Moving Your at Home Business to an Official Storefront

Starting a business from home can be a comfortable setup for many, but there comes a time when you might need physical space for your business to grow. You may be considering the move to a commercial space, but that isn’t always an easy consideration to make. Here are some tips for moving your at-home contracting business to an official storefront.

Research Potential Locations

Choosing the right location is crucial for the life of your business. It involves finding the right demographic and size of the space you need. Make sure that the site’s visibility is public for easy accessibility and create room enough for safety factors for tools, storage, and repairs. Look for areas where there is high potential for traffic. If you can’t afford a prime location, opt for one where there is still ample traffic, but at a lower cost to you. It’s also essential to research the local laws and regulations for businesses in that area. Some cities have specific zoning regulations that may affect your business, so it’s best to know before finalizing a location. Also pay attention to the quality of the building, note whether you’ll need to bring in a construction crew or roofing contractor soon after purchasing. 

Secure Appropriate Permits and Licenses

Once you have found the right location, it’s crucial to secure all necessary permits and licenses. This step is important as it ensures that your business is operating legally and within all regulations. You may need to apply for a commercial permit, zoning permit, or occupancy permit depending on the type of business you have. It’s also essential to check with your local government to see if there are any additional permits or licenses required for your specific industry.

Crunch the Numbers and Budget

Moving to a commercial space has some financial implications, such as rent, utility bills, maintenance costs, storage costs, and other expenses, which should be added to your monthly operational budget. It would be best if you had a solid financial plan in place, so you don’t go overboard. Do your research and compare costs before settling for a price you’re comfortable with.

Get the Necessary Permits

Ensure that you meet all the legal requirements before you start operating at a commercial location. Requirements will vary based on the state and county you’re in, such as permits related to the construction of structures and premises, health permits, environmental permits, zoning and business license costs. Discuss with a lawyer concerning the legal status and necessary regulations before you move in.

Ready Your Tools and Equipment

Figure out how to move your equipment, material and storage from your at-home place of business to the commercial space. This may be an opportunity to re-prioritize your tools and assess what you need for your business and what you can sell, donate or throw away. Also, set up a preventive maintenance and safety plan early enough so that your workers and clients are safe. You can also consider hiring a moving company to ensure your equipment and materials are safely transported.

Marketing and Advertising

Once your commercial space is set up, you’ll need to promote your new location to your clients. Create a strategy that will raise awareness about your presence in the new location. Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote one another and upgrade your online presence, mainly through social media, a website, and channels like Google My Business.

Transitioning your contracting business from your home to official commercial space may not be an easy task, but it’s still worth it. It will help your business to grow, increase your brand awareness and significantly raise your company’s revenue. With these tips, you’ll be able to transform your commercial space into a thriving hub for your business and enjoy everything that comes with it.