6 tips for creating a great home office

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 14, 2010 – A home office is a wonderful asset, so design it carefully. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Privacy is important. Choose a location as far away as possible from children’s play areas, the TV room, the kitchen and other hubs of family activity.

• Do you need proximity to the door? If you expect to receive clients in your office, make sure they don’t have to walk upstairs past the bedroom to attend a business meeting.

• Is the space big enough for office equipment? Before you move in, measure the desk, bookshelves, file cabinets and other furniture to make sure it will fit in the designated space.

• Get electrical assistance. Your home office will certainly need more outlets than it did before it was an office. Don’t rely on power strips. Get expert assistance.

• Add some soundproofing. Consider replacing the drywall with a special soundproofing variety and hang a new solid-core door.

• Decorate thoughtfully. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your office, and especially if you’ll have clients there, take time to choose nice decor.

Source: Gannett News Service, Rosie Romero (09/09/2010)