Before setting up any time of home office, one should take the time to plan and strategize. The first consideration would be the location. This can be important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is functionality. There are a number of options depending on the structure of the home. Common choices for many are usually the basement or garage.

Home offices have the advantage of being functional in many ways. For example, lunch can be a working lunch. If one needs to relax for a bit or take a break, there is always the couch or bed for a quick nap. Furthermore, there are also advantages such as being able to handle household chores while also performing work related duties.

A home office also provides many different options for handling visitors. The kitchen and or living room can be used as a conference room or meeting room. Another added advantage is a fully furnished kitchen. One can have almost any type of meal and also cook during working hours. Appliances such as a Delonghi oven, blender, full size refrigerator, and utensils can make lunch time a delight.

Home offices are not without their shortcomings. Dedicating adequate home office storage space can be concern for some. For example, if one is in the manufacturing or supply type business, then space can be at a premium. For this reason, home offices are better suited for service type businesses as they ten to require less physical space.

A very important benefit of home offices is the cost benefit. Home offices not only have the effect of lowering extraneous expenses such as office rent and utilities, but also allow them to be tax deducted. Furthermore, the costs of commuting is also removed. In many cases, purchases can be made for the home that can apply to the office and vice a versa. For example, home space heaters in the colder months can benefit both and be tax deductible.

Aside from the functional issues, there are peripheral factors to take into account. For example, the needs of other family residents should always be considered before taking any drastic steps. This can especially become an issue when a spouse, after spending countless hours at work, comes home. They would want the feel of arriving at home and not another office environment.

Hence, there are many advantages and disadvantages to take into account prior to deciding on a home office. The physical, functional, and expense aspects are only part of the equation. The effects of a home office on relationships and psyche are of equal if not higher importance. Also, one needs to plan a strategy of being able to escape work while still at home. This can be important for one’s own sanity.