Successful businesses are bound to grow. While profit margins and customer bases expand, a startup’s initial framework may not be able to facilitate the swelling demand. You aren’t immune to this challenge when running a business out of your home and may find yourself needing to redo your office sooner rather than later.
Getting Started
You may not have your own company yet, or perhaps you’re considering moving an existing operation into your house; studies have shown that working from home increases productivity in many circumstances, and these benefits extend to home-based firms. If you’re starting a new business, forming a Limited Liability Company will protect you as an individual in the event the company faces legal or financial troubles. LLCs also provide owners with tax benefits, such as not requiring a corporate income tax in certain scenarios.
The first step in perfecting your workspace is determining your needs. If the company is already established, and an office overhaul is all you require, you need only determine the scale. Maybe your workspace just needs to be reorganized and refreshed, or perhaps full renovations are necessary. You may even consider purchasing a different house that can better accommodate your shifting business needs.
Revamping Your Workspace
If you feel you can get away with a small-scale redesign, consider your space with an eye for what is missing. New office furniture might be the answer if your business needs are being hampered by a lack of comfort or organization. If clients ever enter your office, physically or virtually, modernizing the space with updated furnishings and decorations can give the company an increased sense of legitimacy. Keep in mind that you may be spending more time here than in the rest of your house. Make sure it’s a space that will keep you happy and productive.
Reupholster Furniture
Instead of purchasing new furniture, reupholstering is a great way to give old pieces a new lease on life. Not only can reupholstering save money and reduce waste, but it can also help to create a unique and individualized space. New fabrics and colors can breathe new life into tired furniture. Look for a company that does furniture reupholstery near you to handle the job. Cost will depend on the size of the item, type of fabric, and if you’re opting for custom designs.
Remodeling Your Home
If you don’t have a dedicated office, or if your current office cannot meet the needs of your growing clientele, it may be time for a more drastic renovation. Finished basements or garages make great workspaces. They’re designed for utility and storage and aren’t typically high-traffic areas a family may be in and out of. Building an additional room may even be viable, but check your local regulations to determine what permits are needed, if any.
If you’re planning on remodeling to add a home office, you’ll need to pay for it. One option is to refinance your home and use the extra cash you receive for renovations. Discuss your options with a reputable lender and learn more about refinance interest rates today.
Relocating to Suit Your Needs
It’s possible your current residence simply will never support the demands of your business for one reason or another. In this case, relocating to a more suitable home could be your best option. It’s often easier to find a home that already has the space and facilities you need than to force them into where you currently live. As with any other move, having a detailed plan in the early stages will help you avoid the otherwise surprising challenges of the process. Be sure to research home prices and weigh the benefits of the prospective workspace against the cost of the home; the perfect home is not actually perfect if your business cannot reliably balance out the added debt.
As your business grows, your space needs to grow with it. Changing your home office to reflect your business needs and personal wants will keep you on task and happy. Weigh your options and decide whether you want to purchase new furniture or reupholster older pieces, remodel your home, or purchase a new home to suit your business.