I've been a hobbyist woodworker for 20 years, making things mainly for myself and my family. Now that we're building a house in Florida, I'm considering turning my woodworking skills into a small custom furniture business. However, I'm concerned about homeowner's insurance. I have over $25,000 in tools and equipment that will be in my garage. What kind of insurance do I need to cover both my home and my woodworking business? Is it going to be expensive, and will I need to be licensed or permitted to get this coverage? Any guidance would be really helpful!
3 Answers
Be prepared for some hurdles if you're running a woodworking business out of your garage. Besides getting insurance, you might have to deal with code enforcement regarding air quality and waste management. I've faced similar issues with my cabinet shop—definitely a handful. But it might be worth it if you’re prepared!
You should definitely look into the zoning laws in your area. Many cities restrict running businesses from residential properties, especially woodworking ones. Even if permitted, you might face strict regulations about dust management and waste disposal. And remember, commercial insurance rates for woodshops can be pretty steep!
Thanks for the heads up! I'll be sure to look into that before starting any business.
It's a smart move to talk to your insurance agent about this. Generally, if you want coverage for your expensive tools, you might need to add a rider to your homeowner's policy. As for licensing, Florida might not require a specific woodworking license, but check with your local municipality for any business licensing requirements.
That sounds like a lot to manage! I appreciate the advice, it’s good to know what to expect.