Guest Articles

Setting Up A Home Office

Are You About To Set Up An Office?
Using This Checklist Can Save You Time and Money

by Mark Dutka, Owner of InHouse 
Home Office Furniture and Custom Design

You’ve finally found the office space you’ve been looking for, and you’re ready to get set up. But wait--before you rush out and purchase furniture, answering the following questions about the space and the way you work, can prevent costly mistakes– and can increase productivity:

• What are the exact dimensions of the room?
  

• Where are the windows located? How high are they off the ground? What type of window treatments will you use?
  

• Where are the electrical outlets located? Are there enough? Is the power sufficient for your hardware?
  

• Where are the telephone outlets? Are there enough? Will you need to add lines for a fax modem and internet hook-up?
  

• What kind of lighting exists in the space? What type of light will you need for the type of work you’ll be doing?
  

• Are there any available closets which can be used for optimal use of the space?
  

• Is there any noise factor? If so, is the room carpeted to reduce this? Are there any other acoustic issues?

How do you currently work?

• Do you prefer to spread out, or do you work compactly?
  

• While working at your desk, how much time will be spent at the computer?
  

• Will your work surface require a special shape?
  

• Will your workspace be able to accommodate your work style? If not, should you consider changing your work habits, or should you consider another space (if possible)?
  

• Will you require a lot of drawer space, or will you keep a lot of your supplies on your desktop? Which supplies will you be using regularly?
  

• Where will you want to locate hardware peripherals, shelving and file storage in order to minimize excessive or uncomfortable movement during use? How often will you need access to each item?
  

• Will you need a task (desktop) light? If so, what kind (halogen, florescent, or incandescent)?
  

• Will you require a height-adjustable work surface? How about an adjustable keyboard tray? A monitor arm?
  

• What types of work activities will you be doing, such as keyboard work?
  

• What type of chair will you need to complement your type of work activities?
  

• How many people will be working in the space? We recommend answering the above questions for all persons.
  

• Will you need to accommodate visitors in the space? If so, what type of seating/conferencing will be necessary?
  

Other important considerations:

• What colors do you want to use in decorating the room?
  

•  Do you prefer any particular materials such as woods (type, stain, color), plastic laminates, paint?
  

• What is the overall budget for furnishing the room?
  

For more information, please feel free to e-mail InHouse at inhouse@sirius.com

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