About a third of Americans are working from home due to the coronavirus. The technology has been around for many years, but it has taken a pandemic to make this change happen. While some businesses are slowly bringing back their employees, others are keeping them home, at least for a while. In fact, many working Americans are hoping to continue this trend.
One of the biggest challenges with working from home, however, is not having a dedicated work space. It’s important to keep your work and home life separated so that they don’t spill over and negatively affect one another. This is why a home office is essential when you’re working remotely.
Having a dedicated work space is important for your mental health. Even though you may love what you do, carrying around your computer from room to room can break your train of thought and cause you to work longer hours than necessary. Instead, it’s best to set up a space where you’ll work. You may even be able to write this space off as a tax deduction!
Here are some benefits to expect from having a dedicated home office:
So what happens if you don’t have any space to make a home office? Rather than turning your kitchen table into a desk or your living room into a place for Zoom calls, why not build a home office of your own? It’s a great investment that will pay off in the long run – and you can use this space for other things down the line (i.e., hobby room, yoga studio, workshop).
Here are some ideas on how to build a professional, spacious home office.
If your home has an attic, it’s possible that this space can be converted into a cozy home office. You’ll likely need to work with a home remodeling company to put in flooring, walls, energy efficient windows and electric.
Kavin Construction can handle all of this under one roof. We’ve done simple attic construction projects with floors, walls and windows, as well as complex ones with built-shelving, wall benches and bookcases. We also recommend a video doorbell and excellent WiFi coverage for attic offices.
A popular idea in California is to convert garages into flex spaces. These spaces can be used for anything, including a home office. Plus, the climate is warm enough to keep garages comfortable year-round. A home renovation company will work with you to ensure you have everything you need to do your job comfortably – lighting, walls, insulation, windows, flooring, etc.
As a matter of fact, new California laws allow garages to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are ultimately guest houses. If you convert your garage into an ADU, you can use it as a home office, rent it out in the future and sell your home for more.
If your home is small and doesn’t have much to work with, you may have no choice but to build an addition. Additions make sense when you like where you live and have no desire to move. They can be more affordable than relocating, too. The best part is that you can pick all the features you want to do your job effectively – separate doors, recessed lighting, a sitting area for customers, etc.
Some people like the idea of building a shed because they don’t have to work inside the home. This creates separation between their home and work lives. Sheds are highly customizable and can be built according to your exact needs – down to the roof, siding and windows.
To learn more about adding a home office to your property, contact Kavin Construction today. We can handle the entire project from start to finish and ensure you get the office you deserve. This is one investment that will offer rewards today and in the future.
Thinking about remodeling your bathroom in the near future? It helps to know what the latest trends are. At Kavin Construction, we encourage our customers to use the latest trends for inspiration and then add their own personal touches to the design. This way, you get a beautiful, stylish design that is functional for you and your family.
Here are the most recent bathroom remodeling trends in Los Angeles for 2020. Hopefully you’ll come across some personal favorites!
Black is showing up in more contemporary bathrooms, mostly replacing the once-popular color grey. Black is bold and spirited, perfect for complementing light fixtures, cabinet hardware, faucets, vanities and mirrors. If you like the idea of bold colors in your bathroom but feel that black is too much, opt for a striking dark grey or brown instead.
Bathroom vanities are taking on a whole new look in 2020. Industrial sinks look sleek and modern but do lack storage space. Another option worth considering is a floating vanity that “floats” over the floor. This helps make the space appear larger and also reduces visual clutter while still offering plenty of storage and counter space.
As technology becomes more mainstream, we can expect to find it around the home, too. Bathrooms are no exception. There are smart toilets that feature seat warmers, automatic lid openers and built-in deodorizers. Other innovative bathroom additions include smart showers, infrared sensors, built-in TVs and automatic sinks. Who said getting ready in the morning had to be boring?
Tired of taking showers in a cramped space? This won’t be a problem with a wide, open shower. One thing to think about, however, is that open showers do give less privacy. On the other hand, they’re safe and take away those slippery bathtub lips that you have to step over. Let our designers show you some different zero-entry shower options that include built-in storage.
Wood is another material that is changing the way bathrooms look in 2020. Wood has been used in luxury bathrooms for a long time, but it’s becoming more commonplace in everyday bathrooms as well. A popular trend has been the addition of wood walls. While these walls look great in any room, they add a layer of comfort and warmth in the bathroom.
Remember when brass was popular in the 1990s? Well, it’s back. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, some homeowners feel that these warmer accents are a refreshing alternative to shiny polished chrome. Plus, brass is available in finishing options like satin, matte and spun gold. It looks amazing on bathroom fixtures, hardware and lighting.
Kavin Construction is a custom home building and remodeling contractor in Los Angeles. We work closely with our clients to help them design the perfect bathrooms for their needs and budget. Contact us today to discuss your plans for a freshly remodeled bathroom that gives you everything you’re looking for – and more!
California is currently following a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In time, this will loosen, but even then we can expect things to be different. If there’s one thing that we are learning from this experience, it’s that there is no better place to be than home.
If you’ve been thinking about doing some home improvement projects, you may be wondering how and when to move forward. On one hand, you don’t want to take on a project that will drain you financially, especially if your job is unstable. On the other hand, you may have more free time to fix up the home and a little extra money in your pocket from that cancelled vacation or stimulus check.
Here are some considerations to make when planning for a remodel during or after the coronavirus pandemic.
Yes, you should still tackle small, low-budget projects.
Some renovations are more expensive than others. If you were looking to tackle an affordable project that you could pay for in cash, you don’t have to hold off because of the current health crisis. In fact, now is a great time to work on the project because you have the time to do so. Chances are, you’re stuck indoors anyway, so you may as well put your time to good use.
If you need some help from the pros, that’s okay! Because home improvement is an essential service, most contractors are still working. You will want to take extra precautions to protect the contractor and yourself, which they can advise you on.
Larger renovation projects may have to wait.
As for larger projects, you may want to hold off on these. If you were planning on paying in cash, it’s probably best to hold onto this money until our economy is better. There’s no telling how badly the coronavirus pandemic will affect our economy and what jobs will be compromised.
That said, if you feel secure in your job and your savings account, you can move forward with a larger project. After all, not all home improvements are for luxury purposes. Some are essential to your indoor comfort and health. For example, if your bathroom has mold or your appliances are not working, you’ll want to move forward with your project.
Use this time to get multiple quotes.
Another thing you can do right now is work on getting a few estimates. This way, you can start planning for a freshly remodeled kitchen or bath! Plus, researching contractors gives you a head start on a successful renovation.
A good rule of thumb is to start getting estimates 30 days before signing anything. Do some preliminary research on your own, gather a few quotes from reputable contracting companies and analyze the numbers.
Here are some things to pay attention to:
The COVID-19 pandemic is surely changing things for people, but it’s bringing us closer to our homes and nuclear families. If you are interested in moving forward with a home improvement project now or in the future, contact Kavin Construction for a detailed estimate.
