Tips for Transforming Your Home into a Comfortable Workspace
Running a home-based business can be incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t come without a few drawbacks. Space is a common problem for home-based entrepreneurs. As your business grows, you’ll need more and more room for inventory, supplies, and equipment. And if you plan on conducting meetings with clients or business partners, that corner desk in your living room just won’t cut it anymore.
Thankfully, you have options! You could convert your garage into an office, build a workspace in your basement, or construct a separate structure on your property. You could even work with a local real estate agent like Will Johnson to find a home that’s a better fit for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more!
Upsizing for More Space
If your home is just too small for your business, moving might be your only option. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Buying a new home is a great chance to find a space that fits your business needs perfectly, whether you’re looking for a workspace with a separate entrance for clients, an office with a view, or a workshop where you can make a lot of noise without disturbing the neighbors.
Not only that, but up-sizing can keep your family happy too! Home-based businesses have a habit of taking over every inch of space in a home, and if your family is fed up with finding business supplies and paperwork everywhere, moving is a great way to please everyone. Start by researching home prices in your area so you have an idea of your options. When you’re ready to start house-hunting, get in touch with a local realtor!
Navigating a Garage Conversion
Not ready to move? With a little elbow grease, you can turn almost any garage into a suitable workspace. Garages are spacious and extremely customizable. If you need to keep some space available for storage or laundry, it’s easy to wall off a portion of your garage so you can keep your work and life separate.
You will also have to invest some time and money into renovations that make the space livable. Some of the most common problems with garages include poor insulation and lack of natural light, but you can easily remedy this by finishing the walls and installing windows in your garage door. You may also want to add air conditioning to keep your office cool during the hot summer months. If your garage floor is cracked or stained, consider hiring a contractor to coat it in epoxy. Home Advisor explains that you can expect to pay an average of $2,150 to have epoxy applied to your garage floor.
Building a Basement Office
Another option is to convert your basement into an office space. Working out of your basement will keep you far away from household distractions—your family might even forget you’re working at home! Before you get started on your basement renovations, decoist.com recommends checking the ceiling and floor for signs of moisture. It’s also a good idea to chalk out the floorplan to get a better idea of how you can use the space. If you plan on welcoming clients to your basement office, make sure you build a separate entrance so they won’t have to walk through your home when they visit.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Creating a dedicated workspace is just one requirement for running a business from home. You also have to consider your legal obligations so you can avoid penalties and fines! For example, you will have to register your business and choose a business structure before you can start selling products or services. Forming an LLC, for example, is a great option for many small businesses because it protects against liability and comes with significant tax benefits. And compared to some other business structures LLCs involve less paperwork. Familiarize yourself with the process of forming an LLC in your state so you can get started ASAP!
Watching your home-based business grow and thrive is a wonderful thing. But when your business outgrows your home, you’ll have to find a way to create more space. Ready to upsize? Will Johnson can help you find a great home in the Greater Houston area that will fit the needs of your business and family! Call (832) 930-2484