After you’ve been running a home-based business for some time, all your hard work will hopefully pay off, and you’ll eventually go from startup to scale-up. And depending on the type of business you own, this could mean moving into a larger office space. Typically, your options will include adding to your existing home, leasing a physical office space, or buying a larger home to accommodate your growing business. This guide from The Scislow Group will discuss the latter option.
Find a Suitable Home
Once you’ve decided to upsize your house to accommodate a growing home-based business, your first step is to find a suitable home. The home you choose should be located in an area that’s accessible to your customers, clients, and/or suppliers (if applicable); have a strong and reliable internet connection, and have plenty of space to set up a private home office.
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the zoning laws for home-based businesses in your desired city or county, as some areas may prohibit you from operating a business out of your home. Other cities or counties may require you to obtain one or more licenses and permits before you can open for business.
To find the perfect home for living and doing business, view our available listings and reach out to the real estate team at The Scislow Group. We’ll help you to sell your existing home and find the right property for you and your growing business.
Change Your Business Address and Form an LLC
After finding the right home to accommodate your personal and professional needs, you’ll need to start planning your move. This could include:
- Hiring professional movers. Determine whether you need full-service movers, a moving container, or simply a moving truck rental. Finding the best moving company takes time, so be sure to start the process early.
- Changing your address. As a home-based business owner, you’ll need to change your personal and business address when moving somewhere new. Be sure to change your business address with the Secretary of State, Internal Revenue Service, and the city and county where you reside.
- Forming an LLC. If you haven’t already registered your business as an LLC, it’s best to do it after you’ve moved into your new home. You’ll avoid having to change the business address for your LLC, and you’ll take advantage of tax benefits, liability protection, and management flexibility. Additionally, using an online formation service will save you time and money when you’re busy moving a business — and you’ll avoid having to pay potentially costly attorney’s fees as well.
Add an Elegant Marker to Ensure Customers Can Find You
Finding a new house and planning your move aren’t the only steps you’ll need to take before you can open for business in your new office space: you’ll also need to ensure your customers, clients, and suppliers can find you.
Start by setting up your Google Business Profile and listing your company on Bing Places, Facebook, Yelp, and Apple Maps. Displaying your business name and address on your home’s exterior will also help to ensure customers can find you while enhancing your home’s professionalism and presentability as well. You may consider this cast bronze plaque if you’re looking for something timeless yet durable: it can withstand Minnesota’s harsh winter climate, and its color, borders, thickness, and background texture may be customized to your liking.
Set Up Your Home Office Space
Of course, setting up your home office space is one of the most important steps you’ll need to take when upsizing your house to accommodate a business. Be sure to furnish the space with everything you’ll need to productively run your business, meet with clients and suppliers, and effectively run your company from home.
With a productive home office space, an exterior bronze plaque to display your business name and address, and an experienced real estate agent by your side, it won’t be long before you’re open for business in your new house. Growing a business is an exciting time, and these tips will help to make your move as easy as possible so you can enjoy the process and celebrate your accomplishment!
Whether you’re buying or selling a home in the Twin Cities, The Scislow Group can help. To get started, search for available listings, contact us at 952-953-5000 or send us an email at jeff@scislow.com