Quick Tips for Designing, Building, or Buying a Space for a Home-Based Business
Image via Unsplash
If you’re getting ready to launch a business from home, choosing an office space is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make — especially if your work requires you to meet with clients, welcome guests into your home, or handle confidential information that must be kept private from the rest of your household. And with these tips from The Mommies Reviews, you’ll learn how to choose the right space for your home-based business and furnish it with everything you’ll need to succeed in your career.
Designing an Office Space
If you have a spare bedroom, walk-in closet, kitchen nook, or another unused area in your home, you could easily convert it into an office for your home-based business — as long as the space will provide you with the square footage and privacy needed to successfully run your business. Before choosing a location for your home office, however, there are some other things you’ll need to consider.
These include:
Your local zoning regulations, as some cities and counties prohibit the operation of certain types of home-based businesses.
*Parking for guests and/or employees.
*Office lighting, sound, and temperature.
*Storage needs, such as whether you’ll have enough room for a file cabinet or bookshelf.
Once you’ve chosen a location for your new home-based business, you’ll need to purchase a few pieces of office furniture and equipment. According to The Strategist, several office essentials include a desk, ergonomic chair, comfortable seat cushion, desk lamp, coffee maker, speakers, and headphones. Depending on the condition of your computer, laptop, and other tech accessories, you may need to invest in a few pieces of technology as well. And if you plan to host clients in your home office, you want to present a polished space, so consider investing in seating like a new couch, or turn to a pro to have one you own reupholstered to look brand new.
Building a Home Office Addition
If you don’t have a practical space for your new office but home-based businesses are permitted in your area, another option is to build an addition. Over-garage additions, bump-outs, and garage, basement, or attic conversions are typically the cheapest options. It’s important to obtain several bids before hiring a contractor to complete your office renovation
Buying a Larger Home for Your Business
Buying a larger house is another option to consider when starting a home-based business, especially if local zoning ordinances, budgetary constraints, and spatial needs prevent you from running the business out of your current home. Before buying a new home, however, there are some important steps you’ll need to take.
These include:
Hiring a real estate agent. An experienced real estate agent will be invaluable as you search for a new home that has plenty of space for your business, personal life, and other members of your household.
Choosing a city and neighborhood. You’ll need to research home prices and local zoning ordinances to find the right location for you and your business. Additionally, you’ll need to keep your target demographics and aesthetic needs in mind when searching for a new home. Remember too that in order to get the right permit for your home-based business, you’ll need to have registered your business with the state. Depending on your business, you may want to consider starting an LLC in Texas, and you can easily set this up online to expedite the process.
The Bottom Line
A lot of hard work and dedication goes into launching a home-based business, and seemingly minor decisions like choosing an office space may fall through the cracks. But since you’ll be spending the majority of your time in this space, your office location deserves careful consideration. And whether you’ll be converting an existing part of your home into an office, building an addition, or buying a larger house in a new neighborhood, the time, money, and energy you put into creating your new space will be well worth it!
Are you looking for more helpful tips and how-tos? Check out our offerings at The Mommies Reviews.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
