If you’re an entrepreneur, chances are that you started your business working from home. The dilemma is that when you buy a house, you don't often think that it's also going to be your business space. So when your business starts growing, it often outgrows your home office relatively quickly. This is why many small business owners decide to upsize their home early on and give themselves plenty of room for the business to grow into it. Here are a few tips for upsizing your house and home office.
Research Homes ~ The tricky thing here is ensuring that you're covering your personal needs and your business needs. Make a list of what's essential for each one, and prioritize them so that you're clear on what your non-negotiables are when you go house hunting. Do you need proximity to public transport for frequent customer visits? Or can you be remote but need excellent, reliable high-speed internet?
Compare Neighborhoods ~ As well as the house itself, you want to make sure that the neighborhood has all of the amenities you need for your life and your business. Make a list of your most suitable areas, and compare median sales prices to see which might be the most cost-effective option.
Buy a House That You Can Grow Into ~ You're putting a lot of effort into growing your business, so make sure you don't have to upsize again in a couple of years because you didn't anticipate your future growth when buying a house.
The Buying Process ~ Unless real estate is your hobby, get professional help to guide you through the buying process. Consulting a financial advisor and a local realtor from Mile High Land & Homes, Inc. will save you time, money, and headaches by making the buying process a lot smoother.
Setting Up a Home Office ~ Make sure that you have a separate space for working and for living. This will allow you to disconnect better at the end of the day and make it less likely that you'll be interrupted by the comings and goings in your house when you're working.
Pay Professional Movers ~ The longer the move takes, the more work days you lose. So make it easier for yourself by hiring professionals to take care of all the heavy lifting, packing, and unpacking while you concentrate on your work.
Create the Perfect Working Space ~ Look for plenty of natural lighting for your desk area, make sure that all your technology needs are covered, and if you are going to be sitting for a long time, take care of the ergonomics. Your back will thank you for it!
Optimize Your Company Structure ~ Consider setting up a limited liability company designation for your home business if you haven't already. The regulations can be different for each state, so make sure you check them or consult with a financial advisor. An LLC will save you time on paperwork, money on taxes, and has limited liability, so it's an excellent option for your small business. Working with a Colorado registered agent LLC specialist will simplify the process (and ensure everything is set up correctly), and finding one through an online service will save you money over hiring a lawyer.
Moving can be time consuming and tiring, especially when you also have to take your work needs into account. But as soon as you're settled into your new spacious home office, you'll wonder why you didn't make the move sooner!
Written by Guest Blogger Amy Collett