ACCORDING to latest research from the Office of National Statistics, more than 2.2 million people have gone from office worker to home worker.

Experts predict this figure will double by 2010, as more employees swap the nine-to-five day for the flexible option of working from home.

If you are planning to create an office there are important factors to consider to protect the value of your property, says the National Federation of Builders.

Paul Kendrick, spokesperson for the National Federation of Builders, said: “An unused spare room can easily be transformed into a suitable office environment, but it is important to ensure it can easily be converted back. An extra, usable bedroom may be more important to future buyers, who may not want a fully-connected and wired-up home office.”

For those who are considering extending or converting parts of their home to build their office, the NFB says it is vital homeowners use only fully-qualified, reputable builders.

“When extending or converting parts of the home, for example loft or cellar conversions, if you add rooms you will add value,” said Paul Kendrick.

“But it is important to remember that no-one will pay for shoddy workmanship and quality will always hold its value in the longer term.”

Advice from the National Federation of Builders to potential home office workers includes:

• Whether you are converting a cellar or loft or planning to extend, it is vital to ensure you comply with planning permission rules and building and fire regulations.

• Remember if your work involves walls shared between you and your neighbours, you are obliged to give at least two months notice to adjoining owners before work begins.

• It is crucial to assemble a good team of builders.

• Always consult a structural engineer before making any major alterations.

• Do not try to save money by doing the electrical wiring yourself. It is a job for a qualified electrician.

• Adverse effect on neighbours is the most common reason why planning applications for extensions are turned down.

For more details call 0207 608 5150 or visit www.builders.org.uk