5 Tips for Home Office Renos from 2020’s Top Real Estate Agents

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Home Office Renos from 2020’s Top Real Estate Agents

Eight months in and we are still trying to figure out how to navigate this “new normal” COVID-19 has brought to our lives. Companies are letting those who can work remotely stay home and schools of all kinds are suspending in-person classes for the time being!  It’s no wonder why 45% of real estate agents who participated in HomeLight’s Q3 2020 survey say their clients are putting a desk in a spare room and calling it a home office. Read on to find tips by top real estate agents to make a home office.

Folks who are tired of trying to hold Zoom meetings while their kids listen to their own lessons online, you can make a home office that’s more than just a desk in a spare room. Here are 5 tips that’ll help get the job done without losing your sanity.

  1. Budget wisely

We know how easy it can be to fall down the proverbial rabbit hole when it comes to looking for ideas for your latest renovation project. However, these things will add up pretty quickly if you’re not careful! We know how much a pain budgeting is and how tempting it can be to go say, “I’ll just charge it,” but you’ve got to be strong and stick to your budget! Your wallet will thank you!

  1. Give yourself time

Some tasks aren’t going to take a whole lot of time to complete, while others can feel like they’ll never get finished. When you’re in the planning stages to make a home office, consider the time frame in which you have to work and what needs to be accomplished. 

Let’s say you want to replace the floor and put in laminate wood. You’re going to want to add a day or two to your estimated timeline. This will cover any mistakes that may be made, if there are any accidents, or you just need to take a break in the middle of doing the job.

  1. Splurge a little

We know that we said you need to create a budget and stick to it, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose cheap finishes, poorly made furniture, or give up some stuff to meet that budget. Instead, you can allocate your budget based on what’s important to you. 

If you really want a custom shelving system, go ahead and get it. You’ll just have to restructure your budget so that you can splurge on nicer things and save on stuff that isn’t so important, like office accessories.

  1. Choose a contractor wisely

Along with creating a budget for the renovation, you’re going to have to factor in the cost of labor and materials. If you’re a handy person, you can do some of the stuff yourself, like ripping up the carpet and putting in Pergo. However, if you want to put in a large, energy efficient window, you’ll want to hire a qualified licensed and insured contractor. 

When you research contractors in the area, look for client reviews, their rating on the Better Business Bureau, and even ask people for recommendations. By doing your due diligence before hiring someone, you can rest assured that you’re hiring someone who’ll do a good job.

  1. Breathe!

Anytime you’re doing a renovation project you’re bound to get frustrated. It’s at that point where you need to step away and clear your head, otherwise you could make mistakes or have accidents. No one wants that! 

It’s understandable that you’d want to get your home office done as quickly as you can so you can start using it. You have to remind yourself that if you want the room to look as good as you envisioned it, you’ll want to take your time – even if that means taking a break for a day or two. When you’re feeling better, you’ll be glad you took that break because you’ll do a good job and feel pretty darn proud of yourself!