If you own a small business, finding a place in which to do your work can be difficult. However, one option is to turn your basement into your small business headquarters. While this can be a big production, the end results are worth it. Your business will have the space it needs and your home will also become more spacious and valuable. Here are five tips to get you started.
Obtain an Inspection and Hire a Contractor
Finishing your basement is not a task you should do on your own. Before doing any work, get an inspection done. This will show you any issues in the structure of your home that might cause problems while working on your basement. From there, bring in a professional to do the work for you. This will cost more money than doing the work yourself, but a finished basement can increase your home’s value by 70%, so it needs to be done right! While it doesn’t technically add to the living space of a home, it can be used for many different purposes that might attract buyers if you ever decide to sell. Therefore, you’re making an investment in both your business and your house.
Determine the Best Layout for Your Home Office
Once your basement is set up to safely contain your home office, take some time to figure out the best layout for your home office. You’ll want it to be set up in a way that is easy to access and gives you space for everything you need. Working within the realistic boundaries of your basement, plan a layout and try it out for a little while. Then, keep adjusting it until it is a place where you can be comfortable and productive.
Create a Professional Backdrop for Video Calls
There are approximately 400 million entrepreneurs worldwide. And while many of these businesspeople work out of their homes too, they know that it is important to act like a professional. You are likely going to be taking video calls, so it is essential that you set up a professional backdrop. Don’t rely on filters or other program options to hide your basement. Instead, set up an area where viewers can’t see any appliances or other indicators that you’re in a basement. It will not only make you look but also feel more professional as well.
Ensure That There Are Plenty of Outlets
Your small business is going to need a lot of electronic equipment in order to work. All of this equipment will need a place to be plugged in. Make sure that you have plenty of outlets in your workspace. If they don’t exist already, bring in an electrician to set some up for you. This will prevent you from needing to rearrange an otherwise perfect setup. It will also reduce the number of extension cords you need to use, keeping your office safer.
Add Plants and Artwork to the Space
Make sure that you decorate your workspace. Even the nicest finished basement can be somewhat dark, so cheer it up. Not only will it look good, but a study from the Queensland School of Psychology says that plants can improve productivity by up to 15%. So, do it for yourself and for your business.
While it can take time and money to set up your small business’s headquarters in your basement, it can be a great investment. You’ll have a convenient space that is specifically for your business’s needs. But it will also keep you from needing to commute or pay rent. Follow these five tips to get the best office space possible in your basement.