Technology has evolved to inject real flexibility into the way we work and make some facets of being an entrepreneur easier. One example is that office spaces are now not essential to running a small business. You can arrange a business from home and base all of your operations there if you favor.
Another factor is the rise of distant and hybrid work. Remote staff (and there are nearly 30 million U.S. staff who currently work remotely or in a hybrid fashion) are inclined to find it easier to juggle side hustles while also working full-time jobs.
To that end, some entrepreneurs are building businesses in their garages and working exclusively from that space. And truthfully, while a garage is an ideal a part of your property to start out a business in, it also comes with its own set of unique challenges.
Here’s what you possibly can expect when you begin a business in your garage.
The Challenges of Starting a Garage Business
Apple comes from Steve Jobs’ Garage before they moved into an office building. Even the founders of Apple faced some of those six challenges while working in a garage.
1. You must obey the rules
Before starting a business, entrepreneurs must check local laws to make sure it is legal. Zoning laws are specific to each city and can prevent you from starting a home-based business. However, if you are running a home-based business, expect city officials to issue fines or close your store.
The regulations depend on the city you reside in, with some municipalities being more stringent than others. Most cities allow small businesses to operate from home if they are your house of residence and do not disturb your neighbors.
Entrepreneurs who are allowed to work in their garages must go through red tape. This step will be tedious, as most cities require a lot of tax documents, permits and other regulations. Patience is essential, as this red tape can take weeks or months.
2. There can be distractions in the house
Working in the garage brings business owners closer to their families. Some may see this as a privilege, as they have more time for their partner and children. However, the likelihood of distraction increases. Young children may have difficulty understanding that they can’t disturb their parents, even when they are at home.
Another distraction might be a change in mindset. Most people associate home with leisure and the office with productivity. Working from a garage will be difficult for some entrepreneurs because it blurs the line between work and home. Instead of working, you possibly can
feel the need to clean the dishes or vacuum the front room. These distractions are less common in typical office buildings.
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3. You will have limited space
Once your corporation is up and running, it’s time to build a clientele and build relationships. Meeting in person is optimal because you don’t have to fret about poor web connections and lack of communication. Problems arise when clients and employees come to meetings and your garage has limited space. How do you deal with this problem?
The limited space in your garage also makes it easier to get messy and disorganized. Paperwork, tools, shelves, and other materials can make things look untidy, so keeping your garage organized can take time and effort.
4. Garage renovation will be tedious
With a few clever moves, entrepreneurs can transform small garages into home offices. Unfortunately, you’ll have to maneuver your automobile onto the driveway or onto the curb to make all of it fit. Converting a garage into a workspace will be tricky, but it’s doable with the following tips:
- Clearing Out the Space: First, you have to clean up and organize. Homeowners normally have boxes, tools, and other items taking on space in the garage. Move your stuff to a closet or a shed in the backyard to offer yourself extra space.
- HVAC Installation: Some garages don’t have heating or cooling, so you’ll need to put in an HVAC system. Heaters and fans will be a temporary solution, but you don’t want the temperatures to be too high to reveal your electronics.
- Internet Check: Where are the router and modem positioned? Connecting to the web from the garage will be difficult, given the distance and partitions that block the connection. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for information signal amplifier to extend the speed of movement around the house.
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5. There are safety concerns
Small businesses in garages normally don’t have the luxury of getting security and heavily fortified infrastructure. Security concerns are legitimate for businesses in their garages, as criminals can more easily infiltrate them. Garage doors can have strong locks, motion-sensor lights, and other protective measures. However, a garage is more attractive to thieves because they’ll more easily get in and out.
Another concern for small businesses is cybersecurity. Businesses must be tech-savvy enough to guard their businesses from online threats. Studies show that about 43% of cyberattacks goal small businesses because thieves find them easier to infiltrate. Business
Owners have to exercise caution and employ protected practices, equivalent to not opening suspicious attachments.
6. You might be putting your health at risk
Working from a garage can reduce or eliminate commutes and help entrepreneurs get more work done. However, it may come at a cost to their physical and mental health. Shortening your commute means not walking to work, taking the bus, or walking around the office.
Your physical health also can suffer if you don’t have an ergonomic setup. A study of two,000 distant staff found 60% of those employees reduce their mobility by half. About half report increased tension in their backs, shoulders and eyes.
5 Tips for Starting a Garage Business
- Create a workspace that promotes productivity with adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs.
- Use every inch you have and be organized. Small spaces can work with the right maneuvering.
- Take breaks to get out of the house and prevent burnout.
- Learn from other entrepreneurs who also run a home-based business.
- Personalize your garage office to make it unique and inviting for clients and employees.
SuN Conclusions
Steve Jobs and his Apple co-founders began the company in their garage without the revolutionary technology that today’s entrepreneurs have. Even with help, starting and running a business will be difficult. These six challenges stand in the way of small business owners starting their businesses in their garages.