Renting an office for your business is not always the easiest task. You need to think about space, your corporate image, price, and lots more.
The second the lease is signed, your attention switches to the day-to-day operations of your
business. The office you’ve selected for your business is no longer a physical structure, but a complex operation that supports the day-to-day operations of your business.
To find the right office space for your business, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Space needs
How much space do you need?
You should consider how much space is needed for your employees, clients and customers. If you are working with a team or a team of freelancers, you may want to check on the size of a workspace that can accommodate all the team members.
If you want to find a larger space, you need to check on larger buildings. You also need to factor the cost into your overall plan. If you are looking to lease a suite or small building, you may want to consider a larger area.
If your business is expanding or scaling down, you’ll need to constantly monitor your office and make changes to ensure that it continues to be a conducive environment for your employees,
customers and clients. You may also want to consider a safe and secure self-storage facility for certain categories of your business equipment.
Cost of living
If you are planning to move your business to another city or area, check on the cost of living. This means checking on the cost of food, transportation and utilities in the location.
When looking for office space, it’s important to find the right fit for your business. If your business is in a location with a higher cost of living, you should consider a more expensive office. If your business is in an area with a lower cost of living, you may want to consider a lower cost office. The location of the office is the key factor when choosing office space.
What kind of equipment will you need?
You need to find a space that has the equipment, systems, and computer equipment that you need. Will they have a phone system? Will there be internet access?
Do they have a backup system such as a fail-over power supply? Are there any security and surveillance features in place to protect your business?
Can the office be expanded? Is there room or space for growth – in the event that your business is expanding or scaling down?
Do you need a separate workspace for your clients?
If you are planning to offer your services to clients, you will need to find a space that has a private office or meeting room. This will help your clients feel more comfortable when meeting with you. Will the office have a separate phone line or a separate billing system?
What are the physical features of the office space?
Consider the look and feel of the office. Do you want to see a clean office space or do you prefer a more lively, bright office? Do you want to be surrounded by other businesses or do you prefer to be surrounded by green trees and grass?
What is the cost of the office space?
Look at the cost of the office space. The office space rental price includes the rent, building taxes, service charges, etc.
Do you want a short-term lease option? You may need to find an office space that can be rented for less than 6 months. If you are looking for an office space that can be rented for 6 months or longer, you may want to consider a long term lease.
Flexible workspace
Consider the flexibility of the space. If your team or freelancers need to work from home, check on the availability of a workspace with computers, printers and faxes.
Are there meeting rooms for your team? Find out if the office space has meeting rooms that are available for meetings and training.
Also, check on the availability of parking space. Will you have to pay parking fees or will there be a garage or parking lot?
Takeaway
Finding the perfect office space is an important part of your business planning. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. You need to have the right mindset and be realistic when searching for the perfect office space. The ideal space for your business will take into consideration the factors listed above.
