In high demand this year, as you can imagine, has been extra room in our homes. Starting abruptly in mid-March with stay-at-home orders across most of the region, families grappled with not only staying at home, but working from home and home-schooling their children. Oh what a dream it would be to have an extra room or two! Not everyone has this dilemma, but even if it is just you spending more time in the same space, it may suddenly seem smaller. What can be done?

Luckily, an internet-ready device, a connection, and a little bit of space is all you need to get started. Many folks are simply setting up a table or desk in an unused room, or a corner of a bedroom, living room or basement. If each person can be in a separate room, that allows for privacy and noise block. Internet bandwidth may need to be increased, with more devices being used simultaneously, or users can alternate logon times if schedules permit. A fresh paint scheme or new lighting can brighten things up. Comfortable chairs and the right backdrop are important. Office equipment such as a scanner with document feed may be needed.

Using your basement can be an easy option to create some privacy, either part of the rec room, or an office or BR already finished. If unfinished, hanging a curtain or bedsheet can make a quick backdrop and sound absorber. Lighting can be added with lamps and temporary extension cords. Folding tables and chairs can be brought out of storage, or even sturdy boxes can make for your computer, tablet or phone stand if tables/ desks are in short supply. Keeping space clean is crucial.

For a more permanent solution, purchasing appropriate chairs and furniture make sense, and remodeling part of the house, finishing the basement, adding on a room or two, or moving to a larger home are all considerations. Keep in mind that the present situation may not last long enough to be worth spending too much money. Or maybe you just want to remodel or move anyway, and this is a good excuse.

I do believe that having home office space is, and will be, a positive home sale feature for the long term. This does not mean spending thousands for elaborate built-ins, but it may bring back a wall or two into the great room concept, or bedrooms become a bit larger to accommodate a desk and chair, or builders offer more options for finished basements. Think mobile and flexible. Think hers and his. Formal living rooms, extra bedrooms and basement space are all ideal for this, as you can set them up now, and take them down when you move or no longer need them. In a few years, you may go back full time to the office, or retire, or kids go off to college, or a hobby/ fitness/ TV room becomes more important. Happy Zooming!