With the evolution that took place in the formal business
sectors more and more people started to work for themselves. With this shift from the formal to the
informal business concepts, there was also an exodus from the traditional business
districts and industrial areas to suburbia where the small business owner or
sole owner started to run their businesses from home.
Initially the benefits from moving their businesses to
suburbia tallied more than the disadvantages – saving time on traveling into
town or city, avoiding traffic congestion, crime was rife in the cities,
prices of rental accommodation soared, etc.
The exodus is still on. Modern information and communication
technology also makes it easier than it would have been 20 or even 10 years
ago. Today there are also more opportunities for individuals to work from home
where you do not need a formal workshop or a special space in an industrial
area.
But with time also came a re-evaluation of the benefits of
working from home and in the process some myths were busted forcing sole owners
or potential sole owners to consider all the pro’s and con’s before packing up
and moving to suburbia.
In some instances a professional image and milieu might
still be important. This will depend on the type of business and the number of
customers you have. It is contra-productive to move out to escape the traffic
and traveling hassles but then it would be expected of your customers to
travel far to reach you. You must still
be within traveling distance of your customers and your office or surroundings
must give a good and professional impression.
Within the Central Business District or the industrial area
parking may be a problem and even a nightmare but parking and security at your
home office or business may also be an issue. And, very important, you do not
want to upset your neighbors with too much cars crowding them and even
blocking entrances or the street and wherever you are situated, your customers
need peace of mind for their vehicles whilst doing business with you. A paved
area within your premises may be all that’s required, or may be not!
If you are a homeowner you must make sure there is no clause
in your home-loan contract that restricts the use of your home for business
activities. While you are doing this, also visit the local authorities to check
the by-laws governing the operating of businesses from residential areas.
To avoid such pitfalls to spoil your day as a sole owner of
a business in suburbia, do your homework and remember it will cost you some
money to keep your customers coming to you, keep your neighbors happy and keep
the local authorities and your financing institution off your back!
Daniel
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