No matter who your buyers are, the habit of working from home is likely growing within their ranks: According to a 2010 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 in 10 American workers operates out of their home at least part of the time—a number that's been growing over the past decade. As a result, home offices—once relegated to the move-up and luxury markets—are now in demand by buyers in all tax brackets. “We’re finding that even in affordable housing, people are saying, ‘Hey, I know it’s a one-bedroom, but is there any way you could squeeze in some home office space?’” says Oakland, Calif.–based architect Mike Pyatok. Such “offices” can take the shape of anything from a strategically placed built-in desk to a transition space that pulls double duty.
In the suburbs, single-family housing is seeing a shift as well, according to Nick Lehnert, executive director of research and development at Irvine, Calif.–based KTGY, who reports that today’s buyers are eschewing the tradition of placing offices at the front of the home, preferring instead to keep desk clutter out of view by putting work space toward the rear but connected to main living areas.
Fortunately, as these projects show, the work space equation can be as flexible as needed. So whether you’re working with 10 square feet or 200, there’s a home office that will fit just right.