How to Determine if Your HOME is Right for Your HOME-Based
Business
Before you decide to give your notice at work, tell your boss
what he can do with his job, hang out your own shingle and start
a home-based business, there are several things you'll first
want to consider about your home.
1. Is it in a quiet neighbourhood? What I mean by that is that
if you are right beside the I-5 freeway, or right under a major
flyway, or even across the street from a busy mall, your home
may not be the best place to try to focus on a home-based
business.
2. Is there really room for you to establish an office in your
home? You don't want be working from your kitchen counter,
coffee table or cabinet-top, so make sure there is enough
comfortable space available for you to establish a home-based
office -- and to expand if you need to -- separate from family
daily living areas.
3. What are the home-based business zoning bylaws in your
community, or state? Will you legally be allowed to 'set up
shop' where you live? Some towns and cities have very
restrictive guidelines regarding what is or isn't allowed, and
others have very few regulations. Check with your municipal
authorities, as the laws are different right across North
America.
4. Will you be able to get insurance - not just for fire or
theft, but for your $3000 computer system, and for public
liability, if necessary? Call a local agent and discuss your
business plan thoroughly, before you hang out that shingle.
5. Is there adequate lighting, heat availability and air
ventilation in the room you are planning for your office? Will
your electrical and telephone systems be able to handle
increased activity and strain, or will you need to upgrade first?
If you really aren't sure whether or not your present home is
suitable to establish a home-based business, it may be advisable
to consult with a real estate specialist in your area. These
professionals are often quite knowledgeable and up-to-date
regarding whether or not you can set up a home- based business
in your current location.
Avoid the stress of finding out, too late, that a home-based
business just isn't do-able from your present home.