Article by Tina Martin of Ideaspired.
As a home-based entrepreneur, you may have already found that balancing your personal and professional endeavors is a challenge. When you have a family, chores, and other obligations always looming in the background, productivity is usually the first thing to go. This is often due to your workspace and your home space having no clear boundary. Renovating your home to create an office space dedicated to your business can help.
Here are a few ideas to get you started, presented by Graf Developments.
Image via Pexels
Before You Renovate
Before you get excited, you should know that not every municipality allows you to operate a home business. Typically, there are no restrictions against working from home, but if you will have employees or customers visit you in person, you may need to apply for a special permit. You’ll also want to form your business structure early on. Most small businesses can benefit from establishing an LLC, which not only protects your home from business losses and legal litigation but also offers flexibility for growth should you move into a brick-and-mortar facility later on. While you have to contact your local government for your licenses and permits, you can handle the LLC formation on your own if you don’t mind doing research.
Saving Graces For Small Spaces
Depending on the size of your home, you may already know exactly where your home office or workspace will fit. You may be dreaming of turning that large guest bedroom into a professional showplace. But, many of us have small spaces to work with. Two of the best options here are to have a custom built-in desk added to a low-traffic area of your home or to convert a garage.
Built-in furniture, including a desk, not only saves space but also helps you make the most out of awkward areas, such as under the stairs or a dead-end hallway. The caveat here is that you are limited if you decide that you want to move your office to another area of your home later on. Converting your garage is a smart option that can help you maximize your home’s footprint. As an added perk, you can likely make a separate entrance by adding an extra door if you do not want customers and clients walking through your home. Sparefoot acknowledges that you need to consider your local climate and if your garage can be properly sealed and heated and cooled.
Layout Logistics
Even if you have a larger house, you’ll have to plan ahead and think about the pros and cons of your office location. It’s best to use a room or part of the home that is most removed from your primary living and dining areas. Android Authority underscores the importance of keeping your workspace separate from your home life, noting that your work area should make you feel productive and the parts of your house you consider home make you feel relaxed.
One of the most overlooked areas in a large home is a walk-in closet, but only if it has a window because natural light helps you work more productively. The average walk-in closet is approximately 7’ x 10’, which is plenty of space for a desk, computer, and other office equipment. Further, it is almost guaranteed to be out of the way, meaning that your family won’t disturb you and you won’t, in turn, constantly hound them to keep quiet.
Image via Pexels
Image via Pexels
What Not to Do
Wherever you decide to set up shop, know that where you place your desk will have a huge impact on your productivity and overall mood. Specifically, be sure your workspace isn’t facing a wall. For optimal Feng shui, your desk should face a doorway or a window, and have a windowless wall serve as it’s backdrop. This way, you won’t have the world going on behind you while you work, which inherently brings feelings of uneasiness.
Your home office should be a reflection of your professional intentions. But, it should also not interrupt your home life. Before you make a decision, evaluate your space and make sure to partner with a designer and contractor that can help you reimagine your home. No matter the type of renovations you choose, Bruce Graf, MCR, can help you create the interior of your dreams. Your home and work can be at the same location and still be separate spaces, and Graf Developments can make it happen. Bring your ideas and your challenges!
