The kitchen is too noisy. The TV is blaring in the living room. And the children are climbing all over you in the den. If you're one of the many new teleworkers in the global workforce, you may be feeling somewhat confined without a dedicated office space. You could find some expensive co-working space. Or you could build a new home office.

In fact, without a dedicated office space you cannot claim home office tax deductions. Among custom home additions, a home office provides the highest return on your investment. 

Designing the Space

With easy-to-use design apps that even architects love, you can design your own space with the optimal work layout and ergonomics for you. Avoid designs that are confining. Instead, to create a space where you will enjoy spending long hours, consider these concepts:

• make use of large windows and skylights to create an open, airy space.
• create other functional spaces (e.g., a corner with a bean bag chair for leisure, a reading space with a comfy chair and book shelves.

Deciding on Window Placement 

The orientation of a custom home addition and the windows can save on energy all year round. Keep in mind, though, windows have their own temperament. Depending on their placement, they can affect your comfort and mood. By placing your desk in front of a windowless wall, you do not have to contend with glare on your computer screen, cold drafts in the winter, or hot sun in the summer on your back. 

On side walls, North-facing windows provide soft light throughout the day, while the sun provides lighting and warmth through the South window. With window tinting or blinds, you can control the room temperature and lighting on either side. A large window on the desk-facing wall provides an expansive view of your gardens. 

Choosing the Building Materials 

Another cost savings frontier of a home office is energy savings. Through the choice of building materials, you can save on energy bills for heating and cooling. Smart building products to consider include:

• Floors that automatically control heating and cooling according to room occupancy. 
• LED lighting that turns on and off as it senses your movement in the room.
• Smart wall insulation that provides air tightness while controlling  moisture levels to avoid molding. 

A custom home additions contractor can review your designs and ideas and provide professional advice before the construction on your new home office begins.  

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