6 ms·

Would you rent out working space in your home?

Airbnb for workspace - $ by the hour during the week?

bluefirebrand 6y ago
Not a chance. But I would never AirBnB a space in my home either. I bought it so I don't have to share space with other people.
- nxpnsv 6y ago
  My sentiment also.
  - willbenito123 6y ago
    Interesting to hear. What are the blockers? Feel like this would be very much for people who are happy with both / either.
    - bluefirebrand 6y ago
      I'm a private person, I don't like other people in my space much. They are noisy, disruptive, messy and overal generally very annoying. I also don't really trust people to be in my space when I'm not there so that's a non-starter. The sharing economy is incomprehensible to me. I have no interest in participating in it.
      - willbenito123 6y ago
        Fair enough! Suppose this wouldn’t be for you ... would you trust people more with a peer review system like Uber / Airbnb?
        slipheen 6y ago
        Speaking only for myself, no that would make no difference whatsoever. I don't want people in my house. It's my house, that's the point of it being my space. I understand that sometimes people are in an economic situation where they need to make certain choices, but I would be much more likely to move to a different region and have a smaller place to myself. I don't want people here, unless I explicitly invite them and allow them
        bluefirebrand 6y ago
        Nope because those systems can't be trusted either.
    - nxpnsv 6y ago
      I don't need the money nor the company, me and my family enjoy the space we have. If I was young urban and single perhaps, but probably I'd just have a smaller space.
hieu229 6y ago
If I was renting, that'd help me save some money When I was studying oversea (near a high cost of living city), I rented a 3 bedrooms house. Then rented out other bedrooms spaces and didn't have to worry about the rent. At that time, I think I would rent out working space
- willbenito123 6y ago
  This was initially the idea! For students / young professionals to rent out spare rooms in their house. Especially if they are going into work or campus, they can earn a bit of extra income. This is essentially very similar and you could even rent out accommodation and working space.
  - hieu229 6y ago
    I was in the situation and definitely agree with it. I also had a few AirBnB to fill up the places when there was spare bedrooms. It was great and ofcourse, there are the dark side to watch out when you want to implement it.
    - willbenito123 6y ago
      Yeah, definitely still privacy / safety / legal concerns. Ever have any problems yourself?
jschveibinz 6y ago
This is a good question, but I don’t think this is analogous to AirBnB. A workspace is more of a long term thing rather than a day or two, and probably not in line with zoning or hoa restrictions. I wish that there were temperature controlled warehouses divided up into project spaces. I would rent one of those in a heartbeat.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  I think that depends on what you do as a job. For some people a one day break in a new location could be stimulating and healthy. Appreciate that for others its a different story. One way this could go is a week/two week room swap that includes accommodation AND a work space. That gets difficult for logistics though...
- shoo 6y ago
  Different types of work require specialised equipment and need different kinds of work space. For a kind of work that's clearly not a great fit for renting out your house: a restaurant. Why exactly might it be a poor fit? Restaurant needs a good location, ideally with enough passing foot traffic of punters who are looking to dine out. The building needs specialised equipment, e.g. commercial kitchen, a place for the customers to dine, a toilet they can use. Interior likely needs to be decorated a bit. There will be various health and safety regulations that the space would need to comply with. In order to attract the custom of bunch of regulars, the restaurant needs to remain in the same place. Trying to summarise & generalise -- what might be the downsides of renting a working space from someone's home? * some specific kinds of workplaces are subject to additional regulation. getting the regulation may require making improvements/changes to the house and wrangling with bureaucracy * probably not a good fit for businesses that need to attract lots of passing walk-in customers, or need a workplace that presents a veneer of a professionalism to build credibility when meeting customers * probably not a good fit for businesses that need longer-term lease arrangements, or the _option_ of longer term lease arrangements * probably not a good fit for businesses that need specialised equipment that needs to be lugged about * probably not good fit for businesses that need to make physical changes to their workspace What would the advantages be to the potential renter, compared to alternatives of longer-term commercial leases with more ability to customise workplace, or shorter-term more flexible leases in shared spaces dedicated to working? (e.g. co-working spaces that also rent access to photocopiers/reception/fancy address/meeting rooms; co-working hacker/maker spaces that also rent time-share access to expensive tools & machinery like cnc machines; ...)
1123581321 6y ago
No, because cleaning and fielding questions would be too much for the price that hourly co-working could command.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Wonder if annoying housemates would be evaded by peer rating systems. i.e. people who left a mess / required lots of cleaning would get a low rating and thereafter struggle to use the platform.
bradlys 6y ago
Unless I start owning a mansion, unlikely. I don’t see myself having extra rooms for people to just work in. And if I did, office space would be extremely cheap to the point of why bother working in someone’s home?
- willbenito123 6y ago
  This is interesting feedback. Even a kitchen table could be interesting for people without plausible alternatives. Alternatively, if you go to work in the day, you could rent out any spare desk space that you would otherwise use if you were at home.
  - bradlys 6y ago
    To me, I think there’d have to be a bigger sell... as a buyer, why would I rent office space in someone’s house instead of an actual office? Ok, maybe cheaper. Ok but what about benefits? Is it just a desk in a room? What about food, the environment, etc? And why would I rent space in someone’s house instead of just paying for a bigger place on my own? I get the idea maybe you’re visiting somewhere and need somewhere to work but then I’d have a hotel or an office space wherever I’m visiting because I’m visiting their office. To me, I’m not seeing it as a customer or as a seller. Selling just an office desk space is like selling 40sqft of rental space but on an hourly basis but without all the benefits of a large office environment. I don’t see it. I’d probably just rather setup a desk in my own bedroom than commute to someone else’s house and rent a desk in their spare room.
    - willbenito123 6y ago
      I think this is really helpful and I guess this question is about the USP. This is what I think it could be: - privacy - solo work space - change of environment = productivity + mental health benefits - community value (per WeWork, Airbnb etc) - Networking. People could share with like minded / same industry professionals to increase their personal exposure
hertzrat 6y ago
I would worry it wouldn’t be steady enough to make money, so I would lose out compared to renting a room out. I would have to require them to clean up after themselves too, and vet them like renters so I would feel safe with them in my home
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Thanks for the reply. I think there is strong potential to do both accommodation and workstation renting. Especially if you are out working during the day, you could actually rent out your own desk space, rather than additional space. Essentially you are right - unless offices close down big time, there is going to be less supply for workplaces than for holiday accommodation.
forgotmysn 6y ago
definitely not during COVID
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Fair enough...think this is definitely a post-COVID idea for legal and commercial reasons!
willbenito123 6y ago
Would love some feedback on previous players in this space pre the world of remote work who ran into problems. Breather, Spacehop, Vrumi
giantg2 6y ago
My biggest question about this is: What is the value proposition for the renter? Just renting out home space for working sounds like it would be likely have only the same amenities as the space the renter lives in. I just don't see much of a benefit.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  True. I think the value is twofold. 1) The community. Like similar platforms, this could spawn a like minded community of digital nomadic workers. 2) health and productivity. In lots of knowledge intensive industries, office space is being shut down very fast. If you need to work somewhere quiet and private, millions of people would only have their own bedroom and this could be a great alternative!
  - giantg2 6y ago
    But if you're travelling, wouldn't you just AirBnB? Would a stranger's extra room be better than one's own room? I guess I'm just not seeing the benefit.
    - willbenito123 6y ago
      Really good points and we are thinking hard about those. It would inevitably be different to Airbnb in price, location and opportunity. People are increasingly looking to explore non-conventional holiday/working destinations. In some circumstances another room might be better. If yours is small/loud/unproductive/depressing etc.
frompdx 6y ago
Nope, I value my space. Besides, I already use my house for my own workspace. - Extra bedroom = office - Basement = gym - Everything else = room to pace around.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Thanks for the reply - if you worked in an office / somewhere else would you ever let someone use your office space if you could make income from it?
  - frompdx 6y ago
    Definitely not. I don't feel comfortable with the idea. It also really cramps my style if I decide I want to stay home one day.
sevilo 6y ago
No, I don't want to have other people here when I'm here. I pay more just to avoid having roommates etc.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Would you be happy for people to work in your place if you were out at work all day? Lots of Airbnb hosts never meet their guests!
bagacrap 6y ago
If I have extra space in my home, why wouldn't I just Airbnb it out? The guest can work there if they want, sure. But I doubt they want to pay as much as someone on holiday.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  1) Potential to do both if you live there but work in an office, you can rent out your own desk with an Airbnb guest in a spare room. 2) I think the price point is much lower and definitely depends on a different set of criteria like WiFi speed, quietness, privacy etc. 3) People might not want the hassle of an overnight guest, but would prefer an extra person just during working hours.
sdevonoes 6y ago
No way. At least there people willing to pay me 1000$/hour.
facorreia 6y ago
No way.

Airbnb for workspace - $ by the hour during the week?

Not a chance. But I would never AirBnB a space in my home either. I bought it so I don't have to share space with other people.

nxpnsv 6y ago
My sentiment also.
- willbenito123 6y ago
  Interesting to hear. What are the blockers? Feel like this would be very much for people who are happy with both / either.
  - bluefirebrand 6y ago
    I'm a private person, I don't like other people in my space much. They are noisy, disruptive, messy and overal generally very annoying. I also don't really trust people to be in my space when I'm not there so that's a non-starter. The sharing economy is incomprehensible to me. I have no interest in participating in it.
    - willbenito123 6y ago
      Fair enough! Suppose this wouldn’t be for you ... would you trust people more with a peer review system like Uber / Airbnb?
      - slipheen 6y ago
        Speaking only for myself, no that would make no difference whatsoever. I don't want people in my house. It's my house, that's the point of it being my space. I understand that sometimes people are in an economic situation where they need to make certain choices, but I would be much more likely to move to a different region and have a smaller place to myself. I don't want people here, unless I explicitly invite them and allow them
      - bluefirebrand 6y ago
        Nope because those systems can't be trusted either.
  - nxpnsv 6y ago
    I don't need the money nor the company, me and my family enjoy the space we have. If I was young urban and single perhaps, but probably I'd just have a smaller space.

hieu229 6y ago

If I was renting, that'd help me save some money When I was studying oversea (near a high cost of living city), I rented a 3 bedrooms house. Then rented out other bedrooms spaces and didn't have to worry about the rent. At that time, I think I would rent out working space

willbenito123 6y ago
This was initially the idea! For students / young professionals to rent out spare rooms in their house. Especially if they are going into work or campus, they can earn a bit of extra income. This is essentially very similar and you could even rent out accommodation and working space.
- hieu229 6y ago
  I was in the situation and definitely agree with it. I also had a few AirBnB to fill up the places when there was spare bedrooms. It was great and ofcourse, there are the dark side to watch out when you want to implement it.
  - willbenito123 6y ago
    Yeah, definitely still privacy / safety / legal concerns. Ever have any problems yourself?

jschveibinz 6y ago

This is a good question, but I don’t think this is analogous to AirBnB. A workspace is more of a long term thing rather than a day or two, and probably not in line with zoning or hoa restrictions. I wish that there were temperature controlled warehouses divided up into project spaces. I would rent one of those in a heartbeat.

willbenito123 6y ago
I think that depends on what you do as a job. For some people a one day break in a new location could be stimulating and healthy. Appreciate that for others its a different story. One way this could go is a week/two week room swap that includes accommodation AND a work space. That gets difficult for logistics though...
shoo 6y ago
Different types of work require specialised equipment and need different kinds of work space. For a kind of work that's clearly not a great fit for renting out your house: a restaurant. Why exactly might it be a poor fit? Restaurant needs a good location, ideally with enough passing foot traffic of punters who are looking to dine out. The building needs specialised equipment, e.g. commercial kitchen, a place for the customers to dine, a toilet they can use. Interior likely needs to be decorated a bit. There will be various health and safety regulations that the space would need to comply with. In order to attract the custom of bunch of regulars, the restaurant needs to remain in the same place. Trying to summarise & generalise -- what might be the downsides of renting a working space from someone's home? * some specific kinds of workplaces are subject to additional regulation. getting the regulation may require making improvements/changes to the house and wrangling with bureaucracy * probably not a good fit for businesses that need to attract lots of passing walk-in customers, or need a workplace that presents a veneer of a professionalism to build credibility when meeting customers * probably not a good fit for businesses that need longer-term lease arrangements, or the _option_ of longer term lease arrangements * probably not a good fit for businesses that need specialised equipment that needs to be lugged about * probably not good fit for businesses that need to make physical changes to their workspace What would the advantages be to the potential renter, compared to alternatives of longer-term commercial leases with more ability to customise workplace, or shorter-term more flexible leases in shared spaces dedicated to working? (e.g. co-working spaces that also rent access to photocopiers/reception/fancy address/meeting rooms; co-working hacker/maker spaces that also rent time-share access to expensive tools & machinery like cnc machines; ...)

1123581321 6y ago

No, because cleaning and fielding questions would be too much for the price that hourly co-working could command.

willbenito123 6y ago
Wonder if annoying housemates would be evaded by peer rating systems. i.e. people who left a mess / required lots of cleaning would get a low rating and thereafter struggle to use the platform.

bradlys 6y ago

Unless I start owning a mansion, unlikely. I don’t see myself having extra rooms for people to just work in. And if I did, office space would be extremely cheap to the point of why bother working in someone’s home?

willbenito123 6y ago
This is interesting feedback. Even a kitchen table could be interesting for people without plausible alternatives. Alternatively, if you go to work in the day, you could rent out any spare desk space that you would otherwise use if you were at home.
- bradlys 6y ago
  To me, I think there’d have to be a bigger sell... as a buyer, why would I rent office space in someone’s house instead of an actual office? Ok, maybe cheaper. Ok but what about benefits? Is it just a desk in a room? What about food, the environment, etc? And why would I rent space in someone’s house instead of just paying for a bigger place on my own? I get the idea maybe you’re visiting somewhere and need somewhere to work but then I’d have a hotel or an office space wherever I’m visiting because I’m visiting their office. To me, I’m not seeing it as a customer or as a seller. Selling just an office desk space is like selling 40sqft of rental space but on an hourly basis but without all the benefits of a large office environment. I don’t see it. I’d probably just rather setup a desk in my own bedroom than commute to someone else’s house and rent a desk in their spare room.
  - willbenito123 6y ago
    I think this is really helpful and I guess this question is about the USP. This is what I think it could be: - privacy - solo work space - change of environment = productivity + mental health benefits - community value (per WeWork, Airbnb etc) - Networking. People could share with like minded / same industry professionals to increase their personal exposure

hertzrat 6y ago

I would worry it wouldn’t be steady enough to make money, so I would lose out compared to renting a room out. I would have to require them to clean up after themselves too, and vet them like renters so I would feel safe with them in my home

willbenito123 6y ago
Thanks for the reply. I think there is strong potential to do both accommodation and workstation renting. Especially if you are out working during the day, you could actually rent out your own desk space, rather than additional space. Essentially you are right - unless offices close down big time, there is going to be less supply for workplaces than for holiday accommodation.

forgotmysn 6y ago

definitely not during COVID

willbenito123 6y ago
Fair enough...think this is definitely a post-COVID idea for legal and commercial reasons!

willbenito123 6y ago

Would love some feedback on previous players in this space pre the world of remote work who ran into problems. Breather, Spacehop, Vrumi

giantg2 6y ago

My biggest question about this is: What is the value proposition for the renter? Just renting out home space for working sounds like it would be likely have only the same amenities as the space the renter lives in. I just don't see much of a benefit.

willbenito123 6y ago
True. I think the value is twofold. 1) The community. Like similar platforms, this could spawn a like minded community of digital nomadic workers. 2) health and productivity. In lots of knowledge intensive industries, office space is being shut down very fast. If you need to work somewhere quiet and private, millions of people would only have their own bedroom and this could be a great alternative!
- giantg2 6y ago
  But if you're travelling, wouldn't you just AirBnB? Would a stranger's extra room be better than one's own room? I guess I'm just not seeing the benefit.
  - willbenito123 6y ago
    Really good points and we are thinking hard about those. It would inevitably be different to Airbnb in price, location and opportunity. People are increasingly looking to explore non-conventional holiday/working destinations. In some circumstances another room might be better. If yours is small/loud/unproductive/depressing etc.

frompdx 6y ago

Nope, I value my space. Besides, I already use my house for my own workspace. - Extra bedroom = office - Basement = gym - Everything else = room to pace around.

willbenito123 6y ago
Thanks for the reply - if you worked in an office / somewhere else would you ever let someone use your office space if you could make income from it?
- frompdx 6y ago
  Definitely not. I don't feel comfortable with the idea. It also really cramps my style if I decide I want to stay home one day.

sevilo 6y ago

No, I don't want to have other people here when I'm here. I pay more just to avoid having roommates etc.

willbenito123 6y ago
Would you be happy for people to work in your place if you were out at work all day? Lots of Airbnb hosts never meet their guests!

bagacrap 6y ago

If I have extra space in my home, why wouldn't I just Airbnb it out? The guest can work there if they want, sure. But I doubt they want to pay as much as someone on holiday.

willbenito123 6y ago
1) Potential to do both if you live there but work in an office, you can rent out your own desk with an Airbnb guest in a spare room. 2) I think the price point is much lower and definitely depends on a different set of criteria like WiFi speed, quietness, privacy etc. 3) People might not want the hassle of an overnight guest, but would prefer an extra person just during working hours.

sdevonoes 6y ago

No way. At least there people willing to pay me 1000$/hour.

facorreia 6y ago

No way.