 photo by Visually Us from Pexels Exerpt from A Guide To Setting Up A Home Office by, Ben Finley Founder of Staple Slinger Most office cultures that were reluctant to allow their workers to have home offices before the Covid crisis have had proof handed to them of just how much can be done from home, while keeping office workers safe from the risk of infection. Putting that genie back in its bottle may be a thing that neither workers nor companies are in any hurry to do. But let’s get real for a minute. The people who worked from home during the Covid pandemic’s first wave weren’t doing it as it would ideally be done. They were working from bedrooms. From spare rooms. From living rooms and dining tables. They were doing it as a stop-gap, rather than as a long-term working solution. What’s the difference? Planning. Thought. Long-term physical safety. If you, like the millions before you, are going to set up a home office from which you intend to work indefinitely, no couch or kitchen table is going to cut it. If you’re going to do it – let’s do it right....continue reading 5 Steps to Make Your Home Office Succeed in a Small Space
Having a home office can be the ideal solution to separate work from the rest of our daily lives. Yet, it can seem like a pipe dream if your property is on the small side. Fortunately, you don't need a mansion to give yourself the perfect workspace. Have a Layout Before you start making any changes, however, you have to plan out what type of home office your space can accommodate. With that in mind, ask yourself what your work will involve and what you need to fulfill your goals. For instance, you might only need a computer and desk, but you may require more than that if you expect to meet clients in your home. To get the most out of your space, measure the dimensions of where you want to set up your office and make a layout for it. If you want, you could sketch out your design to help you visualize your options. The right plan can be the foundation of your office, so invest in it. Budget for Everything Once you have a plan, you can budget around it and make adjustments where necessary. Thankfully, making an effective budget can be as basic as tracking your monthly earnings and expenses and recording them over the long-term. Your budget must factor in the big and small investments your office will need, such as supplies, furniture, a quality internet connection, and even potentially increased energy bills. Still, you don't have to buy new items to furnish your office, so shop around and look for deals. In the end, you may find that the perfect computer or desk for you are pre-loved items that your office just as well as premium options (you can often find pre-owned laptops for as low as $329 on sites like Amazon). Consider Help An important step to designing your home office is developing the space you have. That could involve decluttering and reorganizing your environment to reclaim unused real estate. Of course, if there is a lot of clutter, dealing with it can become overwhelming and take your mind off your goals. Fortunately, you can bring in some professional help, as a home organizing consultant in Atlanta usually ranges from $220 to $671. They can support your efforts to declutter and tidy up, and their experience can give you insights to use in the future. Adapt Your Storage A tight space will need creative solutions for storage. In fact, storage can be used as attractive décor or even integrated into furniture. This could, for example, allow you to spread the burden across your home by using bed or coffee table storage for extra office supplies. Likewise, you could go vertical by putting in a hidden door bookshelf for added storage while giving your office a decorative flair. Your filing system needn’t rely on traditional cabinets, either, as they could be turned into an attractive ottoman or vertical wall rack. Your strategy can be as creative as you want, allowing you to take advantage of the smallest of spaces. Improvise, Improvise Regardless of your home's size, you can put together a functional office. It may simply be a space in a corner, but the right fixtures and furniture can ensure it serves its purpose. After all, the basis of any successful office is a desk, and they come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, if you cannot fit a traditional model into your home, you could put in a hanging desk custom-designed to your dimensions. If your space is even tighter, you might transform a small nook, such as a closet, into an alcove workspace. Similarly, lighting doesn't have to take up valuable space, as track and recessed lighting can offer useful illumination. This can alleviate the pressure of needing large lamps for your place of work. A home office can restore balance to your house, and give you peace of mind. With plenty of preparation, a well-planned budget, and creative storage, you can have a place perfect for productivity. Your office no longer needs to be held back because of limited space. Author credit: Alice Robertson http://tidyhome.info/ alice@tidyhome.info
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 Whether you decide to search for a smaller home or to age in place at your current home, safety is a key concern. New technologies and simple changes to standard home features can improve your quality of life throughout your golden years.
Safer Mobility The CDC reports that each year, more than 3 million people age 65 and older receive treatment for falls in emergency rooms. There are preventative measures that can make your new or current home safer, including: Flooring Slip-resistant surfaces and removing rugs can help prevent tripping and sliding. If you insist on an area rug, be sure to use non-skid mats underneath the rug. Improving Stairs Single-floor living is best but sometimes there is no getting around a few steps in a new home or your current one. Helpful tips for safer stairs include:
Explore Smart Home Technologies If you’ve decided to age in place, accessibility modifications go beyond grab bars and ramps. Smart home technologies can help keep you safe and provide your loved ones with peace-of-mind. Voice-enabled devices like the Amazon Echo, the Google Assistant, or the Apple HomePod allow you to use voice commands to operate compatible devices. Simply tell the device to call your friend, to remind you of an appointment, or to control a smart home thermostat, and presto — it’s done! Other useful smart home technologies include smart light bulbs and video doorbells. Even appliances can help you stay safe, with such important features like a stove shut-off system. By using motion-sensing technology, burners on either gas or electric stoves automatically turn off after a period of no use. According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 64 percent of seniors said they feel prepared to embrace safety and smart monitoring technology. Sixty-one percent of seniors responded they are willing to adopt active aging technology in order to live more independently. The survey results demonstrate the growing interest in smart home technology for the golden years. A Sense of Community Access to activities that keep you engaged with others and active is important as you age. Isolation can lead to depression and other health risks, making socialization vital. Perhaps your neighborhood provides the right kind and the right amount of activities you need. If you are shopping for a new, smaller home, consider the community and neighborhood in terms of activities, transportation, and crime. Vibrant senior communities are out there; with a little research, you will soon find the one that you love. Stay Connected In addition to smart home technologies, social media and video services like FaceTime and Skype make staying connected to family a breeze. Go beyond the standard phone call and learn to use these communication tools to chat live with your loved ones. Video chat is more engaging due to the ability to actually see your loved ones. Using FaceTime or Skype is the next best thing to being with them — you can even show them your recent upgrades or give them a video tour of your new place! Be Open to Assistance Technology is wonderful, but it can only do so much, especially if everyday tasks have become too taxing. If this happens, don’t underestimate the benefits of assisted living. These communities offer a wealth of amenities, in addition to a guaranteed social outlet. Assisted living also gives residents the chance to maintain independence while receiving the help they need. The Atlanta area boasts a variety of communities, and sites like A Place for Mom, which has partnered with 50 local communities, can connect you with a senior advisor who will be able to guide you through the process to determine the best residential choice. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to senior living. Each person has different ideas about how they spend their golden years. Advances in technology are changing the way we interact with people and with devices in our own homes. It is an exciting time to consider which features are the best fit for you. By: Kent Elliott | Info@Athomeaging.info | Athomeaging.info We are pleased to share with you the list of entries and winners for the 2019 Atlanta Chapter Contractor of the Year Awards. Winners were formally announced at the CotY Awards Gala on December 10th at the W Atlanta - Midtown.
Basement Under $100,000Green Basements & Remodeling Innovative Construction Winner - Innovative Construction
Basement $100,000 to $250,000Green Basements & Remodeling Winner - Green Basements & Remodeling
Commercial InteriorConstruction Ahead, Inc. Winner - Construction Ahead, Inc.
Entire House Under $250,000Atlanta Design & Build with PMC Building Materials, LLC Winner - Atlanta Design & Build with PMC Building Materials, LLC
Entire House $250,000 to $500,0005th Generation Contracting, Inc. Alair Homes Decatur R. L. Connelly & Company, Inc. Winner - Alair Homes Decatur
Entire House $500,001 to $750,000Farm Chic Design, LLC with Expert Renovations, LLC Winner - Farm Chic Design, LLC with Expert Renovations, LLC
Entire House Over $1,000,000Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricial L. Brown, Inc. Winner - Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricial L. Brown, Inc.
Green - Entire House / AdditionDecks & More, Inc. Winner - Decks & More, Inc.
Green - Residential ExteriorsDecks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That Winner - Decks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That
Residential Addition Under $100,000R&R Build and Design Winner - R&R Build and Design
Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000Decks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That Small Carpenters at Large, Inc. Winner - Small Carpenters at Large, Inc.
Residential Addition Over $250,000Alair Homes Decatur Artisans of Atlanta, Inc. Innovative Construction, Inc. Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricia L. Brown, Inc. Winner - Artisans of Atlanta, Inc.
Residential Bath Under $25,000Alair Homes Decatur Level One Construction with Designs by BSB Professional Home Improvement, Inc. Winner - Professional Home Improvement, Inc.
Residential Bath $25,000 to $50,0005th Generation Contracting, Inc. Innovative Construction, Inc. R&R Build and Design Winner - 5th Generation Contracting, Inc.
Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000Alair Homes Decatur Atlanta Design & Build Innovative Construction, Inc. Professional Home Improvement, Inc. Winner - Professional Home Improvement, Inc.
Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000Atlanta Design & Build with Moda Floors and Interiors Boyce Design & Contracting Innovative Construction, Inc. Level One Construction with Designs by BSB Winner - Atlanta Design & Build with Moda Floors and Interiors
Residential Bath Over $100,000Innovative Construction, Inc. Winner - Innovative Construction, Inc.
Residential Detached StructureConstruction Ahead, Inc. Decks & More, Inc. Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricia L. Brown, Inc. R&R Build and Design Winner - Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricia L. Brown, Inc.
Residential Exterior Under $50,000Construction Ahead, Inc. Decks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That Winner - Decks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That
Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000Boyce Design & Contracting Decks & More, Inc. with Southeastern Underdeck Systems, LLC Oneida Builders, Inc. Winner - Decks & More, Inc. with Southeastern Underdeck Systems, LLC
Residential Exterior $100,001 to $200,000Farm Chic Design, LLC Winner - Farm Chic Design, LLC
Residential Exterior Over $200,000Boyce Design & Contracting R. L. Connelly & Company, Inc. Winner - Boyce Design & Contracting
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and OverAlair Homes Decatur Winner - Alair Homes Decatur
Residential Interior Under $100,000Construction Ahead, Inc. (2 entries) Innovative Construction, Inc. Small Carpenters at Large, Inc. Winner - Construction Ahead, Inc.
Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000Alair Homes Decatur Boyce Design & Contracting Construction Ahead, Inc. Farm Chic Design, LLC Winner - Alair Homes Decatur
Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000Innovative Construction, Inc. Winner - Innovative Construction, Inc.
Residential Interior Over $500,000Innovative Construction, Inc. Weidmann & Associates, Inc. Winner - Weidmann & Associates, Inc.
Residential Interior Element Under $30,000Alair Homes Decatur Master Home Remodelers, Inc. with Traditions in Tile and Stone Winner - Master Home Remodelers, Inc. with Traditions in Tile and Stone
Residential Interior Element $30,000 and OverR&R Build and Design Winner - R&R Build and Design
Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000Innovative Construction, Inc. Winner - Innovative Construction, Inc.
Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,0005th Generation Contracting, Inc. Alair Homes Decatur Dream Weaver Building & Remodeling with Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath Harbour Towne Construction, Inc. with Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath Innovative Construction, Inc. R&R Build and Design Small Carpenters at Large, Inc. Winner - Dream Weaver Building & Remodeling with Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath
Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000Boyce Design & Contracting Innovative Construction, Inc. Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricia L. Brown, Inc. Oneida Builders, Inc. Small Carpenters at Large, Inc. Winner - Keiffer J. Phillips - Patricia L. Brown, Inc.
Residential Kitchen Over $150,000Artisans of Atlanta, Inc. R. L. Connelly & Company, Inc. Winner - Artisans of Atlanta, Inc.
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000Boyce Design & Contracting Decks & More, Inc. with Bin There Dump That Winner - Boyce Design & Contracting
Universal Design - BathWeidmann & Associates, Inc. Winner - Weidmann & Associates, Inc.
*All entries are judged and must achieve a minimum score to be declared the winner, even if there are no other entries in that category.
2019 Membership AwardsVolunteer of the Year - Stephanie Elder Supplier of the Year - Kurt Anderson, Bin There Dump That Rookie of the Year - Rob Bennett Brad Cruickshank Leadership Award - Michael Rothman, MCR, UDCP President's Award - Tyra Jones President's Award - Kathryn Stempler |
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