Operating a home business can give you the best of both worlds. You enjoy the same benefits that all small business owners enjoy. But if you run your business out of your home, you also enjoy the benefits of being able to work flexible hours, not having to commute, and certain tax advantages.
In theory, you can run a successful business out of your home and have the flexibility to be there for your family, spending more time with your children or arranging your work schedule around your family’s needs. No wonder so many people are attracted to starting a home business. But is it right for you? Before you start a business out of your home, here are some things to consider.
Location
You know how important a consideration location is to real estate (both commercial and residential). The location of your home-based business is extremely important, too. You may not even be able to start the business you want to start where you are now, because of issues such as space and zoning. Before you start a home-based business you need to consider the suitability of your neighborhood and house.
Zoning
Is your neighborhood zoned for home businesses? If it’s not, you’re just asking for trouble down the road when the council catches up with you or a neighbor complains. Many municipalities don’t allow home businesses at all, and others place severe restrictions upon exactly what kind of business is allowed to operate out of a family dwelling in a residential neighborhood. Check the zoning bylaws with your municipality.
Neighborhood Suitability
How will your proposed home business fit into your neighborhood? Most residential neighbors are not going to be very happy if you have noisy machinery running all day long, large trucks starting up early in the morning, or customers parking their vehicles all over the place.
Unhappy neighbors can be bad for business in all kinds of ways.
Your Property’s Location and Appearance
You don’t have to live in a manor with a manicured landscape to run a home business, but your property does have to be attractive enough that it won’t scare off prospective customers or clients. And what about advertising, will your business need a billboard on the fence or front of the house.
If You’re Right for It, It’s Right for You…
Feeling daunted? Don’t be. Deciding to run a home-based business isn’t a snap decision. Whether you are renting or buying, first thing you need to do is to check with the council to find out what the plans are for your suburb. In some cases you can apply for an exception or permit, your local council will be able to help you with this. And know that you’re not alone, your agent will be able to advise you in this as well.
