Bigelow's Live / Work Home Office FAQ's
FAQ for Live Work Lofts – Courtyard Series
What kind of business can I put in my live/work Loft?
Do I have to use the work space as a business?
Can I rent out the work space?
How is the work space zoned?
How many square feet is the work space?
What kind of tax write-offs can I get?
Can I have employees work in my work space?
Do I need to get a business license to operate a business out of my Live work?
Will Bigelow do the build out of my work Space?
FAQ for Live Work Lofts – Courtyard Series
What kind of business can I put in my live/work Loft?
The city of Aurora’s home occupation regulations include, but are not limited to the following uses:
- Artists or sculptors
- Athletic / Health training (limited to (4) people at one time)
- Author
- Baby-sitting / Day care
- Barber and beauty shops
- Ceramics
- Consulting services
- Contracting offices
- Direct sales production distribution (Amway, Avon, Tupperware, etc)
- Dressmakers, seamstresses and tailors
- Small electronics repair (computer, TV, DVD players, etc)
- Flower arranging
- Home crafts
- Jewelry maker, Jeweler
- Professional services such as lawyers, architects, engineers, realtors, insurance agents, and brokerage offices. (must be incidental to a main office or place of business located elsewhere.)
- Locksmith
- Mail order
- Ministers, rabbis, priests or members of religious orders
- Music or dance teaching (limited to four pupils at a time)
- Sales representative (office only)
- Secretarial, clerical, typing services, computer programming
- Telephone answering service
- Tutoring (limited to four students at a time)
Do I have to use the work space as a business?
No. That is the wonderful thing about our live work homes; the space can be used as you see fit. You may want to use it one way now and then, in the future, utilize it another way.
View General Live Work Home Floorplan >>
Can I rent out the work space?
Although the work space may not be rented out for the purpose of operating a business, you may rent out the space to a roommate, as it is zoned residential and would make a great private living quarters.
How is the work space zoned?
It is zoned as residential. Therefore, any business being operated from your home must adhere to the city of Aurora’s Home Occupation ordinances.
How many square feet is the work space?
Your works space includes approximately 420 sq. ft, including a full bathroom.
What kind of tax write-offs can I get?
Although you should consultant with an accountant, you are typically allowed to write off such things as mortgage interest, real estate taxes, utilities and depreciation for the portion of your home dedicated to your home business.
Can I have employees work in my work space?
In addition to anyone who lives with you, you may have one additional person employed on site.
Do I need to get a business license to operate a business out of my Live work?
In the City of Aurora, a business license is not required to operate a business. However, there are certain types of businesses that do require a license or have specific health, zoning, and/or state requirements. For more information, visit their website at, http://www.aurora-il.org/finance/revenue/licenses.php.
Will Bigelow do the build out of my work Space?
Prior to building your new live work home you will have several options to select from, as it pertains to the layout of both your live and work space. Any custom modifications, such as shelving units, store fixtures or anything else necessary for you to operate your business will your responsibility after you close on your home.
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