Due to the pandemic, more people have been working from home than ever before. Many people find that they can be just as productive at home as in a traditional office setting. However, it is important to have a separate office space in the house to maintain work and personal life.
Therefore, the first question you’ll need to answer is how much it will cost. A home office budget entails many different considerations, including the space size, the type of furniture you’ll need, and whether you’ll need to hire professional help.
First, what do you need?
Basic requirements of a home office
Desk
You’ll need to purchase a desk, chair, and other basic office furniture if you don’t already have them. Depending on the quality and style of furniture you choose, the cost of outfitting your home office can range from $99 to as high as $7,200.
Monitors
If you spend a significant amount of time working on a computer, you’ll need at least one monitor. Depending on the size, type, and features you want, monitors can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000.
Printer
A printer is another essential piece of home office equipment. Prices for printers can range from $50 to $10,000, depending on the features you need.
Computer
Of course, you’ll also need a computer to do your work. A new computer can range from $600 to over $1,000.
Accessories
Some accessories that can come in handy for a home office include a web camera, headset, and external storage. These items can range in price from $25 to $500.
Stationary
You’ll also need some supplies for your home offices, such as paper, pens, and other stationery. This can cost anywhere from $27 to $200, depending on how much you need.
Note: The costs of working from home don’t only finish with purchasing your products; the cost of working from home can dramatically change depending on many things. Research completed by ComparetheMarket Home and Contents has found several factors that may increase the price of your home office.
Different ways to reduce the cost of home office
Do it yourself
Do as much of the work yourself as possible. You may construct your own desk if you’re handy and if you’re comfortable working with electronics, you can assemble your own computer.
Get creative with furniture
If you’re not handy or don’t have the time to build your furniture, shop at second-hand stores or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can often find good quality furniture for a fraction of the price you would pay for new. Another option is to buy used office furniture from a company that’s going out of business or upgrading its furniture.
Importance of home office insurance
Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s essential to ensure your home office is properly insured. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your home and your personal belongings, but it may not cover business equipment or liability. You might need to buy another policy in order to insure your home office.
Conclusion
Designing your own home office can have many benefits. It can help you achieve a better work-life balance, be more productive, and improve your overall quality of life. With a few simple tips, you can design an at-home office that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Start designing your dream home office today.