Work is booming for many remodelers, leading some to enter "growth mode." This can mean expanding job capacity or something as simple as changing home base for a company. If your remodeling company works out of a home-based office, it may be time to change locations, Victoria Downing suggests on Remodelers Advantage. Spending extra money on rent or a mortgage is a hassle, but working from home could be impacting your company's growth and infringing on your family's life. Here are a few signs that you might need to move out of the home office.
Zoning or HOA Violations
Most municipalities have laws about things like business signs, percentage of your home you use for business, the sorts of materials you're storing, and how many employees can work there. It's easy to fly under the radar, but all you need is one nosy neighbor to blow the whistle on you and cause headaches.
Your Business Has Taken Over the House or Life
If your whole whose has become, with paperwork, product samples, and equipment everywhere, it might be time to move out. This is especially true if it's affecting the lives your kids or partner.
You Need to Meet With Customers on Your Turf
If clients meet with you in your home often, it's probably time to get a dedicated office. Their trust level will go up when they see you have a separate place of business—they perceive it as a more serious commitment and more professional.
Kids, Especially Little Ones
Running a business in the same space that your children are playing, or just being kids, is incredibly difficult This is especially true when they're infants and toddlers. Even having a small office somewhere other than home will boost your productivity.
You Get Lonely
Some people just don't thrive working alone. If you're more productive and happier with the energy a communal office offers, you need to put yourself in that situation.
Your Business Is Growing
A growing business needs more room for equipment, storage space, and especially employees. You could lose some prospective employees who think there's something sketchy about working in your basement.
