What do I need to know if running craft classes from home

craftygirl2014

I've been running craft classes from church halls. But the prices have increased so much that it's no longer viable. I can easily run small groups from home. These classes are usually monthly, a couple of hours per class, but occasionally more frequent. I want to know how to do it all above board but daren't make enquiries as I've found with things like insurance that if you ask a question it will immediately affect your premium! How do I find out what is involved without committing myself or being penalised? Ta, Craftygirl.

AbbieCadabra

quite a lot of results if you google 'running a business from home'.

insurance will be a must, possible to add on to your home cover but as you'll have people coming & going it might need a separate business policy. permission from mortgage lender or landlord if property rented.

i've made enquiries about changing our business insurance, if it's only 'what if' scenarios, i can't see why this will change/penalise you for any reason? you could always use a comparison site for your scenario to get an idea of cost.

would parking be an issue? will the neighbours be happy? i'd speak to your local Council first for some general advice.

phill99

You will need planning permission.

Many businesses are run from home ie an office in a spare room but where nobody visits. The minute you want people attending your home, part of the house becomes business premises, which requires planning permission and will attract business rates.

trailingspouse

Not sure if you'll need planning permission if you're just using the premises occasionally - but the best bet it to ask your local planning department.

If there isn't an issue with them, you still aren't out of the woods - you'll need Public Liability Insurance (in case one of your students trips on your doorstep for example), and you'll need to tell your house insurers (in case one of your students nicks your collection of silver while your attention is focused on the one that just tripped over the doorstep). Your house insurers are unlikely to be happy about this, and it could be quite pricey. It may even be that your existing insurers won't cover you and you have to go to a specialist - never cheap!!

Unless you have ample public parking nearby, expect issues with neighbours re parking and general disruption.

Suddenly the cost of church halls doesn't seem so bad, does it? Attacking the problem from a different angle, could you negotiate a better deal by, for example paying for 10 weeks up front? Or put your prices up to cover the cost?

Mistral001

Does the church hall's present insurance cover you as a business operating from their premises?

craftygirl2014

Hi all. Thanks so much for your responses. I do currently have 3rd party liability insurance (£3 mill) as I've been running the workshops at craft & charity events and it is compulsory. I've contacted the insurers to see if my existing policy would cover home working, will let you know. I am concerned about the issue of business rates. I understand the point about the cost of church hall hire not seeming so bad...but the only reason I'm now considering running them from home, with 6 people per session max as that's all I can comfortably accommodate is that the increase is substantial and I don't want to pass this on and price people out of the workshops. By charging a 'pay as you play' system of just £7 each per session I can't guarantee to cover my costs if hiring a hall, let along make any money! I was on a small user rate with the church but sadly that is being stopped. Anyway I much appreciate your thoughts. Will try and make enquiries and will let you know. Cheers. Suz xx

crocus

I have run craft workshops from home in the past and by coincidence was also renewing my home insurance. One insurer didn't want to know and a couple of others were a bit iffy as you're basically inviting people you don't know into your home.
How about running your sessions in a pub or local cafe? They can then make a little money from selling drinks and snacks. Your charges sound very low, why not look at what others are charging and very gradually raise yours?
Hope it goes well.

Mistral001

If you have 7 people per session, you could potentially have 7 cars parked outside your house every month. This could attract neighbour complaints requiring you to apply for Planning Permission.


From a business point of view, even though the church hall is expensive, it will be legitimate (if the church hall have complied with insurance etc) and it means, I should have thought, that you can advertise your business with confidence and without fear on websites, newspapers and shop windows etc. and be able to grow it.

Mojisola

Think of your security as well.

If one of your clients goes to the toilet, can you trust them not to take anything or not to snoop through cupboards or drawers while you're busy with the rest of the class?

cerce123

A cafe or restaurant sounds like a good idea - you can have refreshments on tap too! Some cafes run in shops that have an upstairs room that is barely used, so you could ask around. You might even find one that will let you have the space free if they may money on refreshments.

Are there any other church halls, scout huts in the local area? What about local schools - if your classes are outside of main hours you may be able to rent the hall.

Some local libraries have public meeting rooms available for hire, would those be available?

A couple of local craft stores near me run lessons in store - is there anywhere near you that would be able to accommodate? Again, they might make a turn on items sold to support the classes.

If your classes are around 7 people, I'm not sure having that number of people coming to your home is worth the hassle unless you have plenty of space around your home for parking and a teaching area that is relatively secure from the rest of the house. I know a few craft teachers near me who run lessons from home, but they live in largish houses out in the country.

The_Hurricane

Out of interest what is the church charging?