So you want more money? A side hustle or home business is an ideal way to make some extra cash. But having the space is often a limiting factor. If you have a garage, though, you can start a garage business without compromising any part of the home and keep your family safe.
So, where do you begin? A garage can be a blank canvas and relatively easy to use. So, from doing market research, to wellness and personalization, here are some useful suggestions.
Table of Contents
Decide if the Space is Suitable
First, not all extra space is suitable for any type of business. A garage is usually the best place to begin because it is pretty much separate from the home. However, you may need a lot of equipment and cramped conditions are dangerous. For example, crafting may require a lot of benches for projects, complete with self healing cutting mats, power tools and even programmable machines. Assessing the space first can save you a lot of headaches later on.
Start a Garage Business with Market Research
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You may or may not know that over 90% of new businesses fail. There are various reasons, but one main reason is that someone forgot to research! There’s no point in opening a business where there isn’t a market, interest, or even too many competitors. If you have a particular set of skills, then try to look for alternative ways to use them instead of the same way a thousand others do. It also doesn’t hurt to write a business plan for guidance as you embark on a venture.
Check Local Compliance Rules
Okay, so maybe your business relies on sitting at a computer desk all day. That’s fine. But what if you work with hazardous materials, emit fumes, or even cause a lot of noise? There are very strict laws and regulations around certain things in a residential neighborhood, and you could be breaking the law. Let’s say you fix old cars and sell them. That’s a lot of banging, clanking, revving and fumes. You will probably need a permit to start such a business at home.
Separate the Business from Home Life
A garage has many benefits as a place to start a business from your home. First, it’s away from the main house, so you aren’t getting in the way. Also, the extra space means you can work in relative comfort and safety. However, there is a downside. And that it’s at home! So, when beginning a garage-based venture, you must establish boundaries. For example, the kids can’t pop in and disturb your work when they feel like it. It must be treated like a place of work.
Convert the Space to Start a Garage Business
There are numerous considerations that must be made when you decide to start a garage business from home. Around 35% of Americans and 50% of Brits have a side hustle, but many will tell you they didn’t realize how hard it was at first, not having a space like an office.
Space for meeting with clients
So, one of the first things to consider is whether you will meet clients. If so, you need a separate space for sitting down and discussing things. This can’t be done in a dangerous workshop.
Installing air conditioning and facilities
Your health is at risk without adequate air flow and heating or cooling. You will breathe in emissions from a workshop or an office and might have to work in a cold environment.
Don’t forget about the internet
Okay, so you have the internet at home. But does the signal reach the garage? Probably not. However, you will need fast and secure web access for almost every type of job these days.
Converting the garage for modern needs is one of the most tedious but necessary parts of embarking on this venture. Any one or all of the above will just make your life so much easier.
Install Necessary Security Devices
There is potentially a lot of expensive equipment in a garage-based business. This could be tempting for local thieves. However, that’s not your only concern. Any computers and files you have could hold personal and sensitive data about clients. Security is a necessary tool for a home-based business. Smart locks, CCTV, and computer security are vital. Electronics, such as phones and laptops, should be very secure with strong passwords, encryption, and backups.
Maximize Wellness Potential
Wellness at work is a major topic these days. More and more companies are realizing that healthy workers are excellent workers. And this covers both the body and the mind. Try to keep wellness in mind when designing your work areas. Provide somewhere you can relax or even exercise when taking a break. And include as much natural sunlight as possible in your workspace. Think about how your environment affects your work, even the temperature!
Start a Garage Business with Personalization
Further to wellness, it helps to feel as comfy as possible in your garage workspace. One of the main benefits is that this space is yours. That means you can personalize it the way you like. A personal space helps with productivity and alleviates fatigue and burnout. According to Hubstaff, 76% of workers feel occasional burnout. Yet with your personal design, the space is much more likely to encourage healthy work habits, such as taking breaks, for healthier productivity.
Don’t Doubt the Power of Organization
Have you ever wondered why offices are so organized? It’s because the organization keeps everything running smoothly. It helps you find what you need when you need it. But it also contributes to workplace safety. When things are put away, you can’t trip over them! Before you move any heavy duty machinery, large desks and even cables, get organized! Racks, cupboards, and smart storage solutions will help maximize the usable space in your garage.
Summary
You must first assess the usable space when you want to start a garage business from home. You can then convert it for meetings, air-con and internet facilities. To keep things safer and the business running smoothly, include storage and organization in your overall design and plan.