Critical Considerations to Make When Creating an At-Home Workspace for Your Business

/ Home Perfection Contracting LLC/

Critical Considerations to Make When Creating an At-Home Workspace for Your Business

Running your business from home is a sound financial decision. You don’t have to pay through your nose to rent fancy offices or design elaborate storefronts. Having said that, your home office deserves special care and attention – it’s where you’ll be spending the majority of your working hours, not to mention entertaining clients on occasion. 

Home Perfection Contracting has extensive experience designing at-home workspaces. We cover the most important factors to consider when creating or renovating one for your expanding business: 

Make a checklist of your needs

Every business is different. If you work with physical goods, yours may have special needs – like a workshop for production and assembly, storage space for inventory, or workstations for employees. If you work in a service-based business, on the other hand, a quiet space with a computer might suffice.  

Make a checklist of your needs. Some examples are below.   

  • Client visits: Will you meet with clients there?

  • Employee space: Will your people work there, now or in the future?

  • Manufacturing and assembling: Do you require specialized equipment to run your business?

  • Storage: Will you store physical goods or client files on-premises?

  • Connectivity: Will you require top-grade internet service, fax machines, or a phone line?

Fit the workspace to your needs

Depending on your needs, you could turn a part of your home into an office or you may need to construct an addition:   

  • Dining room: Dining rooms are cheap and easy to convert, and accessible to guests.

  • Kitchen: You can put a desk in your kitchen with a filing cabinet and an office chair.

  • Bedroom: A spare guest bedroom is an ideal office working space if you don’t expect client visits.

  • Garage: Many spectacularly successful businesses were launched out of a garage. They’re large, have separate entrances, and are easy to convert.

  • Basement: Basements are large and usually offer excellent storage space.

  • Attic: Attics, when altered to let in more air and light, can make wonderful offices.

  • Empty corner: If you don’t have many people at home, an empty corner works well enough.

  • New addition: For maximum customization, privacy, and professionalism, you can design and add a separate room or series of rooms.

If you hire a contractor, share your plans and expectations with them. An experienced professional can assist at all stages, from design to securing permits, and can offer cost-saving suggestions. 

Watch out for problems

Homes are designed for living, not business. Here are some problems you may encounter: 

  • Privacy: Your office space may not be sectioned off and away from noisy family members.

  • Accessibility: Your clients or customers may be hindered from freely entering or exiting the premises.

  • Distractions: Noises, decorative items, pets, and other homey knick-knacks take away from the professionalism.

  • Security: Without a proper alarm system, deadbolts, and secure windows and doors, your office space is an open invitation for thieves.

Equip and decorate your workspace 

Once the space is ready, you’ll have to equip it adequately. 

  • Add lighting so you can work comfortably.

  • An ergonomic workstation or standing desk keeps you healthy and focused.

  • An ergonomic office chair, keyboard, and quality work tools are essential investments.

  • Add printers, scanners, office supplies, file cabinets, potted plants, decorations, and other miscellaneous items.

If you want to present a professional image, you will have to go the extra mile with decorations. Your clients need to feel they’re at an office and not your home.  

Mind your legal obligations 

You may require permission from your landlord, your mortgage provider, and neighbors to run a home business. Furthermore, construction permits from the government may be necessary, and you have to research your tax, self-assessment tax, and insurance obligations. Lastly, you may need to register your business structure at the state level. 

LLCs are a popular business structure because they protect your personal assets if you ever get sued. They also come with tax advantages, less paperwork, and more flexibility. To avoid hefty lawyer fees, you can file the LLC paperwork yourself or use a specialized pocket-friendly formation service. Every state has different regulations, so check the local rules in Virginia before you continue. 

Conclusion

Remodeling is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive. Plan carefully, consider your needs and obligations, and consult with the experienced contractors at Home Perfection Contracting for maximum peace of mind during and after remodeling or construction – and to avoid problems down the road.   

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