If you’re one of 50% of America’s business owners who are running operations from home, then you’ll need a suitable space. Depending on the amount of space you need, you might be able to carve out a spot in your house. Where that’s not possible, you might have to build something from scratch or find a different place entirely. Let’s look at what you’ll need to consider when making a decision.
Space Considerations
When it comes to running a home-based business, the amount of space you need to function may vary. According to Small Biz Trends, some of the home businesses that don’t require much room include freelance writing, photography and social media consulting. If you meet with clients on a regular basis, it might be best to redesign a spare room so you can have some privacy. Some businesses, however, will definitely call for you to build a new space or even a better-suited house. If you have space in your backyard, you may be able to build a small yoga studio. In a larger house, you may even be able to dedicate a spare room to it. Where a daycare is concerned, state regulations may require about 35 square feet for each child, so keep that in mind.
Zoning Regulations
Depending on your location, your state may have zoning regulations that dictate what kind of business you can run from your home. Generally, you may be fine as long as your business doesn’t disturb your neighbors or violate any rules that pertain to parking. The specifics can vary from one state to the other, so be sure to know what would affect you. For businesses that offer no zoning issues, feel free to create the home office of your dreams. Other businesses may need a little more manipulation so they don’t affect your neighbors and break the rules. Where that’s not possible, a little help from the U.S. Small Business Administration can guide you to the best location for your business.
Legal Regulations
Apart from the zoning laws of your state, you also have to consider the rules that are specific to your business. For example, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, starting a food-based home business can vary. You may not need to register your business with the FDA if you’re not selling your food across state lines, but you’ll still need to comply with local food laws. This can govern how you store your food as well as where you prepare it. While food preparation is more concerned with food safety, child safety is the main focus of daycare regulations. You’ll need to pay close attention to things like emergency exits if you’re going to build one.
If You Need to Buy
If you’ve looked at your options and realized that you need to buy a home for your business, then maybe you should consider buying one that’s in foreclosure or owned by a bank. This can be an opportunity for you to save some money so you’ll have more funds to invest in your business. When looking at foreclosed homes, it’s best if you find a real estate agent that has experience in dealing with those properties. It’s also in your best interest to get preapproved for a loan and make sure to have the property thoroughly inspected, The results of the inspection may inform not just your decision to buy, but also how you’ll go about modifying the home for your business.
An important part of running a successful home-based business is making sure you’re in the right spot. Finding your space can mean complying with a number of regulations depending on your business. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into when creating your design.
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