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When Your Small Business Requires a Workshop

If your business requires a workshop, you will likely be starting off in a garage, old barn or other storage shed, a back patio or porch, or maybe even building your own small workshop in the back yard.  Any of these ideas are good, because at the beginning, you just need to get going.  Save the grand ideas for a full-sized factory for later, after your idea for a business has proven good and profitable.

Many micro-sized businesses will earn a good income for the entire life of the owner without ever outgrowing the garage or tiny shed they start out in.  So long as you can work on your projects and store your finished goods, you may not need anything big and expensive.  Always keep local building codes and zoning laws in mind while setting up shop.  A hefty fine or forced shutdown of your workshop will not likely enhance your income later on.  Also, keep your neighbors in mind, if you operate a shop in the backyard shed or garage, since harmony with neighbors is the only way to operate a long-term business successfully.

Many businesses require a workshop in order to become profitable.  Any projects that include the use of solvent-based paints and finishes require application, drying and storage space that is totally removed from living areas.  Using a separate room in a home is not enough, since fumes will still be circulated throughout the building via the ventilation system (especially if the heating or air-conditioning system is in use).

In fact, any projects producing such fumes will also require adequate ventilation in a workshop, as well.  This is not optional, since there is no business or income without decent health.  Aside from the effects of vapors on the brain and body, you must also make sure your shop is protected from fire and explosion.  Fumes and vapors from petroleum-based products that are allowed collect near the ceiling, for example, can cause explosions with the least little spark from a nail and hammer, an electric power tool or wall switch, or heater.  Make your shop safe if you want it to be profitable.

Another consideration is insulation.  Most workshops that are operated in winter will require some kind of heating, since many products and finishes must be kept from freezing, or must be used at temperatures above 50° F.  Insulation needs to be effective, not overly flammable, and not too costly.  The costly part of the equation must be weighed against the safety and effectiveness of the insulating material.  Going cheap may prove very costly indeed, if the shop goes up in flames, or if your projects are ruined because of seasonal cold or heat.

Make sure you include sufficient room for the storage of finished products.  Quality craftsmanship is wasted when products are ruined while waiting for market.  As a sole proprietor, you are in control of all the aspects of your manufacturing and storage and shipping.  It does no good to blame the heat or cold, the rain or snow, the humidity or other factors.  Your finished product is either what customers want or it isn't.  If your competition can deliver a better product, you will lose whatever market share you may have picked up in the beginning.  Safe, secure and proper storage matters.

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