he flexibility afforded by difference amounting to about 500
a "zero-commute" combined square feet. The most popular
with the skyrocketing price place for an office in these
of gasoline has strengthened the larger homes is a spare bedroom,
case for full time teleworking with the living room a distant
and telecommuting. According to second. The primary home
an Environmental Protection telework activity is computer
Agency (2004) study: work (55% of total activities),
followed by telephoning, reading,
"Americans spend an average of and—averaging 7% of the
46 hours per year stuck in time—face to face
traffic. Gridlock produces more meetings."
than $63 billion in congestion
costs per year" As you purchase your next home,
there are certain factors to
The artist community has been consider if you need to set up a
well acquainted with the use of new home office:
work/living spaces for years, but
improvements in technology have Make sure that your high-tech
made the benefits of teleworking needs can be met. Have a
and occasional telecommuting more qualified electrician inspect the
attractive to general consumers. wiring of the house to see if the
According to the key findings system can handle the extra power
form the International Telework load that your home office
Association & Council (ITAC) requires. Older homes may need
Telework America (2000) study: significant upgrades to handle
the extra power, while newer
"Home-based teleworkers also homes are built with more
have larger homes, on average, energy-efficient systems to
than non-teleworkers; the handle the additional power along
with heating/air conditioning bookcases, computers, fax, and
requirements. If you use cable, printers. Make sure to allow for
DSL or satellite internet access, filing and storage space for
check with your local service files and extra office supplies.
provider to see if access is Lighting is critical for computer
available in your new or assembly work, so make sure to
neighborhood. Shop around for allow for direct sunlight along
your telephone provider—in some with any specific task lighting
cases, business service bundles that may be necessary. Select
may be more cost effective than flooring options that will allow
regular residential service. you to work comfortably—you may
wish to go with hardwood or
Designate where your office laminate flooring to allow for
space will be. Determine the your chair to move smoothly
amount of space you will need to across the floor. Install enough
accommodate your work style and phone lines to cover your home,
space. In many cases a spare business and fax machines needs.
bedroom or living room space can
be used, if a formal den option
is not available. If your work Is the office easily
requires heavy telephone usage or accessible? If you will
just heads-down concentration, expect regular package
you may want to consider deliveries, make sure that your
utilizing a room with a door. designated office is easily
Doors can be closed to reduce accessible to the front door of
interruptions from other family the home. This is also necessary
and household noises. if you will need to meet clients
or visitors in your office and
Plan your office blueprint to would like to ensure a
include all required furniture, professional appearance for your
business. along with tax implications.
Make sure to check with your
Find out about local business local government to determine if
requirements. Some cities special restrictions exist.
have zoning restrictions and
guidelines for work/living spaces
About the Author:
Cecelia Taylor writes for San Diego Real Estate Authority (http://www.sandiegorealestateauthority.com). Find detailed descriptions of over 85 individual communities, all with average housing and property costs, statistics on neighborhood schools and districts, as well as information on what each community has to offer its residents.
Source: www.isnare.com
