. However, you’d be surprised by how such a small space can be exponentially maximized to construct a full-functioning work-from-home office!
Ensure you do ample planning in this area. Movement is a vital element. You need to be able to move easily around the room, as well as shift your furniture in, out, and around the space. Ensure you plan the exact order in which you transport your furniture before starting the process.
Consider utilizing multi-functional furniture items such as modular sofas to avoid overcrowding and clutter. Clutter directly correlates with distraction and disorganization. Don’t combine an attic space with an office space. Reframe your mindset to one that considers your attic as solely your work-from-home office.
Storage is everything. Opt for built-in storage units that are designed specifically for the space you have available. Utilize generally unused corners or sloped walls for low-shelving units.
Technological Necessities
The electrical and communication components of your office need special attention. Some of your modern-day home office must-haves include electrical outlets, internet and cellular connection, a printer, and potentially a fax machine.
Just imagine being in the middle of an online meeting or a presentation and you experience connection issues. Or you’re working diligently, your creative juices flowing, and your internet starts lagging. Frustration and anger ensue.
Ensure your WiFi reaches your attic home office. If it doesn’t, you do have the option to install a WiFi extender. Fast and efficient internet is an absolute necessity.
Confirm that all wiring is also secure and intact. You’ll need electrical sockets and outlets for your electrical devices nearby so you don’t have to worry about dying batteries and the like.
Lighting and Temperature
Maybe in winter, the attic is freezing, while in summer it’s sweltering. Neither of these conditions contributes to an ideal working environment. Your office needs to be physically comfortable to enable work efficiency.
You’ll need to install proper insulation. Options for this include energy-efficient space heaters, carpets, warm area rugs, insulating or thermal curtains, etc.
Ventilation is also a must-have. As you know, hot air rises, which can result in stuffiness. If your attic has an air conditioning vent, then fantastic! If not, a portable A/C unit could do the trick. Your primary concern here is airflow.
Improper lighting can hinder your ability to perform visual tasks, cause eye discomfort, and cause headaches. Natural light is always best to get that much-needed Vitamin D and to regulate your mood, motivation, and sense of ease. Are windows not an option? There are other ways to hack the lighting system.
Warm LED lights create a similar effect to windows. Place ample light sources at various points throughout the space to keep you awake and alert during your working hours.
Personalize with Decor
Once all your office requirements are met, it’s time to make the space your own. Decorate with a personalized theme that encourages coziness, harmony, inspiration, and peace.
We recommend incorporating office plants and flowers that filter oxygen and draw in a natural, calming aura. Opt for neutral paint colors that aren’t too jarring and expand the space.
Some pops of color in the decor can energize the room, boosting productivity. Bring in a cozy, familiar carpet that appeals to you. Add some family photos and space for your pets to join you to prevent loneliness. Another fun idea is to include bean bags – a good choice for working from home.
Comfort and personal touches are energizing and boost productivity.
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