I have never thought about the prospect of having a home massage business. Actually, I never cared for the idea. I always feared the boundary issues of clients coming into my home. I really like the professional atmosphere of my office. However, my office has been sold and as of January 1st, I will be under new management. I can stay. However, with my very limited hours, I am considering a home business. This would mean turning my garage into an office and a new home addition. I would insist on a separate entrance and small waiting room. I do not want it to look like my home. This all means money, money, MONEY! However, the money would be spent towards home improvement and not rent. I looked into other buildings it town, but nothing exactly met my needs.
I am not looking forward to keeping track of expenses and dividing out utilities for tax deduction purposes. I am looking forward to not hauling my huge laundry basket from my car. My young children would be at home with their dad, but they are extremely well-behaved and generally on the other side of the house. As I am typing this, I am thinking about extra insulation!
As of right now, I live in a non-annexed sub-division of the city. It should not be a problem, but I believe I would need to talk to the county about zoning.
My clients do not seem to mind the idea. They are happy as long as I am working. If I was starting out again, I think a home business would be much harder to start up in some ways. Yes it would be less overhead, but marketing would be key to early success.
Do you have a home business? Tell me about the good, bad, and ugly.
I would love to have more info Heather. I realize you posted in 2011, but I am in the process of closing off 1/2 of my 2 car garge into a massage studio after renting for 16 years. I have an established clientele and they will follow me anywhere. Any info would be great.
Hello! I have been a massage therapist for almost 12 years now. For the past 7 I have had my office at home. I LOVE it. I remodeled the attached garage into a beautiful massage studio. It cost about $8,500. Within the first year it paid for itself. No more hauling linens, no starting my car, no rent and when the occasional last minute cancellation happens I just go do my dishes or take the free time to do some yoga. The massage studio has it’s own entrance and bathroom. I don’t have any negative stories to share though. If you would like to know more just let me know. Cheers!
Thank you Heather for your insight. I am still looking into the possibility of a remodel at home for my next office. I still believe a home office would be a good fit for my clients and myself.
What town are you in?
My husband has been a massage therapist for 16 years and a large clientele. We have owned our own spa for 8 years now, but it has become pretty impossible to hire massage therapists to offset the rising costs of owning a business. We have a large detached garage on our property that we are considering turning into a space for him to run his practice out of. Our only concern is having people on our personal property with our young kids home. Any advice on this?