There are a variety of issues that support both sides of the off-site vs. home-based decision business owners must make. Often it is obvious - a no-brainer, if you will. But just as frequently, a lot of thought, discussion and pencil-to-paper time are devoted to coming to the right conclusion. HOME-BASED There are a variety of easy-to-capture reasons for wanting to work at home: - Location, location, location - the most convenient work address around! - Travel time - a few steps and you're there. - Wardrobe - casual as you please. - Expenses - no gasoline used driving to work, less eating out and no need for an extensive supply of business attire. - Flexibility - most often you choose the hours you work, opportunity to go to the kids' schools programs, babysit the grandkids periodically, etc. Though all of this sounds great on the surface, there are also just as many reasons to have an office located elsewhere. OFF-SITE You might consider buying or renting office space because of the following reasons: - Location, location, location - convenience to your customers. - Travel time - sometimes a drive on the way to or home from work is a good time to get your thoughts together to start the day, or to wind down before arriving home. - Wardrobe - many offices are casual, and depending on your customer base, you can be, too. - Expenses - if your office is located near retail shops, the gas you spend running errands most likely will make up for some of the gas spent driving to and from work. - Flexibility - your client base dictates when you work, and unless you have walk-ins, you can easily provide yourself with the flexibility that the home-based business owner enjoys. Both categories have the same 5 advantages. Often, it's how you look at each, and what you prefer. When you look at overhead, though, you'll find a huge difference. OVERHEAD/MAINTENANCE When working from home, and you're an established business, you can receive tax benefits. These include a portion of your household expenses and utilities that can be claimed as business expenses. However, there are many restrictions, so it is imperative to consult with your CPA. The off-site business owner will have rent or mortgage payments to make. And, of course, utilities and upkeep add to your monthly/annual list of expenditures. Wear and tear on your home is an expense many people don't consider. You'll most likely need to replace carpet more often, repaint or redecorate if you're home-based just because of the additional hours you spend in your office. Another area to consider is functionality. Do you have a separate entrance for your clients to use? You might even have to add a bathroom for your customers' convenience. If your lifestyle changes, working out of the home might not be the best solution. Is your house large enough to allow you to consider being a home-based business? Many people have expressed that issue. In one instance, what was a small 3-bedroom ranch, perfect for downsizing, is too small because two of the three bedrooms are now offices. SERVING YOUR CUSTOMER Service-providers are perfect for home-based businesses, as they usually go to the clients' homes or offices. But if you have a business that requires people to come to you, the questions to answer are: - Do you want people coming to your house? - Do you have a separate entrance? - Do you have restroom facilities convenient to the office? - Do you have off-street parking? - Can you put a sign in your front yard to help identify yourself as a business? - Does your neighborhood association allow it? Many changes to accommodate on-site office visits might suggest that you rent or purchase office space. Lastly, but I believe most importantly, is yourself. If you have discipline to keep home and work separate, a home-based business might be right for you. But if you find that you procrastinate, or just can't seem to tear yourself away from the office, having that physical barrier of an off-site office might be the better choice. These are issues that everyone faces when trying to make a decision whether to be home-based or off-site. Each person is different, and each situation has its own deciding factors. Though the conclusion would appear to be an easy one, a great deal of time and consideration should be given to whether it is right for you.
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