Working and Living in the Same Space

Lesson Goals:

• For home-based business owners to:– Learn how to accommodate business needs in the

home space– Identify space needs – Identify potential conflicts– Develop action plan

Working and Living in the Same Space

Can You Live Where You Work…

And Work Where You Live?

Working and Living in the Same Space

Three Step Process

Working and Living in the Same Space

Conflict Issues Found In Virginia HBB’s Include

• Intrusion of home-based business into family areas

• Intrusion of family activities into the business space

• Overlap of space useOne-third of the participants had a designated

area or schedule for the HBB.

Working and Living in the Same Space

Successful Home Based Business Plans Include

• Designating separate spaces• Having a time schedule• The “on-demand” or “whoever

needs it now” system of sharing business and family spaces seems to result in more conflict

Working and Living in the Same Space

What are the Issues?

Working and Living in the Same Space

Do you describe your business as…

• Production?• Service?• Consulting or counseling?• Sales or marketing?• Mail order?

Working and Living in the Same Space

Business Space Use• Storage• Tools and Equipment• Production• Meet Clientele• Access – Pickup/Delivery• Office

Working and Living in the Same Space

Analyze Space Needs

• Type?• Quantity?• Variability?• Future Change?• Where?

Working and Living in the Same Space

• Lack of storage is the greatest dissatisfaction of home based businesses

• Perception of clutter magnifies storage needs

Working and Living in the Same Space

Family Space Needs• Number of members• Age, sex, and size of members• Time spent at home• Activities conducted in the home• Number of size and possessions• Past experience• Social and cultural norms

Working and Living in the Same Space

You Don’t Work Alone!

How will you accommodate…• Parking?• Pick-up and delivery?• Conference space?• Safety and security?• Image?

Working and Living in the Same Space

The Business Outside the Home

What About…• Your location?• Traffic?• Parking?• Accessibility?• Signage?

Working and Living in the Same Space

List Problems: List Solutions:

___________ ___________

___________ ___________

___________ ___________

___________ ___________

Working and Living in the Same Space

What’s the Law?• Local zoning• Restrictive covenants• Subdivision regulations• Homeowner’s association

covenants• Local Business ordinances• Homeowner’s insurance

Working and Living in the Same Space