It takes a lot of drive to create and run a successful business. With more than half of small businesses being home-based according to statistics, you are in good company if you've been dreaming of running your company from your house. More businesses these days are moving to remote work, and now is a great time to make the shift to a home business.

AVB can help you set up for success. Here's what you need to do to get started on successfully running your company from a house.

1. Look for a Home With the Space You Need

Working from home sounds like it shouldn't take up very much space, especially if you're mostly working off of a laptop. Once you've started trying to work in your house, however, you may notice there are lots of distractions, from family members vying for your attention to chores that are sitting undone in your line of sight.

It's important to have your own area where you can focus on work as well as step away to relax when the work is done for the day. As CNBC points out, if the kids are home, it can help to provide them with a schedule of activities as well. If you know you'll need more space, look into home prices in locations that will accommodate a home office and storage just for your business.

2. Check for Zoning and Permits

Before you can fully move your business into a new house, you need to make sure the home is zoned for it. Some areas have specific restrictions based on where the neighborhood is located or what the homeowners association bylaws say. Even if you're not ready to buy and you just want to build something better than your current home for your business, you'll first need the right permits and a good contractor.

Keep in mind that running a business from a house is not necessarily the same as running one from a commercial space. BusinessTown suggests doing some research into what you are allowed to do in your area of choice as a home-based business, and what that ultimately could mean for you legally and financially. While there are restrictions to protect neighborhoods from issues like traffic and noise, keep in mind that depending on what you do, you could potentially appeal a zoning ordinance.

Keep in mind that if you find a property in a location with the zoning you require, you should probably snap it up; average homes in Portage go pending in just 6 days, and hot properties sell in just 3 days.

3. Choose a Business Formation

Any time you’re running a business, it’s vital to give careful consideration to its formation. If your company is sued for some reason, you risk losing your assets, such as your car or brand-new home. A limited liability company offers a variety of benefits, including possible tax breaks and keeping your personal assets separate from your business. Just make sure you check your state's rules as LLC formation regulations differ by state. You can always use a formation service to file your Michigan LLC, helping you avoid both hefty lawyer fees and trying to navigate the legalese yourself.

4. Obtain the Office and Business Equipment You Require

Every business is different in its equipment requirements, but chances are good that, if you're running a company from your house, you will need some basics like a laptop if not a full desktop, desk and office chair setup. You may also need to acquire tools and materials if you are providing a client-direct service or creating products to sell. Purchases that you make for your business and your home office may be tax-deductible, so hang on to your receipts and talk to your tax professional about the details.

5. Set Your Schedule and Go

Once you've secured a home with suitable space for your work and you have your office set up, it's up to you to establish boundaries, set your chosen work schedule and get to it. It takes dedication and effort to make a home-based business successful, but if Amazon and Apple can start out of a house and grow to be among the biggest brands in the world, your company can make it, too.

If it’s time to upgrade to a home that suits your business, start with these five steps. And if that plan includes high-quality construction, be sure to connect with AVB.

By Tina Martin

Ideaspired.com