Posted by Liz Ernst on Fri, Aug 26, 2011 @ 12:57 PM
For many freelancers, consultants, and others who decide to work from the comfort and privacy of a home office, it's not uncommon to consider the value of soundproofing after the home office is set up and work begins. Most people don't consider soundproofing their home work space until noise becomes a problem. Noise abatement can be absolutely essential to establishing comfort and peace of mind when working from home. It is easy to be interrupted by the sounds of traffic and other outdoor noise, a constant flow of conversation in the home, or loud neighbors. Soundproofing can help shut out distractions, increasing the quality of your work life. Here are five reasons to consider soundproofing your home office:
Noise Reduction
Noise reduction is the most obvious reason for soundproofing. Reduced noise means fewer distractions for you, allowing one to focus more clearly on work. When it comes to earning a paycheck or simply completing personal projects that require uninterrupted focus and concentration, it makes sense to take as many steps to reduce your distractions as possible.
Privacy
Soundproofing a home office involves buffering the space from outside noise while preventing noise from leaking out of the space at the same time. This is particularly important when carrying on any number of conversations that must be kept confidential. It is also essential when working from home late at night, after the children have gone to bed for example, and the need to carry on nighttime phone or Skype conversations, create or edit videos, run printers, or send or receive faxes exists.
DIY or Contractor
Although soundproofing may sound very complex, there are actually several options that can be taken to address any particular noise issues. Some are easily accomplished through a DIY weekend project; for example, you can install a noise deadening wall treatment with the help of one or two friends in just a couple of days. Others are more complex; for example, noise abatement material can be added to the studs under drywall in the office space, although removing existing drywall is required for such an application. This is something, depending on your level of experience, which you may want to hire a contractor to do. In short, some basic soundproofing can be accomplished on any budget or with any level of experience.
Tax-Deductible
As a renovation to a home office, soundproofing is potentially tax-deductible. But before basing the decision to soundproof on deductibility, make sure to check with a seasoned tax professional. There are many rules regarding taxes and home offices, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Resale Value
Having a soundproof office can really boost the resale value of a home. As with all renovations, make sure the amount put in to the soundproofing is something that can potentially be regained with the sale of the home. A real estate professional can assist with the math, and help determine how much value soundproofing will add to the home. In today's noisy world, soundproofing is fast becoming one of the most desirable assets to buyers.
Weighing in on all of these reasons to soundproof a home office, its important to understand that adding high quality sound deadening material or an approprite sound barrier either inside or outside is an investment in the value of any property, as well as an investment in your privacy and peace of mind. Soundproofing a home office can be done at a reasonable price, with minimum effort. The return on investment is great, in the immediate reduction or elimination of distractions that can interfere with working from home, and in the long run on a possible tax deduction and the added resale value of the home.