Creating Your Office Space

The first and important thing you need to do is to find out what zoning laws are in your city or town in regards to your home based business. Your city or town may have very specific laws about what kinds of businesses you can run, the number of employees you can have, and how much traffic you can have.

Your town's zoning laws may be run by a zoning board. When you call ask for all of the specific things that your business will need. Make sure you are clear about the rules because there are different rules for professional offices (MD's, Dentists, and Lawyers), and customary home occupations (seamstress, music teacher, and artists). If you are only allowed so many employees and you need more consider adding virtual employees. Also check to see if there are any licenses that will be required. If you end up not being able to get what you want consider asking for a variance. A variance is an exception to a zoning rule for one person. Also ask questions like where do I make an application for a variance, what procedures do I need to follow, and is there any paperwork they need to see.

If you belong to a co-op or a homeowner's association, ask them if they have any specific rules for having home based businesses. Be prepared this could more challenging than asking the zoning board.

Now that you are ready to set up your home office, there are some items to consider for your office. Items like desk, desk chair, copy machine, book shelves, a daybed for inspirational naps, seating for customers/clients, drafting table, fax machine, computer, printer, and basketball hoop for over your garbage. Once you know what items you need and where your office will be consider planning your design on paper to see how it all will fit together. You can even use software (www.smartdraw.com)

If you are going to have people in your office, consider your space. Will there be enough of it? Is it going to look professional? Consider adding extra security. Consider how safe your space is. You will want to make sure your space is safe and productive for both you and your clients.

Information from The Idiot's Guide to Home Based Businesses