Most people begin with an idea of what they want to spend. Then they start getting quotes… and that idea goes out the window.
Here’s the problem:
Your budget for home office renovations isn’t one large expense. It’s composed of several small components that pile up. Lose track of just one and your budget will fall through.
Plenty of people are doing this. In Australia, 36% of employed people regularly work from home. Spare rooms everywhere are getting a revamp.
The good news?
When you understand what your budget really consists of, you can plan accordingly and spend your money wisely.
Let’s jump in!
Inside this guide:
- Why The Chair Comes First
- The 5 Building Blocks Of A Home Office Budget
- Where Most Budgets Blow Out
- How To Spend Smart Without Cutting Corners
Why The Chair Comes First
Most folks plan the paint, flooring and lighting first. Whatever is left over goes towards the chair.
That’s completely backwards.
Consider this… You’re going to be sitting in that chair for 6-8 hours per day. You’re not going to be looking at the paint colour on the wall for 6-8 hours per day. And yet, many people just settle for whatever happens to be in their house. One study showed that 27% use dining chairs when working from home.
Your back pays the price for that.
That’s why your budget should list adjustable desk chairs at the top, not the bottom. Proper office chairs allow you to adjust seat height, lumbar support and armrests so that the seat contours to you. Desk chairs that offer these options keep you comfy all day and help you maintain good posture.
Here’s what to look for:
- Seat height: Your feet should rest comfortably flat on the floor with your knees at about a 90-degree angle.
- Lumbar support: It should push gently into the curve of your lower back.
- Armrests: They should let your shoulders relax while you type.
- Seat depth: Aim to have 2-3 fingers of space between the seat edge and the backs of your knees.
- Pretty simple, right?
Get the seat right first. Then build the rest of the room around it.
The 5 Building Blocks Of A Home Office Budget
So what does a home office renovation actually cost?
Prices can vary based on room size and condition. Simple refreshes may only cost a few thousand dollars. Complete remodels including new electrical, floors and built-in storage can exceed $20,000.
Every budget is constructed using the same 5x building blocks. Let’s break them down…
Furniture & Seating
This is the part you touch every single day.
Think of your workspace. Your desk, your chair and anything else you sit at or lean against. An adjustable desk chair works perfectly with a sit-stand desk as you can change positions throughout the day. Spend a little more money here. It’s the one place where cheap truly does cost you double.
Electrical & Lighting
Here’s the thing most people forget…
Typically a spare bedroom has one ceiling light fitting and two power points. That won’t cut it when you have a computer, two monitors, printer, lamp and phone charger all needing to be powered. Installing additional power points and improved lighting will require a licensed electrician. And that’s not a DIY task.
Good lighting is important as well. You’ll want some ambient overhead light but also a desk lamp to reduce eyestrain.
Flooring & Walls
Paint is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make. Flooring is not.
If your floor is okay, don’t touch it. A rug will keep chair wheels from ruining it for a small fraction of the cost. Flooring should only be replaced if damaged or if you absolutely despise it.
Tech & Connectivity
A slow internet connection will drive you mad.
Plan to spend money on a decent router, mesh system or cables running to your desk. Throw your monitors, keyboard and webcam into this category as well. It’s amazing how much this stuff can add up if you aren’t prepared.
Storage
Clutter kills focus.
Shelves, filing cabinets and cable trays allow you to keep your desk clear. Built-in cabinets look great, but they’re expensive. Freestanding storage will do the same thing for cheaper.
Hot Tip: Take measurements of the room beforehand. Nothing’s worse than a bookshelf that hits your door when you open it, or a cabinet that stops your chair from rolling all the way back. Leave at least a metre of space behind your desk to swivel around.
Where Most Budgets Blow Out
You’ve planned every block. You’ve got your quotes. You’re ready to go.
But then…
You open the wall and discover old wiring. Or that “quick” paint job becomes filling holes first. Unforeseen events occur on nearly every remodel.
That’s the reason it’s always wise to put away about 10-20% of your budget for contingencies. If you don’t use it, hurray! If you do, you won’t freak out.
Another significant budget killer is “while you’re at it” spending. You decide to do a home office. Then you realise the hallway needs painting as well. Then you need to get blinds for that window. Pretty soon your project has doubled in scope.
Stick to the plan.
How To Spend Smart Without Cutting Corners
Looking to get more bang for your buck? Learn where to save and where to splurge.
Spend more on:
- Seating and your desk
- Electrical work (always licensed)
- Lighting
Save on:
- Painting (do it yourself)
- Storage (go freestanding)
- Decor (add it slowly over time)
Always obtain 3 quotes for any trade work. Prices can differ greatly between tradies for identical work. Ensure they break their quote down into labour and materials for easier comparison.
And here’s the biggie…
Take your time. Renovating your home office in phases is still renovating your home office. Tackle the things that impact your health & comfort first. Then, budget permitting, add the nice-to-haves.
The Bottom Line On Your Budget
A home office renovation budget can be simple once you think about its components. It’s made up of 5 basic blocks:
- Furniture and seating
- Electrical and lighting
- Flooring and walls
- Tech and connectivity
- Storage
Invest in the things you use daily. Start with an adjustable desk chair and a sturdy desk. Set aside funds for unexpected expenses. Resist the “while you’re at it” spending.
Do that, and you’ll have a home office that is functional, stylish, and won’t break the bank.
