I am interested in knowing how to start a cake business from my home. I want to build a small building beside my house but I don't know what kinds
of equipment is required. Does everything have to be commercial?
of equipment is required. Does everything have to be commercial?
I just built a seperate building for my bakery. The cost was about $7500, not including the equipment. I already had the equipment from my previous bakery. I had bought some property that had a house on it but did not want customers in my house, that is my private domain. Where I live I did not have to have all commercial equipment, however I was required to have a 3-compartment sink, a seperate hand sink, a vent-a- hood for over the ovens, fire extinquishing, etc. I use stainless prep tables, have seperate freezers and refrigerators and proofers. I have a seperate water heater for the bakery. I do not have restrooms as I am not selling retail items from my shop. I strickly do custom orders and they just pick them up, or I deliver. I use stainless bakers racks for dry storage, and stainless shelving for food items. I have a seperate area for all my cake decorating stuff, which we put in peg board covering the decorater area, this way I can hang alot of stuff. I made sure I had plenty of additional counter tops in case I had more then one project going. As the others have said you'll have to check in your area for the requirements, but planning is crucial. Its a big step to start a business, just make sure you have all your ducks in a row. It would be a shame to go to the expense of building a place and find out later you can't do it. Check your zoning ordinances also. Lots of Luck to you.
It would be so helpful to see your set up, and inspirational, too! 
