What Are Live Work Units?
September 24th, 2008 | Published in Live Work Units
Live Work Units (or Live-Work Units) are exactly what they sound like, real estate designed for businesses and places of residence. The most common type of design for live work units is where the business front is located at the bottom front, and the living quarters are located towards the back. Sometimes this type of real estate is referred to as lofts, but not all lofts are designed as live work units.
This type of real estate is becoming much more popular with start-ups.
The Benefits of Live Work Units
Shorter Commutes (no commute!) - This is a very important time-savor for the do-it-yourself/do-everything-yourself entrepreneur. By cancelling out over an hour of commute a day, time, stress, gas, and insurance is saved, which gives you more time to be focused on your work.
Lower Combined Rent - Often times a portion of rent or all of it can be written off as business expenses. The savings doesn’t end with just rent, but combined furniture costs, utilities, broadband internet, phone & cable bills can add up in the hundreds.
Ease & Convenience of Working - While it is true that a central living and work location can make things easier to work, it’ll be a challenge of juggling personal from business life.
The Disadvantages of Live Work Units
Privacy - Privacy can be a big issue with live work units. Not only is this an issue with business partners, but also customers and roommates. Privacy can be a big issue when phones ring off the hook, customers are coming in during “meal time” or employees working extra late.
Professionalism for Meetings - While this will depend greatly on the industry your business is in, if the need for a professional looking office is necessary, a “home office” / live work unit may not be the best bet. Live Work Units probably won’t work so well for talent agencies or restaurants, but more for ecommerce and online industries.