What You Need To Know Before Renovating Your Home Office

If you’re a work at home mum, chances are your home office space is one of the most important areas in your house – whether you’re running a business, working flexible hours, or freelancing during nap times. Like a lot of work at home mums, you might be planning a home office renovation or upgrade.

8 Tips for a Smooth Home Office Renovation

But before you start knocking down walls and shopping for new desks, there are a few things you should know. Here are eight home office renovation tips that professional building inspectors wish work-from-home mums knew before they renovate their home offices.

Tip 1: Check if you need any permits or approvals

A lot of work at home mums assume permits and approvals are only needed for major building works. However, some councils require permits and approvals for more minor building works – even if you’re just adding a few windows or turning a bedroom or garage into an office.

When planning a home office renovation, it’s essential to check what regulations apply to you.

For example, in some areas, you might need a permit or council approval to carry out building work. You may also find you need sign-off or certification on certain types of work like plumbing or electrical work. Some councils also require notification if you’re running a business from home – especially if clients will be visiting or if the space is being fitted out for commercial use.

Having all the right permits and approvals in place from the start helps to avoid issues down the track with insurance, compliance, and even the resale value of your property.

Tip 2. Factor in Safety for you Home Office Upgrade

When planning your home office upgrade, safety should always be your top priority – especially if there are going to be kids around.

As a work from home mum juggling young kids while running a business from home, you need to make sure everything installed in your new home office is stable, secure, and child-safe.

Some of the major things to keep in mind include ensuring heavy furniture is secured. Freestanding bookcases, desks, cabinets, and drawers should all be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping accidents if kids pull or climb on them. Also, power cords need to be safely tucked away and secured to prevent trip hazards or little fingers finding them.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are renovating an older home, you need to check for asbestos or lead paint. These materials can often be hidden behind walls or ceilings, but are highly hazardous and can pose serious health risks if disturbed.

Always get a qualified building inspector to check for asbestos or lead paint before you start sanding, cutting, or removing anything.

Tip 3: Focus on Functionality for your Home Office

Like a lot of work from home mums planning a home office renovation, you may already be getting excited about new wallpaper, beautiful desks, and colour palettes from Pinterest.

Whilst it can be tempting to focus on aesthetics, don’t forget to make sure your new space is practical and functional too.

One of the best home office renovation tips for work at home mums is to think about how you’ll be using your home office each day.

• Will you need a large desk for two monitors?
• Will you have employees or customers visiting the space?
• How many power points and charging outlets do you need to be able to plug everything in that you need?
• Will the space need to double as a guest bedroom?

All of these are important considerations you will need to take into account when planning your work from home office upgrade.

Tip 4: Consider Appropriate Lighting Options when Working from Home

Lighting can often be one of the most overlooked aspects in a home office renovation. However, it actually plays a very important role. If your space is too bright with too much sunlight, you might struggle with screen glare. But it’s too dark, you can strain your eyes. Aim for a balance between natural light and artificial lighting, as this will help you to create a comfortable workspace in all light conditions.

If you’re planning a renovation, standard overhead lights tend to be the first thing that most people think of. However, there are lots of other lighting options that can be both stylish and functional – from desk lamps to wall lights. Also, position your desk near a window if possible.

Never attempt any electrical work on your own. This is not only dangerous, but it can also create issues if you ever try to sell your property or make an insurance claim in future.

Any electrical work should always be carried out by a licensed electrician.

Tip 5: Make Sure Your Office Space will be Comfortable all Year Round

As a work at home mum, you are going to be spending a lot of time in your home office, so it’s important to ensure that it will be comfortable all year round. This is another aspect that can be commonly overlooked in home office renovations.

Some of the main things to consider include insulation to keep the temperature comfortable in both winter and summer, as well as ventilation. This is key, as poor air quality can lead to headaches and fatigue – especially if you’re in a converted garage or stuffy space.

Don’t forget about heating and cooling. Consider a split system or energy-efficient heater if your office is far from the home’s main climate control to ensure that you can efficiently cool or heat the space, no matter what time of year it is.

Tip 6: Soundproof your Office

Noise can be one of the biggest productivity killers in home offices – and when you’re a work at home mum with a family at home, it can often be unavoidable. If you’re making business calls, attending Zoom meetings, or trying to concentrate during school holidays, soundproofing can be a lifesaver.

In a home office renovation, soundproofing options like acoustic insulation in the walls or ceiling and acoustic panels can help you stay focused and professional, even when chaos is happening in the next room.

Other affordable options like door seals, rugs, and soft furnishings can also all help to absorb sound.

Tip 7: Consider Future Resale Value

When planning your work from home office upgrade, it is smart to think ahead and plan for the future – even if you don’t have any plans to move right now.

A well-designed and recently renovated home office can increase the resale value of your property, especially with so many buyers now looking for dedicated workspaces.

But to protect your home’s long-term value, you need to make sure any building work is done properly.

As any good building inspector knows, shoddy workmanship or non-compliant alterations can lower property value or cause issues down the track if you decide to sell. Also, make sure you keep documentation of any approved work, electrical upgrades, or safety inspections, as future buyers will want to see proof that things were done properly.

Tip 8: Make Sure the Materials you Choose are Durable

As a work at home mum, you want a home office space that lasts – not something that’ll need replacing in six months. When selecting materials for your home office renovation, look for materials that are durable, low maintenance, family-friendly, and easy to clean.

Look for quality cabinetry made of sturdy materials that won’t warp or chip with heavy use and ergonomic furniture that supports your back when you’re working long hours.

Also, go for a hard-wearing flooring option like hybrid vinyl, sealed timber, or carpet tiles that will last – even with rolling chairs, high foot traffic, or the occasional juice spill from a curious toddler.

In addition, think about using low-VOC paints, as they’re safer to breathe in and better for children and pets.

Why Using a Professional Building Inspector is Important for your Home Office Renovations

As you can see, when planning a home office renovation for mums, there’s a lot to think about to make sure your space is safe, functional, and comfortable. From compliance checks and electrical safety to insulation, lighting, and soundproofing, a little planning up front can save you a lot of stress (and money) later.

One more thing: don’t hesitate to call in a professional. While a lot of people think building inspections are only important when you are buying or selling a home, they can actually be just as important when you are renovating.

Have a building inspector check your space before you start renovating to identify potential issues you may not have spotted like structural concerns, moisture damage, or unsafe materials.

After your renovation, they can also help you to ensure everything is compliant and safe, especially if you’ve used multiple trades or done some of the work yourself. This ensures everything has been completed to code and gives you peace of mind that your new office is safe and ready to use.

Ready to Plan your Home Office Renovation?

Planning a home office renovation for mums means juggling comfort, compliance, practicality, and family life. Whilst creating the perfect work from home space can seem like a daunting prospect, planning ahead makes a massive difference. By doing things properly the first time, and working with an experienced building inspector, you can create a safe and productive workspace that supports your day-to-day life and career – all in the one place.