Home is where the heart is. But in the fast-changing modern world, blurring of work-life boundaries is the norm rather than the exception. In the context of the modern dynamic work culture, this ancient proverb is best modified as “Home is where the heart works!”
The innovative concept of a work live space has become quite popular among freelancers, creative professionals, remote workers and budding entrepreneurs. A 2022 survey showed that 56% of full time employees (more than 70 million people) in the United States say that their job can be done remotely.
What is a work live space?
A work-live space caters to both residential and commercial needs. It could be a commercial property converted into an apartment, e.g., a warehouse converted into a flat, or a new property with a multipurpose design.
Dating back to the pre-industrial work homes in England, the concept of a work live space has now evolved into its modern version. Designed to appeal to an urban work culture, freelancers, artists and remote work staff are increasingly drawn to work live spaces.
If you are considering a shift to a work live space, it is only natural to have hundreds of questions. In this article, we will look at various aspects of renting/owning a work live space. Let’s beak it down!
Are work live spaces the right for you?
If you are considering a work live space for your professional endeavours, the first and most important step is needs assessment. Is it the right choice for you? While many of us have experienced working from home, it is different from converting your home into a workspace.
There are some drawbacks to a work live space, like difficulty maintaining a work life balance, feeling stuck in one environment 24/7, and being constantly surrounded by work! But there are benefits to a work live lifestyle. Hoskere and Prakruti (2016) have discussed how the idea of live-work spaces fosters sustainable communities and enhances people’s lives.
Think about your living and working requirements. First, what is the nature of your work? If you need a lot of space, converting your house into a work live space seems a better idea than renting out a large space. For example, a tailor would need space for fabrics and sewing machine, a dancer would need space for rehearsals, and a musician would need space for plugging instruments.
Second, what is your living situation? If you are living with a family, especially with pets or children, it might be difficult to safeguard your work equipment from damage. If you want to set up your workspace closer to home, you may consider converting a garage, outhouse, or a separate room into your office.
Third, think about your budget. Compare the property taxes, utilities, rent and other expenses. If a work live space is more viable and sustainable in the long term, you can start thinking about a combined residential and commercial premises.
How to look for work live spaces?
Online listings
There are well established real estate platforms that specialise in coworking areas, offices, commercial properties and work live spaces. Use the search filters to narrow down to your preferred location, size, budget and other specific features like ‘mixed use’ or ‘live-work. Set up alerts and look out for notifications when listings matching your criteria are posted.
Real estate agents
Identify real estate agents in your area and contact them via phone or email. You can also look them up on their professional websites. Introduce yourself briefly and explain your needs, preferences, timeline and budget. If the agent has experience with commercial or mixed-use spaces, that’s an added advantage.
Real estate agents can provide valuable insights about off market opportunities, upcoming listings or alternative neighborhoods that match your preferences. At the same time, it is important to do your own research on zoning regulations and their impact on the feasibility of a work live arrangement. Finally, clarify payment structure, fees and commissions before starting your search. A proactive and collaborative approach can significantly improve your chances of finding the perfect work live space.
How to select a work live space?
Physical visits are important for understanding the layout, ambiance, and facilities like storage capacity, parking space, etc. If physical visits are difficult, look for photos and virtual tours that will offer a preliminary idea about the space.
Look at the facilities, like power outlets, water source, storage options and soundproofing. Think about the space you would need as your business expands, when you hire employees or bring in more equipment, more orders, etc. Would the space be able to accommodate your needs in the long term?
Take a walk in the neighborhood, assess potential networking opportunities or possible collaboration with like-minded professionals. Learn about rules and regulations in the area, in case they clash with your business activities.
Finally, review the lease related documents. Read the terms, conditions and restrictions carefully to know all the expenses and to avoid legal trouble. For example, look out for restrictions on how many people can work in the space, and whether the space can be open to any walk-in clients or customers.
Finding a work live space quite the task. The process begins with a thorough assessment of your residential and commercial needs. If you feel like a work live space is the right decision for you, the next step is to search for listings online and offline, through agencies and recommendations.
Once you have looked at the available options in the market, you can start visiting them or going through their pictures, videos and 3D tours online. Consider the available space, facilities, neighborhood, local regulations, and the terms of agreement carefully before signing.
The process of selecting a work live space can seem daunting, so it is important to have a mental flowchart of all the things you need to do. This article will help you figure out where to start, and how to search for more information through real estate websites and agents. We wish you all the best on this unique journey!
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