posted
The building I have rented the last 11 years is being sold, so I have to move in the near future. I cant find anything remotely close to what I need or can afford here, basically there are no commercial spots for rent here, so I am thinking of going home based. I will be exactly five miles from where I am now, but out of the city. Im either gonna build a garage, or more than likely, buy a pre built structure and put it on my property. Im hoping this wont affect business much, and I dont think it will,as I dont get many walk-ins here, mostly phone business. I know quite a few of you are home based, any tips?
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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posted
I think you will like having a building that you can walk to, John. Some tips- Not sure about the zoning in your area, see if you are allowed to put up a sign out front. Make sure you keep regular hours just as if it was a storefront, and keep them posted in a visible spot. Get one of those "open" lighted signs to hang in a window. (just remember to turn it off when you're not open) Have a small "showroom" area with a counter, and samples of your work hanging up. Make sure there is a place for people to park. That's all I can think of just now. I hope it all works out for you. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Jill has offered some sound advice, I'd assume the zoning issues, if any, would be the most important...would suck to find out after the fact, zoning won't let you do this or that...
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
I have no doubt you will enjoy the move once you settle in. Working and living in the same place has been our way of doing business since the very start.
It takes discipline to separate work and play... the line gets very fuzzy sometimes... (always at our house)
A first class sign, and business like front/office to your shop is critical in my view- even if you don't get many people visiting there. It will feel like going to work in your own mind.
I hope this move works out well for you!
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Get more building than you think you'll need. You will need it..
Make sure it's well insulated, with more than adequate electrical service. You will need it...
It's up to you whether you need windows or not; but if you do, get good insulated ones. I prefer to have lots of daylight, when possible. Skylights are OK, but if plastic, will oxidize and get nasty. Glass is best, but will still get dirty. They aren't good, however, if you have to use an overhead projector.
Make sure the floor is well smoothed and sealed with a good epoxy or urethane coating. Makes it a million times easier to clean up your messes.
The more preparations and loose ends you take care of up front, the less you will have to screw around with after you move in, and are trying to get some work done.
posted
...and make sure to get one big garage door! And a bathroom, and wall easels. Maybe overhead radiant heat. (just thinking of what I wished I had)
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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And don't forget to update your client list and send out mailers to inform them that you moved.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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The one thing we did, which I would recommend everyone do, is have big doors opposite each other- i.e. at each end of the shed- not just at the 'front' like so many do.
We keep both ends open most of the time, and the natural cross-breeze is always nice- whether to blow away any spray fumes, or just plain paint fumes, or just for a pleasant environment- it's less like working in a cave, that way!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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