Working from home

With the evolution that took place in the formal business sectors more and more people started to work for themselves.  With this shift from the formal to the informal business concepts, there was also an exodus from the traditional business districts and industrial areas to suburbia where the small business owner or sole owner started to run their businesses from home.

Initially the benefits from moving their businesses to suburbia tallied more than the disadvantages – saving time on travelling into town or city, avoiding traffic congestions, crime was rife in the cities, prices of rental accommodation soared, etc.

The exodus is still on. Modern information and communication technology also makes it easier than it would have been 20 or even 10 years ago. Today there are also more opportunities for individuals to work from home where you do not need a formal workshop or a special space in an industrial area.

But with time also came a re-evaluation of the benefits of working from home and in the process some myths were busted forcing sole owners or potential sole owners to consider all the pro’s and con’s before packing up and moving to suburbia.

In some instances a professional image and milieu might still be important. This will depend on the type of business and the number of customers you have. It is contra-productive to move out to escape the traffic and travelling hassles but then it would be expected of your customers to travel far to reach you.  You must still be within travelling distance of your customers and your office or surroundings must give a good and professional impression.

Within the Central Business District or the industrial area parking may be a problem and even a nightmare but parking and security at your home office or business may also be an issue. And, very important, you do not want to upset your neighbours with too much cars crowding them and even blocking entrances or the street and wherever you are situated, your customers need peace of mind for their vehicles whilst doing business with you. A paved area within your premises may be all that’s required, or may be not!

If you are a homeowner you must make sure there is no clause in your home-loan contract that restricts the use of your home for business activities. While you are doing this, also visit the local authorities to check the by-laws governing the operating of businesses from residential areas.

To avoid such pitfalls to spoil your day as a sole owner of a business in suburbia, do your homework and remember it will cost you some money to keep your customers coming to you, keep your neighbours happy and keep the local authorities and your financing institution off your back!

Hendrik

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