Designing a Home Office: Strategies for Small Business Owners

By, Katie Conroy

Today, countless people run businesses out of their own homes rather than spending money to rent a retail space. It’s a good way to keep your costs down while investing your profits back into your business. However, not every home is suited for a home office, and if you’re looking for a new property where you can run your company more effectively, Marin Real Estate can help you make it happen! If you’re looking to relocate, build an addition to your home, or upgrade a spare room to a home office, these tips will guide you through the process.

 Consider Moving

In the process of launching your business, you may have realized that your current home simply isn’t sufficient to accommodate your company’s needs. If this is the case, it might be time to pack up and relocate! If you’re a first time home buyer, you may have concerns about affordability, finding the right home, or the complexity of the buying process. Working with a fantastic real estate agent can alleviate these concerns! A great agent will answer your many questions and help you locate the perfect home for you and your family.

Custom Build 

Want to design a home that is perfectly suited to the unique needs of your business? A custom-built home might be the right choice for you. This is a big undertaking, so make sure you’re thoroughly prepared! HGTV recommends thinking well into the future while laying out the plans and avoiding features that might seem “trendy” now, but may not age well.

Design a Spare Room

Do you have a room in your home that you can envision as your office? Then it’s time to dive in and start the interior design process! Before you begin furnishing this space, you may want to paint the walls to create the atmosphere you want. Next, you’ll need to purchase necessary items like a desk and chair. You might also want to invest in organizational tools to keep your belongings tidy. Having a neat storage system in place will help you stay on task throughout the day - you’ll never need to rummage through your supplies wondering if you misplaced something! If you don’t already have a space like this, adding a new wing to your home could be an option. As you look for a contractor, Budget Dumpster recommends going by word of mouth - check in with your family and friends to see if they have any suggestions!

Forming Your Business

Now that you’ve settled into your new home office, it’s time to kick off the business formation process! As a business owner, forming an LLC will provide you with numerous benefits. For example, you’ll get to enjoy specific tax advantages, greater flexibility, and limited liability. As a bonus, you won’t have to manage lots of paperwork!

When it comes to forming an LLC, every state has its own unique regulations, so make sure to thoroughly research the process for your state. By filing on your own or using a filing service, you can save money rather than paying high fees for a lawyer. 

When you run a home-based business, you need a home where you can easily balance your personal and professional life. Having a workspace of your own where you can handle day-to-day business responsibilities is crucial. By designating a particular room in your home as an office, or by buying a new home altogether with the help of a realtor, you can focus on the future success of your business. 

On the hunt for a new home where you can expand your business? Marin Real Estate can help you find your dream house! Call us today at 415-847-0309 to begin the search.