Replies

1. 
   Lilshaver | Jul 25, 2002 12:00am | #1

   I moved out of my house quite a few years ago. First I rented an industrial space, now I have my own building. Several things come to mind;

   1. You will finally have enough space in which to work. With that comes a lot more space to mess up, walk through, and pay for.

   2. You can have a ceiling that is high enough.

   3. You can make noise without bothering the neighbors. Your neighbors can also make noise. I once had a hip-hop aerobics club in the next unit. They drove me nuts (well, something has driven me nuts, might as well blame them).

   4. Your business will suddenly take on a more "professional" feel. I never got used to clients coming to my house.

   5. Your overhead will go up......rent, driving to work instead of going into the garage, lunch at the shop instead in the kitchen....

   6. Make a list of reasons why you need to make this leap, then find the space that fulfills the most important ones.

   I have found, especially after moving into my building that I designed and built, that my work space helps to define myself to my clients. I often point out to a new client that this structure is a direct reflection of the kind of work that I do. This will be true for you also. Some clients will see your shop first, it will be their first impression of all that you are. Make it an impression that you want to give.

2. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Jul 25, 2002 12:46pm | #2

   Alan:

   Jeff has made some very astute observations  --  let me make one more.

   I recommend that whatever choice you make, paying rent is not a great idea.  Jeff has his building for which, at the end of it all, he can sell.  You get nothing from rent.  Therein, if your garage is large enough, at least as a start-up, you might be better off there than assuming the additional load of rent/a lease, telephone service, etc., etc..

   If and when your business is successful, you can move to a better facility.  And hopefully you can, in the interium, amass some start-up funds and necessary additional equipment.

3. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 25, 2002 04:17pm | #3

   i've run my business (not woodworking) from my home for nearly 20 years and, as you know there are huge $$$ advantages to doing that. Everything from deducting the % you use of your home for workspace to the amount of time you save by not having to travel or manage and equip a rental space. Paying rent is just part of the cost. The other is all the improvements that you will have to do to make it useable which usually not recoverable when you leave.

   I've also bought homes that would facilitate work at home and the benefits are tremendous. REnting is a terrible waste because you'll have to work harder and sell more just to pay for it without increasing your income. I would avoid it like the plague, if I were you.

   Dave