Sheds have come a long way from a simple place to store gardening tools and equipment. Sheds can now serve countless purposes and can be made into a comfortable place for a home office or to start your own small business.
In 2018 almost one million Australians ran businesses from their homes. Home businesses are becoming more popular due to the convenience and flexibility of the work from home setup. With the pressure and demands of many jobs these days, many people are opting for a work at home arrangement. And with numerous shed options to create the perfect home office, is now easier than ever to create the flexible lifestyle of working from home.
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Can I Run a Business from My Shed?
It really depends on the type of business you plan to run. Some businesses may not suit the home environment, however there are many businesses that can be run from your shed with the right set up. Some businesses that may suit this include:
- Car detailing
- Electronic repairs
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Web designer
- Graphic designer
- Blogger
- Tutor
- Writer
- Yoga instructor
- Massage therapist
- Carpenter
- Furniture upcycling
- Laundry service
- Bookkeeper
- Councillor
What Should I Consider When Starting a Home Business?
Starting your own business isn’t simple. There are many factors to consider which will save time and money in the long run.
- Planning – Managing your new home business isn’t only about making money. Industry expertise is necessary, technical knowledge and financial management will help you to grow your business and expand for success.
- Business structure – It’s important to understand your business structure. The majority of home businesses are sole traders; however, you may have big goals to grow and might begin to consider shareholders, partners or trust funds.
- Register – Just like other businesses, home-based businesses in Australia must be registered.
What Are the Challenges of Working from Home?
Working from home will inevitably overlap with home life. There will probably be distractions that you’ll have to manage. However, creating a separate space, such as a shed that is purposely built for your work is a great way to keep your work life and home life separate.
What Should I Consider When Building My Home Office?
Building a shed for your home office is exciting. You don’t need to start out large. Begin with a shed builder that provides adequate space for the business you have in mind and design it to make it comfortable and aesthetically pleasing so you’ll want to work there every day.
There are many options available to create the perfect working space in your backyard. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in it, you’ll want to make sure you have good ventilation and insulation to create a comfortable working environment. A few windows may also be important; and depending on the type of business, you may need large doors or high ceilings.
As with many new buildings, you may also have to consider council approvals or permits. This may not be applicable if your shed is small, however you should check with your local council before beginning construction to save any future hassles or costs.
Working from home in your backyard shed is a lot easier these days. There are many options for nearly all kinds of home businesses and with the perfect shed, you can create a comfortable and productive environment to run your business.
