When it’s time to expand
One owner's story

by Kathy Pooler, Publications Plus

When I started my desktop publishing business, Publications Plus, in 1991, I thought all I would need was a desk to for my computer, a laser printer, some paper, and a file cabinet. I quickly found I needed all that and much more.

I converted an existing sun porch between my house and garage into my home office. I had some electric baseboard heaters installed, changed the pictures on the walls, and the conversion was finished. However, over the next ten years, precious floor space gradually dwindled. I accumulated another desk, another computer, lots of peripherals and more than five extra file cabinets.

As my business began to grow by leaps and bounds, I soon began to feel the loss of all that open space. I no longer had enough room to move, and I quickly began to need additional surfaces to accommodate more complicated projects. I realized I had to expand somewhere, somehow. I had no interest into moving out of my home office and renting a store front. My only option was to break through a wall and expand my existing office.

My two-car garage provided the ideal space I needed. Next, I began to plan the expansion, though I was a bit unsure how to proceed. I started by phoning several contractors, and I mean several - at least ten initially. Five of these contractors actually returned my phone calls, and three contractors actually showed up to give bids. This entire process took more than a couple of months.

Next, I compared the bids I was given. I evaluated the different time frames each gave me, and considered the personalities of each contractor. It was important to me that the person I selected for the job be someone easy to work with, who would understand my needs. This person would be working in close proximity to my business for an extended period of time, so it was crucial that I choose someone qualified and flexible. After some careful thought, I hired Steve and felt very comfortable with my decision. His time frame, bid, and personality were all good matches for me.

I applied for a home equity line of credit from my bank, which took another two months to process because of an appraisal, paperwork, etc. But before I knew it, Steve was knocking on my door, tools in hand. I had previously hired someone to make blueprints of my existing office and the proposed addition, so I could picture exactly how much space the extra desks and cabinets would require. I didn’t want to completely eliminate my garage, just use the space of one car while leaving enough extra room in the garage for ‘junk’.

Steve worked several weeks putting up insulation, drywall, a new ceiling, doors, windows, heat, fans, paint, etc. He installed built-in counter tops to accommodate two additional computers I now have. Even though Steve was there five days a week for several weeks, I never saw him, never saw a mess, never heard him. He was very professional and organized. He completely finished the new office before he broke through the wall to my existing office. I was dreading the thought that I might have to close my business while I was renovating. I imagined sawdust flying into my computers (not to mention my lungs). I imagined having to cover everything with drop cloths. Much to my surprise, I didn’t miss any time off of business, and neither did I have any mess.

Steve planned to work one weekend, to wrap the project. He cut through the wall into my original office, put some edging up, and he was finished! No mess, no lost business time.

Today, I’m thrilled to have all that extra space. I now have a pleasant area in the front of my office with chairs where I can sit with clients to discuss projects. I also have a table where I can spread out projects I’m working on. I finally have enough shelf space to accommodate all my paper so it is very visible at a glance.

I feel so much more productive with all this extra space. At last, there is a place for everything, and everything is in its place!