Can you live in your office?

Work life balance is a hazy concept in the 21st century. Research shows that on an average, people spend one third of their day at work. Increasing demand for remote work opportunities and rising cost of living has inspired many people to consider merging their commercial and residential spaces. There are various reasons why someone would want to live in their office space.

A budding entrepreneur may want to dedicate all their hours to getting their business off the ground. A freelancer may find it difficult to own or rent separate spaces for living and working. In fact, a 2022 survey found that rent affordability was at its lowest in 2022, and had suffered a decline due to rapid inflation and stagnant salaries. In these and similar scenarios, building a home in your workspace sounds like an appealing option.

Is it a good idea to live in your office? What are the benefits and pitfalls of such an arrangement? In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at all the aspects of living in a commercial space.

Commercial vs residential properties

Commercial real estate is any property with a certain number of units , like an office building, medical center, hotel, mall, warehouse, garage, etc. They are sold or leased to business entities for income generating activities.

A residential space, on the other hand, is sold or rented out to tenants who are individuals or families. Commercial properties typically require a higher down payment amount compared to residential ones. They also offer longer leases than residential properties.

Legal aspects of living in your office (include insurance)

Zoning laws

Zoning laws are regulations established by local government authorities to control the use of land and the types of structures that can be built in specific areas. These laws help organize and guide the development of communities in a way that promotes public health, safety, and general welfare. They prevent conflicts between incompatible land uses, promote orderly growth, and protect property values.

Zoning laws categorize areas into different zones, such as commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use zones. Commercial zones are designated for businesses, and these laws dictate the types of commercial activities that are allowed in each zone. For example, certain zones may permit retail stores, restaurants, and offices, while others may be more suitable for manufacturing or industrial purposes.

If you live in an apartment where you have a personal office space, you don’t need to worry about zoning laws. Also, if your office lies in a zone designated as a mixed space, you are in the clear. But if your office lies in a commercial zone, there might be legal repercussions of using it as a residential space. Zoning laws differ across various American states, so it is best to check the state government website for more information about zoning laws.

Insurance policies

If your office space is insured as a commercial property, in the event of unfortunate incidents like fires , there will be an investigation into the causes of the accident. If it is found that the accident occurred due to any activity related to residential use, two bad outcomes will occur. First, if you have violated zoning regulations, you will have legal trouble. Second, the loss incurred by the accident will not be covered by your insurance policy.

For example, imagine you are living in your office space. You are using some electronic device in the kitchen, like a toaster or a microwave. Unfortunately, the equipment malfunctions, there is a fire, and you have to explain this turn of events to an insurance agent.

In this scenario, the damage to property won’t be covered by your commercial insurance policy! Moreover, if you are not the owner of that commercial space, you might have to brace for a strong reprimand and possible termination by your employer or land owner

Health and Safety concerns

Commercial spaces may not be as secure as residential buildings. Apart from a few security personnel and CCTV cameras, there is not much preventing intruders from entering the premises during non-working hours. Moreover, inadequate ventilation and temperature systems, and exposure to pollutants in the workplace, can negatively affect indoor air quality, posing risks in the long term.

Makeshift sleeping arrangements like desks and couches can lead to backache, discomfort and chronic pain, resulting from ergonomically disastrous postures. Unsafe cooking practices and fire hazards may result from lack of sufficient kitchen appliances.

Also, let’s talk about the elephant in the room- the constant stress and pressure of having to hide your living arrangement from your colleagues! Waking up every morning with adrenaline rushing through your body, making you alert to the slightest sound of anyone entering the office, is disastrous for your mental and physical health in the long term. Chronic exposure to stress hormones is linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, etc.

Could it work?

Despite all the risks mentioned above, living in one’s office appeals to many people as a living arrangement. Sometimes, small business owners or freelancers might want to live in their office to save time, escape commute and dedicate themselves to their work. In other cases, people who can’t afford rent in metropolitan cities try to live in their office space, hiding their living arrangement from their coworkers and employer.

If you are living in a commercial space that is attached to your home, it is a great way of striking work life balance and spending more time with your loved ones without compromising focus on work. It might also save you the expense of renting, buying and maintaining a separate space for residential purposes. On the other hand, there are some serious pitfalls to living in your office.

Inconveniences of living in your office

While living in your office offers some easy benefits, it can pose certain difficulties. You may find it difficult to explain your situation to your friends and family. They may disturb you during work hours and ignore work-life boundaries. Moreover, if you want to hire an employee, they might find it awkward and uncomfortable to visit your house for work everyday.

If you are considering moving into your office, this article is a good place to get some food for thought. What are the reasons behind this decision, and can your needs be met by some other arrangement? If you want to move into your office space, make sure you do your research on the legal implications of this decision, and take precautions to ensure your safety and well being.