Have you struggled to find a new home with a home office that fits your needs and budget? If so, it’s not surprising.
What the Data Says Now
In 2023, 45.7% of new single-family homes had three bedrooms.
About 33.1% had four bedrooms.
Median size for new single-family homes in 2024 was 2,146 square feet according to the Census.
So: more homes are built with modest bedroom counts; fewer homes are huge. Why? Lot sizes, construction costs, and demographic shifts are many reasons.
The Need for Office Space
Many people find themselves in need of an office. Either a home office or a coworking space. Remote workers, self-employed folks, and small business owners often find a home office is a necessity. For some it can even be a write off. This is not true for employees working from home for an employer.
Legal Basics of Home Office Deductions
You may qualify for a home office deduction if:
You use part of your home regularly and exclusively for business.
It is your principal place of business.
There are two ways to calculate the deduction:
| Method | Rate / Rules | Max Size |
| Simplified | $5 per square foot | up to 300 sq ft |
| Regular | Actual expenses (utilities, insurance, mortgage or rent, depreciation, etc.), prorated by the business-use portion. |
What to Think About Before Deciding
Client Impression Matters: A dedicated home office often looks more polished when you host clients. Shared/co-working spaces may cost more and be less flexible.
Productivity vs Cost: If you can work well at home, it’s cheaper. If not, a coworking space might yield a better return in time and focus.
Distractions: Kids, pets, or household duties can interfere. Separation (both physical and mental) helps.
Builder Flexibility: If you’re buying or building, make sure the floor plan can support a home office. Look for room count, wiring, internet access, lighting, etc.
Takeaways
Homes now are often smaller in total size, with more modest bedroom counts but still enough space in many cases to include a home office.
The tax code still offers significant benefits if you meet the rules.
Being thoughtful about layout and usage can help you balance cost, comfort, and productivity.
The majority of builders that partner with NewHomeSource pride themselves on their customization and modernization options.
Check out this article on the items you need for a fully functional home office and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more tips and information.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.