Refresh, Relocate, or Restart: How to Choose the Right Home Office for You
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If you’re just now launching your Rochester, New York business, it’s important to understand the necessary components of starting a business.
Are you just starting to plan your new business? Are you worried that you need a fabulous space to look professional for Zoom calls and Instagram? Need to create his and hers spaces? This article covers the points you need to consider to begin, as well as the pros and cons when deciding whether to remodel an existing room, refresh your current office, or start over in a new home.
Sketch of a home office from Depositphotos.com
There's much pride in building a home-based business. It takes effort and personal investment, including making a space in your home to focus on work. As NPR points out, having a specific part of your home dedicated to your business may help you succeed. If you don't have such a space yet, it may be time to incorporate one by remodeling your home, designing a new home to build, or purchasing a new home.
Interior design and rendering by Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design. View service options.
Which option is the best for your needs? Build, buy, or begin with a new home purchase? Read on to learn more.
First Thing's First
Your Rochester, New York business might be just starting, and you should know the essentials of beginning one. When starting, you will need to formulate a business plan, choose a business entity, determine the financials, and register and market your business. It's a lot to juggle at first, but these are all essential steps that will get you started on the right foot.
Interior design and rendering by Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design.
When choosing a business, it's essential to consider what liabilities exist with your business and what assets may be at risk if your home-based company is drawn into a lawsuit. Choosing an LLC is a common choice that requires less paperwork than other types of businesses and includes more liability protection and flexibility.
Learn about zoning codes and insurance if you are going to have clients in your home office.
Remodeling
If you can improve your home by remodeling or refreshing the space to suit your home business, that may be the cheaper option. It depends on the extent of the required renovations and if you qualify for any home repair programs. The Zebra suggests looking at the current real estate market, whether remodeling is cheaper than moving, and what you might miss about your existing home to help you decide if a remodel is right for you. If you are in Monroe County, contact Julie Ann to begin your project. If you are elsewhere, Julie Ann offers affordable online virtual edesign packages that come complete with an interactive shopping list. You can also follow along with Julie Ann's home renovations on her blog.
Contractor measuring a wall. Photo from Depositphotos.com
Homework:
*Do you qualify for home repair programs?
*Have you researched whether moving is a better option?
*Have you hired a designer?
Designing a New Build
Photo: DepositPhotos | filmfoto
Although it may require some upfront investment, designing a home with a builder, architect, and interior designer offers a tremendous benefit. You have more direct input in what the end-product is. MoneyUnder30 points out that some house styles are cheaper than others, but designing and building a home may still run you close to the same amount as purchasing an existing home. Plus, it would be best if you kept in mind the following costs:
Land or lot purchase
Construction company labor
Materials*****
Permits and inspections
Time
Photo: DepositPhotos | severija
Some people don't have the time or the patience to make the millions of decisions that come with building a new home. For professional assistance with floor plans, material specifications, and human factor considerations, work with Julie Ann as soon as possible in your new build process. Hiring a designer will save you both time and also money from making costly mistakes. A builder or architect may claim that they can do the job of the interior designer. However, they most likely do not have the specialized background and education an interior design professional has. Asking a builder to design your home is akin to asking your primary care doctor to fill your cavities, which is the job of a dentist. Hire an interior design professional for your new build ASAP.
Homework:
Reflect on whether you would like to put your touch on a space from scratch.
Research what you like and don't like on Pinterest.
Know your budget.
Consult with an interior design professional.
Hire architect and/or builder.
Buying
Remodeling may not be an option if you currently rent your residence. You also might not have enough time to wait for a new home to be built or live in an area where land is at a premium. When the remodeling process is out of the question, purchasing a new home can be the right step, especially if you know you will live in the location for five or more years and you know you have cash for a down payment and mortgage.
There is a lot to learn when you first start searching for your new home, including researching your local real estate market and learning how to get pre-approved for a loan and what due diligence entails. A real estate agent can help by showing you homes within your budget on the MLS, scheduling walk-throughs, making offers and negotiating, and assisting in all contract paperwork.
If you are hiring a contractor yourself for your remodel, they will want to know precisely what you want in your new space to give you a quote. Having a plan in place before hiring a contractor is your best bet. This way, nothing will be forgotten. The DIY package is for you.
Homework when shopping for a new home:
Reflect on how long you will stay in the home.
Research your local housing market for comps https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/real-estate-comps/
Hire a real estate agent.
Hire an educated design professional whose style you like.
Share your professionally designed plan with your local contractor
Photo: DepositPhotos | inxti74
Appoint the Space
Photo: DepositPhotos | poznyakov
Regardless of whether you renovate, design, or buy, you'll want to create a workspace that's both beautiful and conducive to productivity. And if you plan to host clients or customers, you'll also need to ensure your office area is comfortable and inviting. To strike the right balance, consider working with an interior design professional. An educated eye for design can help you choose the perfect colors, decor, furniture, and flooring to fit your business and aesthetic. In addition, a professionally designed office enables you to achieve an ergonomic workspace that helps prevent injuries, pain, and time. A well-designed layout (furniture arrangement) will make all the difference in your workflow as well as first impressions. Utilizing an online virtual designer is more cost-effective than you may think.
Homework:
Create a list of what you like and don't like about your current space.
Create a vision board on Pinterest with your dream office spaces.
Make a list of what you need to keep and what you need to get rid of.
Decide if you would like a local interior designer or an online virtual design professional to assist you in planning the new space.
Implement the design.
Photo: DepositPhotos | Ridofranz
CONCLUSION
In summary, this text covers the factors you want to keep in mind to start a new business in your home, as well as the pros and cons when deciding whether or not to build a house, refresh your existing office, or begin over in a new home. It depends on the quantity of the specified renovations and if you qualify for any home repair programs. If you plan to host clients, you will also want to make sure your office place is cozy and welcoming. An educated eye for design assists you in selecting the perfect colors, décor, furniture, and floors to fit your business and aesthetic. Furthermore, a professionally designed workplace allows you to attain an ergonomic workspace that helps save you accidents, pain, and time. For expert help with floor plans, fabric specifications, and human factor concerns, work with Julie Ann as soon as possible in your planning stages.
For creative and affordable interior design, reach out to e-designer Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design!
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Author: Emily Graham for Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design
Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.
