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Beyond the obvious – a computer, desk and ergonomic chair to keep you well-supported while working – there are plenty of smart products which can help boost comfort and efficiency in your home office. Some could even qualify as a tax deduction against your assessable income, provided they’re used for work-related purposes only. Here are our seven top picks for smart upgrades.
You need a strong internet connection. This might be a challenge if your home office is some distance from your router. If moving it closer isn’t an option, a Wi-Fi range extender can help improve Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
Alternatively, try a powerline ethernet extender, which works through your existing electrical wiring. Plug in one adapter by your router, connect it with the supplied ethernet cable, and use a second adapter and cable to hook up your computer in your home office.
A smart speaker/assistant like Amazon Echo or Google Nest could be invaluable. This ‘virtual assistant’ can shoulder helpful tasks like oragnising your calendar, setting reminders, answering questions, making calls to clients and controlling compatible smart devices around your home, such as lighting and air conditioning. It can even play soothing tunes in the background while you work.
You can make all sorts of electrical products smart by plugging them into a smart plug. Once connected via the proprietary app, you can switch items such as lamps and fans on and off remotely, command them via your smart assistant, or set them on a schedule to come on when required – for instance, boiling the kettle for your morning tea break, or charging up your power tools so they’re ready when you leave for the job site.
Some smart plugs also come with an energy monitoring facility which can help you keep an eye on your energy usage. This is handy if you use the actual cost method to claim working-from-home expenses as a tax deduction.
Good lighting is important in a home office to help prevent eye strain, and LED smart globes that allow you to adjust light levels are a great idea. Tweak for brighter tones to mimic daylight for enhanced productivity and re-tune for softer illumination when you’re winding down at the end of the working day. As a plus, LEDs are long-lasting and big energy savers. Control your smart globes via your smart assistant or an app on your smart device.
You probably have a range of gadgets at home that you’d like to keep safe, including your work laptop, tablet and smartphone and – if you’re a tradie – your tools. A smart security system delivers alerts to your smart device if someone approaches your home and it can be monitored remotely. A video doorbell is a useful addition, letting you see and communicate with who’s at the door from anywhere, whether you’re at the job site or upstairs in your study.
When you spend a lot of time in your home office, comfort is key, and this is where an air conditioner like the Mitsubishi Avanti comes in. Combine it with a Wi-Fi adaptor to make it smart, allowing you to set it up so your home office is the perfect temperature when you're ready to start work.
Consider a few extras to lighten the home workload. For example:
Check out our range of leading routers, lighting, cameras and locks.
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Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
