Preparing Your House For A Home Business

Preparing Your House for A Home Business

It doesn’t matter where you set up your home office, having a home business requires some sort of space where you can conduct what needs to be done according to the type of at-home business you have.

A recent television news segment discussed how a stay-at-home mother makes extra income for her family of four children using her bedroom’s walk-in closet that she converted into her home office.

The most important factor in having a home based business is creating a space and atmosphere with equipment that allows you to conduct your business as efficiently as possible.

Secondly, there are many other advantages when you start a home business such as:

1. Tax write-offs for the space and electricity used. Water can also be considered such as in the case of photographers.

2. Being near family, especially in the case where children are involved.

3. If you are physically handicapped, having your business in your home offers the ability to conduct business without having to travel.

4. Ability to work when you want without interruption or having to travel.

Equipment Will Determine How Much Home Business Space you need

Take stock of the inventory for your home business based on what type of business yours is:

1. Is your business product-oriented that needs room for inventory? Would you need to organize products on shelves or in bins?

2. Is your business service-oriented where just a fax/phone and/or computer are needed with shelves for paper and other small instruments you use for your home business?

Preparing your Home Office Space

The first thing you need to establish is what sort of space you have available in your home in which you can conduct your home business.

The first thought is to use a spare bedroom; however, many people may not have a spare bedroom to convert to an office, there are ways to find sufficient space in which to work with all equipment.

Here are some ideas:

1. Walk-in or standard closet. If your home business has the most to do with the internet, closet space can be used to house your printer, fax machine, scanner and, of course, your computer.

a.) A walk-in closet has an advantage of having some shelving and lighting. Additional shelves can be put on walls or attached to the hanger area. Proper ventilation should be considered and a fan, even a desktop fan, should be present. To make the space less claustrophobic, add wall mirrors, pictures, or mural the walls with a setting you like such as a beach, outdoor garden, lake scene, etc.

b.). A standard closet can be just enough space by taking the doors off and using one as a table. Many ham radio operators have used this trick to create operating space. Ventilation is not as much a concern; however, some people have used a room divider to set off the area, such as in a bedroom.

2. Prepare your dining room area for your home business. Because so many of us eat in common areas such as the living room or den, often the dining room is “wasted space” unless you entertain a great deal. A dining room has a lot to offer for operating a home business:

a.) Pantry area or room for a free-standing closet as well as cupboards for storage space.

b.) Natural lighting and open ventilation with windows.

c.) Space for tables and/or desks.

d.) Easy access for clients by not having to go down a hallway in your home to get to your home office.

e.) Easy access to beverages such as coffee or tea.

3. Convert your garage for your home business. Many hairdressers, for example, have replaced their garage doors with siding, a window, and a door.

Check with your local homeowner’s association, city, building, and zoning ordinances prior to setting up shop in your garage!

4. Use a basement or attic to set up your home business. In these areas, proper ventilation is needed; especially in very cold or very hot climates where heating or cooling costs could be expensive.

5. Gut a spare bathroom and remodel it for a home office. Believe it or not, this option has been used more than many people may think.

6. Build an extension on to your home. While this is most probably the most expensive option, this is an ideal solution for creating a home office and can provide clients with a separate entryway.

Again, you need to check with your homeowner’s association, city, building, and zoning regulations if you are considering operating your home business from an extended room.

Routing Electricity and Cables to Your Home Office Space

Bedrooms used for operating a small business do not have a big issue with routing cables and other wiring while home office spaces might.

Smaller spaces, such as in closets, basements, or attics may not have ample electricity needed for the operation of your equipment.

The first thought is to purchase power strips and simply string cords along the baseboards or under area rugs. While this option is the least expensive, the better solution is to get a friend or hire someone who works with wiring electricity in order to hide the cords and cables that people can trip over.

Ceilings have also been used for routing cords but can be somewhat of an eyesore unless the cables are routed through the attic area.

Tip: An electrician can determine if the power source can provide enough electricity or not so that breakers aren’t tripped or fires start. It is often worth the expense to hire an electrician in any case to be sure that the power you are using in your home office isn’t overloaded.

Things to Remember when Preparing your Home for your Home Business:

Be sure to check with your homeowner’s association, city, building, and zoning ordinances prior to setting up your home business in your home.
Keep track of all expenses for tax write-offs.
Consider your inventory and equipment when setting up space in your home to operate your business.
Prepare for sufficient lighting and ventilation.
Hire an electrician to determine the best ways to route cables and electricity and to check for any possible power overload.

Helpful Resources for Preparing your Home for your Home Business:

How to Make Cheap Room Dividers:

How to Build a Wall:

Home Office Power Information:

How to Make an Inexpensive Desk:

Make a Desk from a Door and 3 More Found Object Furniture Projects:

Using Cardboard to Create a Home Office: