HOW SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN CREATE THEIR PERFECT HOME OFFICE
by: Derek Goodman (Contributing Writer) | published: July 17, 2021
Home-based entrepreneurship is booming, according to More Business. And if your current house doesn’t have room for a home office, it’s true, you could upsize. This isn’t your only option, however. Read on for additional ideas on how to transform a house into a home office where your entrepreneurial enterprise can thrive.
Redesign your current home office.
If you have an extra room in your house that you don’t need, revamp it and transform it into your at-home work area. Invest in the basic office equipment you’ll need first, like a desk, chair, and filing cabinet. Depending on the nature of your business, you may also need to upgrade your technology and get tools like a new computer or video conferencing headset.
With these larger elements taken care of, you can then go on to address the small details. Lighting is a central issue in workspaces, for example. Us & Co reveals that natural light enhances productivity in the workplace, so let in as much sun as possible. You can then supplement the natural UV rays with desk and floor lamps. Also, consider adding some greenery to your office. Why? Science Daily reports that plants help to minimize stress.
When it comes to furniture, opt for an ergonomic chair and desk, but keep comfort in mind if you plan to have a couch or chairs for guests. Be sure to avoid large pieces of furniture that crowd the space. And if your budget is limited, consider repurposing furniture from other parts of your home. For example, a comfortable chair that’s worn but has good bones could be reupholstered and given new life for a fraction of the cost to buy a new one. Simply search for local upholstery shops with top ratings from customers, be prepared for the type of fabric or repairs you want, gather some quotes and then choose the best service that fits your need.
Renovate to create the room you need.
If you don’t have a room that’s currently suitable for home office use, renovations may be needed. For example, if you have an unfinished area of the home, this can be made into an office. Possibilities include the garage, basement, attic — or even a garden shed.
Such a transformation will require more work than simply ordering furniture and office decor. Depending on the situation, you may have to add insulation, change electrical wiring, and install ventilation to create a safe and comfortable workspace. A general contractor can help you get the job done. Popular Mechanics provides pointers on how to find a reliable contractor, like checking that they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Buy a larger home to accommodate your home-based business.
Finally, if you don’t have the space for a home business in our current house, you might consider moving. Use online search tools to check out property prices in your target area and get an idea of what you’ll have to pay. However, you should rely on a real estate agent to guide you through the actual home-buying process. These professionals have a network that can help secure you the best property deals.
Keep in mind that you will have to make a down payment of at least 20% of the total property price if you want to avoid the added costs of private mortgage insurance. Moving.com recommends getting mortgage pre-approval before you start house-hunting. This will make you a more attractive buyer and give you a competitive edge.
Follow the above tips to create an office that will allow you to focus on work. This will boost your productivity and pave the path to success for your home-based business.