Lease a Salon or work from home?

Hi!! 
I've not posted on here for ages, but today I have a question to put out there...

I have been working from home in a rented house for 1.5 years which my private landlord is ok about.  I have a fairly good regular client base.  I have kept the grooming to about 3 or 4 a day so as to not annoy the neighbours (whose dogs I do anyway!).  Sometimes I'm busy, sometimes like now it's winter it's very quiet.  I've groomed for about 10 years but left the UK and set up here so it's been hard starting afresh!

A potential salon lease has come up in a great position right opposite a popular vets.  The space is HUGE (far too big for me but could be shrunk down with clever parti walls etc)... The location is great and the price is do-able considering I should get a few more clients.  I've always dreamed of owning a salon. I was mobile in the UK and worked from home here, but would love a "real" shop    

I just can't make my mind up whether to sign the lease (one year to start) or to keep working at home with the risk that my landlord won't renew my lease at home in September.
 I'd be hard pushed to find a landlord as easy going and with the workshop space and good neighbours again, but it's been great being home for my young daughter during holidays and after school.

I'm absolutely torn between setting up an official salon (and paying the rates/rent there as well as my rent at home) but where I would be seen by thousands more people, or keeping going at home where it's pretty much word of mouth or random bookings.
How have any of you found the transition from home work to shop-keeper?
Does it add up? 

Do yourself a business plan to make sure it does add up for you. Over the years I have seen many a groomer move into premises with great success. If it does all add up then go with your gut and take the plunge. Seeing as you are renting I would do it as there is no security if the LL says ta ta 

Being near a vet will help for sure, where are they sending the clients now? Have a talk to them and plant the seed.

You will get busier, you have to educate your clients about winter so you dont have quiet times. I book my clients in up to 2 years in advance varying from every 4-8wks, winter is here so they still come here but they get a longer clip. This way it saves you busting your butt at the end of winter having all the shave offs in and nothing in winter

Make sure you run the business not the business run you, once you are all established there is no reason still not to enjoy your daughter at the shop 

Hope this help....

Chris...