During the pandemic, millions of people in the UK were quickly acquainted with the practice of working from home, which up until that point had been a luxury afforded only to a lucky few. Nowadays, home-working is a common practice, and one that meshes nicely with another recent trend: the rise of the side-hustle.
Of course, not all homes make for an ideal business environment. In some cases, it’s worth investing a little bit of time and energy in changing your property to suit your business needs.
What changes might you make?
If you’re going to do high-quality, deep work, then you’ll want a space that’s built with the purpose in mind. This might mean excluding external distractions, or setting up a desk so that it’s as ergonomic as possible.
It might be that you’re starting from a very low base. Many home workers, for example, find themselves typing on a laptop in the living room, while their partner watches television and their children occupy themselves nearby. This is a recipe for distraction, and substantial improvement can be made by setting up a dedicated office, perhaps by converting an existing space.
Ideally, your workspace should be as soundproof as possible. This might mean setting up shop in a dedicated outbuilding. A garage conversion, or a shed at the bottom of the garden, can make for a perfect office space: if it’s equipped with the right insulation, you might even find that it’s cheaper to run than your interior.
Furniture
You might also ensure that your environment allows you to do the work safely and comfortably. In an office job, this will mean making the investment in quality furniture. It’s fairly easy to save when you’re shopping for office furniture, especially if you live near a big city. Offices are always closing down, and the furniture is often moved on at a discount.
To get the most of the space, it’s worth building custom shelving and other storage furniture. This makes particular sense if you have a low, sloping roof, or a chimney breast, to work around. Some basic carpentry skills can take you a long way. You can then use the extra space for potted plants and other decorative items. Plant life is strongly linked with focus and overall mental well-being, and so keeping it in your office is generally a good idea.
What about the law?
If you don’t own the property, you might find that you need the permission of the person or organisation that does. This typically means your mortgage provider or landlord. If you have significant modifications planned, then your local planning office might need to get involved – but this tends to be the case only if the changes are external. Finally, you might need the permission of the local council to run certain sorts of business, especially if you’re going to be having lots of customers visit your home, or you’re going to be creating a lot of noise.
What insurance do you need?
Your home insurance might cover your business, too. But then again, it might not. For the sake of your peace of mind, it’s better to check. Make sure also that your insurer is authorised.