Benefits of Turning Basement Into Office
Turning your basement into an office is ideal, especially if you’re working from home. With the world rapidly adapting to working remotely, a home office can come in handy.
Although converting your basement to an office is an awesome idea, there are things to consider. For instance, you have to carefully select the type of furniture and aesthetics for your basement office. Thankfully, we cover basement office setup tips in this article.
One basement office advantage is how convenient it is. Not only is it convenient, but you also get to save money on transportation and other expenses.
Making the decision to turn your basement to a home office can be an expensive prospect. But when you consider the advantages of a home office, it’s an expense that’s worth it.
Here are pros of a basement office:
Minimal Distraction
Although working from home is convenient, distractions are the major downside. With kids seeking your attention, you realize you’re unable to finish the day’s tasks. However, you can avoid distractions from your TV set and neighbours if you have a basement home office.
When you turn your basement to an office, your mind shifts away from the comfort of your home. Having this mindset allows you to give your work the attention it deserves, shutting out other distractions.
In addition to this, you can put up a do not disturb sign on your basement door. Not only does the sign show you don’t need disturbance, but it also reduces distractions. For example, you can tell your kids or spouse only to contact you when it’s urgent. Also, with a basement home office, you can effectively put a boundary on your work life and your personal life.
Separate Living Space from Workspace
One major challenge remote workers face is distinguishing what workspace is and what living space is. It’s even more difficult to separate work and living space with your office set up in your living room.
If you choose to turn your home basement into an office, you can effectively draw the line. Then, you wouldn’t need to worry about work creeping into your living space.
Furthermore, with your office in your basement, you don’t need to rearrange your working space. If you have unfinished business in the office, you can leave it on your desk in your basement office. You may not have such luxury if your living room is your office.
A basement office means you’re not concerned about kids messing with your files. You can safely store important files without worrying about the kids. Parents who work in their living room are particular about their children tampering with office work. The solution to this problem is turning your basement into an office.
Another important part of separating workspace from living space is that it allows you to stick to office hours. You may notice you spend more time in the office just because it’s in your bedroom.
If you turn your basement into an office, you find it easier to leave the office when it’s time. Sticking to working hours allows you to put off household chores until you’re out of the office.
Increased Property Value
Many industries are adjusting to working from home more quickly than in recent years. 2 in 10 people are permanently working from their houses. Owing to the rise in remote working, homeowners are looking for properties that can accommodate this shifting change.
With a basement office setup, your home stands a chance in a competitive buyer’s market. As a property, it becomes attractive to real estate investors if you put it on sale. Towards the end of 2020, an office space rent in Downtown Toronto was about 39.02 Canadian dollars per square foot. But, of course, you can always rent out your basement home office if you no longer need it.
Increased Productivity
In 2016, only about 4% of Canadians worked from home solely because remote working wasn’t popular. Fast track to 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the number.
In the early months of 2021, 32% of Canadians aged 15 to 69 work from home. According to a recent survey, 90% of teleworkers say they are more productive working from home.
However, the remaining 10% complain of being unable to do much work within an hour. Distractions and the comfort of their homes are the major causes of their unproductivity.
With distractions out of the way and no rush to head home, you can put in more work. With a basement home office, you tick off more items on your work to-do list.
Related Article: How Do I Upgrade My Basement Apartment?
Cost-effective
There’s no doubt that staying home saves you money. You spend less when you’re home than when you’re outdoors. The most obvious way working from your basement home saves you money is commuting. You save money on your car maintenance, thereby elongating your car’s lifespan.
Also, working from home means you don’t have to buy new work clothes. You can ditch the corporate dressing for something more comfortable, except you’re having a zoom meeting. Rather than get a new pair of shoes for work, invest the money in renovating your basement.
Additionally, you can save money on snacks and other items you purchase to and fro the office. You can always cook up something to eat during lunch break. Have a kitchenette in your basement if you’re too tired to go up and down the stairs.
Energy Efficiency
An advantage of a home basement office is that it allows you to save energy. Often, homeowners find out they spend more money on electricity bills when their basement is unfinished.
When you don’t properly insulate your basement, air escapes from it, increasing your bills. Therefore, you can save more money on outlays with a home basement office.
During the winter, an unfinished basement can cause your electricity bills to skyrocket. If you turn your finished basement into an office, you can enhance floor and wall insulation.
Related Article: How Do I Upgrade My Basement Apartment?
Separate Design Options
One problem homeowners encounter when creating an office in their living room is aesthetics. Often, they find out that the office design doesn’t complement the living room’s design. While some are only bothered about having a workspace, others find the clashing designs distracting.
You may want to go with something more simple in your office, but your living room looks too busy. The only solution to this challenge is to change your basement to an office.
The designs in your office go a long way in determining your effectiveness in the office. Heavy designs in your office can take up too much space if your basement is small. Also, a basement office advantage is you can use contrasting themes in your basement and living room. You don’t need matching furniture or wallpapers.
A basement office setup gives you the advantage to make something unique. You can create an office that suits your design choices and personality. However, as regards design, you must indulge the services of professionals. A basement finishing contractor can ensure you get the best out of your basement.
Setup Tips to Change Your Basement to Office
Rather than plunge into renovating your basement, consider its structure. Some basements are deep while others aren’t. Some basements are small, and others are spacious.
Knowing your basement structure can help in determining the best design for your basement home office. Here are basement office setup tips.
Lighting
You can also make use of a table or clamp-style lamp, which you can easily adjust. A well and brightly lit office helps you to stay awake as you complete office tasks. Conversely, a dimly lit office can cause you to strain your eyes, making you dull and sleepy.
Ensure your basement is spacious
The basement must be spacious enough to accommodate furniture like desks and a cabinet. It should also be large enough to take office equipment like a photocopier, a desktop, a dispenser and a printer. Your basement should allow enough room for people to freely walk through.
Additionally, it must be properly ventilated and able to accommodate chairs for visitors. A spacious office will reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries. It also gives you room to decorate to your taste and have a corner for yourself.
Do some décor
A little bit of decoration takes the entire room into another dimension. For example, basements are generally considered dark, lonely, and boring areas of the house. But, if you decorate your basement, your office can look like it came from a Pinterest post. Therefore, when choosing your décor, make sure you follow a theme.
You can do anything from hanging small ornaments to putting up candles. Utilize office decorations that brighten your mood. A tastefully decorated office is certain to boost your morale and help you focus on your work.
Have a Corner for yourself
Every person needs their private corner. Unfortunately, they can’t achieve this privacy in a company office. Hence, when setting up your home office in the basement, try leaving a small area empty. Then, you can decorate this space according to your liking, your secret escape from stress.
In addition to this, you can put some exciting games there or use it as a nap corner. Whatever you do, it’ll be something that only you can use. The personal space will increase your creativity and give you a fresh burst of ideas.
A popular maxim says, “It’s comfort first, comfort last and comfort always.” Of all the purposes a basement can serve, converting it into an office is the most innovative.
Home offices provide the comfort of working with no distractions and without having to leave your home. Comfortability brings ease, increases productivity and conserves strength. Therefore, you should never compromise your comfort.
Inspect your basement
Before you change your basement to office, inspect your basement. Can it fulfill the purpose for which you’re transforming it? Will the layout allow for the design selection? A thorough inspection of your basement is important; else, you’ll only end with a room full of office furniture.
After deciding to transform your basement into an office, analyze your basement’s layout. If you’re unsure of which design best suits your basement structure, hire an expert. Your basement differs in layout from your living room or your bedroom. Consider every inch of your basement before selecting a design or furnishing it.
Related Article: How Much Does it take to Finish a Basement Apartment?
To Wrap It Up
Working from home and unsure if you should use your basement as an office? Aside from the pandemic being a good reason to have a home office, distractions hinder productivity. With a basement home office, you get to do more with less distractions.
After considering turning your basement into an office, be mindful of how you set up your office. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your office; hence it should be comfortable. Hiring a professional is advisable if you want the best out of your basement home office.
Here at Basement Finishing Company, we can help you bring your basement ideas to life. Get in touch with our elite team of basement renovators today.
