The Rising Demand for Dedicated Home Office Space

When the pandemic hit in 2020, most professionals were required to work from home for a period of time. With a substantial number of people working remotely, having a dedicated home office that fostered productivity, minimized distractions, and optimized work efficiency became a priority.

Many people realized they could be just as productive working from home and were able to conduct business as usual through video conferencing as long as they had a quiet, well-lit workspace with reliable high-speed internet. They also found they saved time and money by not having to commute every day. So, when it was finally time to return to the office full-time, many professionals worked out arrangements with their employers to continue working from home or began looking for new employment where they could work from home.

The newfound freedom to work from almost anywhere changed the need for many professionals to live close to the company office. They were able to move out of the city to an area where the cost of homes was much lower. This trend changed dedicated home office space and high-speed internet from a desire to a necessity for many home buyers.

While the traditional prerequisites of location, neighborhood, and amenities are still in place, many prospective homeowners are now on a quest for properties that facilitate a harmonious integration of work and personal life.

Advantages of a Dedicated Home Office

• Professional Environment: Having dedicated office space enhances professionalism during virtual meetings and conference calls, ensuring that there are no domestic distractions in the background.
• Privacy: A home office provides the necessary privacy for handling sensitive and confidential work matters and safeguarding professional integrity.
• Focus and Productivity: Being in a specific workspace helps in delineating work hours from personal time, improving focus and overall work productivity.
• Customization: Home offices can be customized according to individual preferences, creating a conducive work environment that can boost efficiency and job satisfaction.
• Noise Reduction: A separate work area helps minimize noise and other disruptions, which is especially crucial during virtual meetings and concentrated work periods.

According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2021 report, 63% of homebuyers consider a home office as a desirable feature and 23% consider it an essential/must-have. In their Top Features and Design Trends for 2023, NAHB reported builders saw increased demand for a home office.

The Home Office as True Flex Space

A home office doesn’t have to be static. As your needs and lifestyles evolve, the function of the home office can seamlessly transform as well. Initially set up for work, the room can easily transition into a different kind of space – a study area, a media room, or a creative studio for hobbies, yoga or working out. This adaptability provides true flex space which can be used for many purposes as your needs change.

Many homebuyers are looking beyond conventional home features and gravitating toward spaces that offer functionality, flexibility, and adaptability. A dedicated home office, or a flex space that can serve as an office when needed, have emerged as important elements that enhance living spaces, reflecting the contemporary emphasis on work-life balance.

Epcon Communities

We specialize in building luxury single-level homes in communities throughout the country offering floor plans from 1,300 to over 3,000 square feet with 2-4 bedrooms. Many of our floor plans include an option for a guest suite with a living area, a bedroom with a full bath and additional storage. The guest suite not only makes a perfect dedicated home office but can be used as flex space as your needs evolve.

The Versatility of a Bonus Suite

• Home Office: If you need more privacy and room for your home office than allowed by a secondary bedroom or other shared living space, a bonus suite is the perfect solution. Having a large dedicated private room with plenty of storage helps you stay organized and productive while working.
• Guest Suite: Having a guest suite dedicated to overnight or short-stay visitors allows you to use one of the secondary bedrooms in your home as an office, playroom, or other flex space ideas as needed.
• Multigenerational Living: With one-in-four U.S. households comprised of multiple adult generations, a true bonus suite means you can easily convert your home for multi-gen living. This allows aging parents or “boomerang” kids to share your home with everyone having their own private space.
• Movie/Game Room: Movies, and especially gaming, can add a lot of noise and clutter to your living room. Having a dedicated movie and/or game room will keep your living area clean, organized, and quiet. It’s also a better experience for those watching movies or gaming as it’s easier to control the lighting and sound. And with a kitchenette for snacks and an attached bathroom, you may never want to leave!
• Music Room: If you are a musician or want to learn an instrument, having a dedicated room for your instruments, especially if they are drums or a piano, will make playing music easier and more enjoyable for everyone. If done well, it can be one of the most interesting and beautiful rooms in your home.
• Library: While not as common as it used to be, having a home library with wall-to-wall bookshelves and cabinets as well as comfortable furniture and good light for reading is a private oasis for avid readers who would rather own tangible books over digital downloads. It can also be a perfect place to do puzzles.

Other advantages of buying an Epcon home include landscaping and snow removal covered by HOA fees and access to resort-style amenities in many of our communities. This gives you more time to enjoy doing what you love with friends and family.

Many Epcon neighborhoods offer sidewalks throughout for daily walks and a clubhouse with a general-purpose meeting area and kitchen, exercise equipment and a swimming pool. Other amenities may include walking trails and tennis, pickleball or bocce ball courts. Enjoying spending time with friends who live close by and being invited to social events provides a sense of community which is essential to feeling like you belong.

Contact us to find out about all the benefits we offer and get the new home features that really matter to you!