This article was created by Sarah Velasquez of ourperfectabode.com. Thanks, Sarah!
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As your home business is taking off, you may
be longing for more space and a proper office to keep your family life separate
from your work life. If you’re ready to upsize and move to bigger quarters,
there are a few things to take into consideration, including the following:
Choosing the Right Location
When looking for a bigger home, consider a few factors that can make the difference between the perfect location for a business and a source of tension and headaches. Will you have clients visiting or employees coming to work on the premises? If so, make sure that the house number is clearly visible from the street and that there is ample parking for your visitors. Make your home ADA-compliant with entryways that can accommodate wheelchairs, and install ramps and grab bars where necessary. Be considerate of your future neighbors and be mindful of potential noise issues if you conduct business late at night, early in the morning, or on weekends. And, of course, make sure you have all the necessary city permits that allow you to legally operate a business from home.
Setting Up Your Home Office
Now that you’ll have more room for a proper workspace, make sure you don’t let it become the catch-all place for your family’s belongings. Your home office should be reserved for a work desk, office equipment, and office supplies, not for seasonal items and luggage sets. Aim to have a separate room, away from the family room, kitchen, or other centers of activities in your home to avoid distractions. If you own pets, make sure they can’t ruin or destroy anything if you decide to allow them inside your office. And if you’re going to spend long hours working, invest in an ergonomic desk chair, and choose furniture and equipment that won’t put a strain on your neck, back, wrists, and eyes. Position your desk close to a window to take advantage of the natural light and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Structuring Your Business for Success
Planning for business growth by adding square footage to your home is a good thing, but look into enhancing your credibility as a full-fledged entrepreneur by forming a limited liability company. You don’t have to spend a fortune on lawyer fees if you use an online formation service to start your LLC, and the service you sign up with will ensure that you stay compliant with your state by keeping track of filing deadlines and other legal requirements. And if you want to gain a deeper knowledge of business practices and management, here’s a good option to sharpen your business skills: enroll in online classes you can take from home in your downtime and brush up on your financial know-how, marketing strategies, accounting, leadership, and communication skills.
Insuring Your Home and Your Office Equipment
Homeowner’s insurance isn’t required by law, but it’s always a wise decision to purchase it when buying a house. However, it only covers damage to the home’s structure and attached or standalone structures such as fences and sheds, personal property in case of theft, and personal liability if someone is injured on your premises. So if you want your expensive office equipment to be protected as well in case of a malfunction, consider purchasing a home warranty: this is an annual renewable contract that will cover repairs or replacement of your major systems (heating, plumbing, electrical) and large appliances. Look for a home warranty with 24/7 customer service that can quickly put you in touch with professionals for faster repairs, so you can avoid all the stress and hassle caused by the inevitable breakdowns that happen around the home.
When you’re ready to expand your home business, think about honing your business skills by taking business courses online. Move into a bigger house with a dedicated office space, and take your neighborhood into account to pick the perfect spot.
Looking for a trusted real estate agent in the Boston area? Chris McCarron and her team at bostonreguru.com are here to help. So call us at 617 999 2447, and let’s chat!
