Offices need a clear work area, and that means providing adequate space for computer hardware and peripheral equipment, a spot for reference materials, file space and a location for frequently used supplies. It's usually not possible to walk into your local office supply store and find a quality product that meets all your needs.

That's where Hands-On Woodworking comes into this challenging equation. We will make sure your office furniture provides ample space for work and storage and most importantly reflects the details of YOU... taking into account your ideal work height, whether you're right or left handed, location of outlets, ability to view traffic coming into the room and of course, you're budget.

When we design your home office we will:

1. Establish activity centers zoned into activity areas:

• Work Center: include a clear workspace incorporating the computer and frequently-used office products.
• Reference Center: Include easy access to binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials all within arms reach.
• Supply Center with access to office and paper supplies.

2. Take into account the hardware and peripherals.

• This is customized by your frequency of use and size of equipment. If the printer is used daily, it should be within easy reach. If the CPU is only accessed for troubleshooting, it can be placed under or next to the desk. If a scanner is rarely used, it can be placed outside the work area. When setting up hardware, be conscious of access to drives, trays and cords. Our professional installers take this into account and frequently will put the 'grommet' holes in the day of the install to make sure they are properly placed.

3. Establish a "paper processing area".

• Create an area within your Work Center for papers that need immediate action.
• Store paper associated with clients or ongoing projects in an area that is easily accessible and within your view.
• Establish a permanent filing system for papers you will reference, but not on a regular basis.
• Hands-On can a lock for sensitive paperwork or equipment you do not want accessed by anyone.

more ideas for your home office workflow!

• Fold a blank label back on themselves around each cord and label the wire. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components to each other, as well as the cord to the electric supply. This is a huge help when you are behind a CPU or under a desk trying to reconnect wires.

• Bundle like wires together to cut down on cord clutter. For example, keep computer speaker wires with stereo speaker wires. There are a variety of variety of velcro loops available for this task.

• Use a surge protector for all delicate electronic equipment. Check the back to make sure it's UL listed and is a transient voltage surge protector. High-end protectors are built with replaceable fuses and will last longer than less-expensive models that might not work after a large surge. Many of these companies even offer financial protection if your equipment is damaged through a surge while using one of their products.

• Stacking equipment makes the most efficient use of space in a media center or office space. Hands-On designers are careful not to stack any equipment which require venting on the top (such as amps or satellite receivers) because they may get too warm.