20/08/2009

20 August 2009

Falling Work Hours Catalyst for Home Office Activity

The falling hours of work being offered to Australians is likely to translate in an increase of home offices as people look for ways to boost their incomes in the current economic downturn, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today.

David Hallett

Archicentre's General Manager David Hallett said the attraction of the home office is that it can be set up quickly with limited funds and can also have some tax deductions attached to its' operations. "Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures published earlier this month which showed Australian workers on average were being offered half a day less work a week would add impetus to an already growing home office market in Australia. "Fifteen years ago renovations incorporating a home office accounted for approximately 5% of Archicentre design concepts. Today 7 out of 10 Archicentre Design Reports incorporate a home office / study area with people taking advantage of internet access and the change in employment patterns where many people work as a consultant or outreach workers for companies." Mr Hallett said that the home office trend is being fuelled by significant corporate restructuring in both the private and government sectors. This restructuring has led to an increased number of unemployed professional people at around 45 to 50 years of age looking for employment. Often the only way these people can become employed is to start their own business.

"Young professionals, especially women involved in starting a family, are also part of the emerging home office trend.

"People purchasing a property for a home office should have a clear understanding of their requirements and if the property can be used for the type of business they are intending to conduct. This is especially important for people purchasing apartments or villa units where there is likely to be body corporate rules.

"A vital aspect is, have you checked with the local council regarding planning laws in relation to your future business activities? This is a major consideration if you are considering purchasing a new property. Check the local planning laws and what you can legally do before you purchase the property.

"Do you have adequate parking for the people who may visit your home office? Will your business activity disturb neighbours?

"Before you set up your home office check with your accountant on any tax implications which result from tax claims on running costs of the business."

"It is also important to check the Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities for setting up a workplace.

Mr Hallett said ensure that you have appropriate insurance to cover people visiting your home, any business equipment in the new home office and that the policy is properly recognizing that a business is being conducted on the premises.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett General Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201