Working from garage; things to consider before converting!

crystaltips_68

Hi,

I am a self-employed health-care worker and have the type of business where clients come to me. I already have two bases where i work, but one of these is costly and time-limited, so i would like set up a base at home to work from, and these clients would then come to me at home. I have 2 choices; convert a (downstairs)bedroom as my work space, and pinch a bit of another room to use as a waiting room, OR convert an out-building (an old garage), which has plenty of space for a waiting room and work-room. Obviously setting up inside the house would be quicker, easier and cheaper, but i dont know if it is necessarily right for me ie i think i would prefer to keep my house separate from work.

I need advice on things to consider when converting an outbuilding for clients to visit eg Planning permission for change of use, business rates, insurances, separate utilities etc etc etc. Will all these things be necessary, etc!

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!

SailorSam

I think a trip to your local council planning department and ask what they think of your idea.

dacouch

You need to inform your Home Insurers, it is unlikely they will want to continue offering you cover if you have business visitors to your home. There are however Insurers who offer policies that are a combination of Home Insurance and Business Insurance which would be suitable for you.

As your in Healthcare a lot of the normal markets will not want to offer a home worker policy due to the public and employers liability risk. Have a look in your trade magazines for adverts for Insurers who have schemes for your industry. If you get stuck trying to find a company post up here and I'll give you some names of companies

crystaltips_68

Thanks, i will talk to the planning dept asap.

I have public liability insurance, which covers me working at home, but will look into my home insurance. Does it cost alot more? Would it make any difference whether clients are in the house or an outbuilding?

borders_dude

If you own your home you will need to notify your mortagage provider.

crystaltips_68

Ok, will contact mortgage co, thanks.

dacouch

crystaltips_68 wrote: »

Thanks, i will talk to the planning dept asap.

I have public liability insurance, which covers me working at home, but will look into my home insurance. Does it cost alot more? Would it make any difference whether clients are in the house or an outbuilding?

For normal businesses eg clerical based it is around 30% more, it could be a bit more as care trades are often not popular with Insurers. A good place to ask would be the company that covers your Public Liability as they probably have some kind of scheme for care trades.

Rolo_Tomasi

I would also check the deeds to your house to make sure they do not contain a clause preventing you from running a business from your home. I know new houses and ex council houses often contain such a clause.

crystaltips_68

:beer:! Have posted the house insurance question on my prof body forum, someone will know, i am sure!

crystaltips_68

Rolo_Tomasi wrote: »

I would also check the deeds to your house to make sure they do not contain a clause preventing you from running a business from your home. I know new houses and ex council houses often contain such a clause.

Mine is neither new or ex-council, and used to be a b and b many years ago, so i think i will be ok, but i will check first:beer:!

daska

Might be worth checking exactly what classification it currently has - it wouldn't necessarily have been changed to business usage or if it was it may not have been changed to residential.