1. Home Based Business

2. Home Based Businesses Advantages of Home Based Businesses
More efficient use of land
Lower fixed costs (no commercial office space)
Business owners save money and time since they don’t have to commute
This also benefits the environment
It also minimizes child care costs since owners don’t need to hire a babysitter
Disadvantages of Home Based Businesses
Difficult to separate household areas from work area
Do not have friendship/camaraderie of office environment
Difficult to stay informed if not in contact with peer group

3. Home Based Businesses Zoning
Home based businesses are normally allowed in multiple dwelling and residential detached units
Municipalities will not allow interruption or taking away from overall residential environment in neighborhood
Zoning by-laws govern use of home as an office
Bi-laws include:
Maximum floor area that can be used for business
Operations such as:
No exterior alterations
No outside storage of business equipment
No delivery through large trucks
Employees only permanent residents of area

4. Home Based Businesses Special Rules Type of business restrictions
Municipalities can enact rules related to health professions such as doctors and dentists that let them run an office in a detached home
They must provide for signage, separate entrance, parking facilities etc.
Type of business restrictions
Preventing certain types of enterprises that cannot operate as home based businesses such as fabrication, food preparation, manufacturing etc. that are not consistent with residential areas

5. Home Based Businesses Insuring Home Based Businesses Permits
Owners should check with insurance broker to find out extent to which home based businesses are covered
Most home insurances do not cover:
Personal liability for injuries sustained by employers, clients, customers, maintenance people and suppliers
Business-related inventory and supplies as well as any separate structures used to store such items
Business equipment and related improvements to the property
Permits
Permits necessary for alternations/renovations, including building permits and electrical installations permit