The Useful Room You Should Have That Will Boost Your Home's Value

In recent years, homeowners have been spending more time than ever in their own spaces, turning their houses into hubs for work, hobbies, and everyday living — prompting many to rethink how each room can work harder for them. Since not every property is a forever home, it's also important to think about ways to boost its resale value for the future. Every room in the house tells a story, whether it's an empty nester turning a childhood bedroom into a gym, a writer with a cozy reading nook, or a traveler who always keeps a spare room for guests. These more specific rooms may not appeal to every potential buyer, so if you're planning to sell, it might be worth giving your niche room an attractive upgrade. In fact, your house value could benefit greatly from bringing one useful room into the layout — a home office.

Research claims that incorporating a home office can boost a property's resale value by up to 10%, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking to attract buyers while remote work is on the rise. Choosing to create a home office doesn't mean your spare room will have to be all work and no play. There are endless ways to customize your workspace to keep it versatile and attractive to future buyers. Even if you don't plan on selling any time soon, you might want to consider the benefits a home office can unlock in the meantime.

A 2021 report from the National Association of Home Builders found that most buyers (about 63%) find home offices desirable, and nearly a quarter consider them a must-have. By 2023, builders were noticing more and more buyers specifically asking for one, so having an office room in your space could be a key selling point. While they can inherently boost your home's value by increasing its usable space, these rooms are desirable to buyers for a number of reasons, like privacy and versatility — benefits that current owners can enjoy as well.

A home office can provide the dedicated space you need to stay focused and productive despite the endless distractions that flow through the house on a daily basis. It sets up a professional environment that can come in handy during important video calls and occasional in-person meetings, enhancing your credibility. That said, a home office isn't only useful for those who work from home, as its purpose can range across a variety of functions. It can double as a study room for children, a family computer room, or a home library. In the Property Brothers' home office makeover for Simu Liu, we even learned that this space can double as a guest room with the subtle addition of a Murphy bed.

The right design can determine whether your room feels like just a place to store your computer and files or one of those home offices you'll definitely want to work in until it's time to sell. On the more practical side, you'll want to incorporate ergonomic seating, a functional desk, and storage to keep all of your documents. To boost productivity, consider ways to liven the space with quality artificial and natural lighting, houseplants, and an energizing color palette. If you want your office to feel relaxing, a neutral color palette paired with different textures and organic materials can offer the perfect balance. Placing your desk by a large window with a lovely view can be an attractive setup, allowing the room to feel connected to nature rather than closed off and isolated.

To maintain style while remaining functional, designers note that bespoke or custom furniture can add a touch of character and organization. Bookshelves are a great feature to incorporate, as they offer a smart storage solution while showing off your decor and reading collection for a sophisticated appearance. The office can also be the perfect place to display your favorite artwork, where it can inspire your daily work. There are many styles you can apply to your design, but the best choice will align with the kind of person you want to be while you work — whether that's creative, worldly, productive, or calm.