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| Home Office Makeover |
Turn your spare room into a home office.
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These days, many people have the opportunity to work from home. Here we transform a rumpus room (garage) into a home office environment (SOHO - small office home office).
Creative By Design custom design and build home offices. They look at how a space can be used effectively, and designed efficiently and ergonomically, in relation to a client's needs. Their installations are backed by a 10-year guarantee.
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The bed, shelving boxes and other "mess" are removed so that the space can be measured and assessed. In this example, a large desk space was needed in order to lay out architectural plans and designs, as well as open and accessible storage.
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When designing your home office, take into consideration the location of power points and whether window views are important. It may be better to position your office in a secluded area so that when you finish work for the day, this area can be left behind.
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In this case, the design, which is factory manufactured and then assembled on site, consists of a birch laminate desk together with under- and above-bench storage. Always allow for more space than you think you'll ever need.
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The desk will include the corner of the room, thereby utilising an otherwise
"dead" space. It is designed as an "L" shape, and this helps to separate different work areas of the desk.
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Ergonomics are important. To minimise the risk of back pain, make sure your feet remain flat on the ground whilst working. Your back should be upright with good back support. Elbows should be positioned at desk height.
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File drawers under the desk make use of spare space, but remember to allow room for your movement. Narrow shelves, within easy reach, are positioned above the desk. Again, these are ergonomically designed.
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A pull-out tray for your computer keyboard is a good idea. Runners can be bought for $45 per pair. Using a piece of scrap or spare wood, you can then easily make your own tray. Alternatively, the whole item can be purchased for around $165. A pull-out pencil and stationery drawer can be bought for around $55.
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A noticeboard is a necessity and can be positioned above the desk. Bulldog clips attached to the wall can be used as a temporary measure.
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Cables behind your computer installation can be kept neatly out of the way by installing a fixture at the back through which they pass. These plugs cost around $35 each. Your cables can also be held together using Velcro and a piece of cotton material as a sleeve.
Use an electrical surge protector to stop any current "spikes" from destroying your telephone or computer equipment. They work by switching the power off in thousandths of a second, so that your system is not overloaded and no damage is done.
Tip
When disconnecting and re-installing your computer system, write on tags or use coloured stickers. Attach to the various components so that they can be plugged into the correct locations easily.
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Cost
$3150 in this example, including installation. It can be cheaper, depending on the finish used.
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More Info
Contact Creative By Design:
Ph: 1300 366 222. Offices at:
Brisbane, fax: (07) 3209 5099
Melbourne, fax: (03) 9882 0393
Canberrra, fax: (02) 6260 1879
Perth, fax: (08) 9345 4802
Sydney, fax: (02) 9808 5094
Also Newcastle and Central Coast, fax: (02) 4358 3595.
HPM has a large range of surge protection products, including devices to protect your computer, telephone and all electronic products in your home or office. For more information phone HPM Industries on 1800 807 000.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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