Work Life balance

Work Life Balance is something we all strive for and it has overwhelming benefits. While the perception of Work Life Balance is some ideal daily low stress environment where we work and play effortlessly, experts tell us that this is somewhat mythical. They coach us to strive for balance over a period of time, not daily. The recent lockdown, due to the Covid 19, has most working from home, and once again the struggle to obtain Work Life Balance has plagued many. The idea of a completely serperate space in the home to work from may be the must have of 2020 as scientists tell us that this is likely not the last Pandemic and that remote working also seems to be benefiting the environment.

Her office…. complete with Orange leather desk, a nod to her alma mater. Photo credit Robert Glasgow

This home office Doubles as a Guest room with a pull out sofa bed. Photo credit Andrea Birnbaum

His Office …accomodates a completely different working style. Photo credit Robert Glasgow

Tax Advantage

While some believe that you can take a deduction for a home office, consult with your Tax Advisor.

Carl Schwartz, CPA, MBA, co-managing Partner of RRBB in Maplewood, NJ warns that the Tax laws no longer include salaried employees working from home. They are specifically for the self-employed and the IRS has very strict criteria.

Ordinances create possibilites.

Again, in Maplewood, NJ, they have ordinances that permit Home Based Businesses now thanks to the work of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce. Another ordinace that was adopted eliminated the requirement to have a garage. Together this opened the door for businesses like Paula and Waffle to renovate a garage into a studio space for the company.

Construction Progress photo shows new windows.

Construction Progress photo shows new windows and entrance door from the garden.

Construction Progress photo shows exterior new windows and entrance door from the garden.

Garage doors remained functional on one side for deliveries. Sky lights bring in natural light and new windows and door allow views into the back yard. Pictures by Paula Cheng, owner of Paula and Waffle.

Different Scale Projects

Home offices can be as simple as taking over a spare bedroom or renovation an attic or basement. Perhaps its lofting part of the garage or as elaborate as a full scale additon. Over the years we have done all types.

Interior Home office with view ot the garden . Interiors and photo provided by Ashlee Anthony Design.

Addition to this stately Georgian home to accomodate a home office. Photo credit by Robert Glasgow

Reovated barn serves as a garage on the first floor and loft space above has potenial for at home based business. Photo credit Robert Glasgow

If you think you need something completely seperate and you keep your cars in your garage, check your local zoning for accessory structures. Some towns allow accessory buildings under 200 square feet as long as they are within the property setbacks. Think Cheryl’s She Shed from the State Farm TV commercial. Or this small wonder created for a long time client of ours.

Back yard structure under 200 square feet created for a client. Stay tuned for updated images.

While it's hard to predict the future, like many of you, we are curious about what this means for Clawson Architects and the future of our residential design practice. Will this lead to new ordinances and standards for home offices and what else will change as a result of so many people working from home.