Answers > If I Wanted to Start a Graphic Design Business, Should I Buy a Building, or Do It Out of My Home?

jplatt39 February 17, 2011 at 4:11 pm

For a graphic design company, try to economize as much as possible. If you have employees, renting or buying a building may be a good idea — but remember, when you buy a building you or your company is still responsible for taxes and utilities and can your company afford that based on the work you are getting done in the foreseeable future? Renting or leasing space, especially now, may result in productivity improvement, but I would spend as little as possible and try to keep a good cash reserve for things like printing technologies and computer hardware.

Vince M February 17, 2011 at 5:10 pm

Or, rent some office space in someone ELSE’S building? Don’t you think it would be cheaper than erecting a new building? The basic question to ask yourself is, “Can I AFFORD to work my business anywhere OTHER than my home?”

What you might want to consider is whether working out of a home studio/office has any DISadvatages over opening an outside office. For my business, I RARELY see clients here. I, either go out to meet them, or we communicate electronicly, via phone, email or other methods. While my budget can operate in the black because of my minimal expenses, the cost of leasing office space, here in Silicon Valley, would be way too prohibitive for my business.

The fact that you had to ask this question, causes me to think that you haven’t been “in business” very long. I suggest you keep working from home until you’ve gained enough business accumen to be able to make such decisions on your own.

Good luck.