Finding office space can seem, daunting, but it does not have to be. When you start your own business, there is a long list of decisions you must make. The first focus will be on developing your business plan; once that is complete, the question quickly follows: "Where will I conduct my business?" Checking local rental listings online is the best and most straightforward way to find commercial real estate agents who work with renters. You can then connect with the experts for the best business space for rent and learn more about the property's features, including its type, configuration, furniture, parking facility, and much more.
Utilities
The utilities are the first items you should evaluate when determining your office space. What utilities does the building have, and what condition are they in? If you look at a building from the 1940s, some of the utilities, like the heater, air conditioner and electric wiring, are older and might not be up to par with newer buildings. For example, electric transformers are part of adequately functioning utility pieces; if damaged, there could be consequences in functioning. Ask the owner what condition the units and wiring are in. If the building is older, but updates were recently made, you should not have to worry about issues down the road.
Location
Location is vital when determining your office space. This will impact the value and rent of your room and make a difference in consumer and employee traffic to the building. Are you planning on having a storefront with an office in the back? Find a place that is easy to find for customers. A location with high foot traffic is even better, as this will increase your chance of consumers coming in off the street.
Location will still impact your employees if you are not planning a storefront but an office space only. A centralized building is likely more accessible for your employees, as the surrounding area is more developed and will have more people nearby. While a rural location might save on funds, keep in mind it might equate to a long drive for you and your staff. Whilst you don't need to lease office space in NYC central, choosing a location that is too difficult to get to can be detrimental when attracting customers and staff members.
Budget
Have a budget set before you start hunting for a location. You will tour places outside your means if you do not have an established budget. The last thing you want is to fall in love with the perfect setting only to realize you need more money to afford the monthly payments.
Similarly, evaluate the terms and conditions related to payments before deciding on a place. What is the fee for late payments? How long of a lease will the landlord offer, and is there a discount for a more extended agreement? Are you responsible for janitorial services? These factors will play into your budget and should be carefully considered before signing on the dotted line.
Style
The style and layout of the space are also crucial for determining your company's headquarters. While square footage is important, there are more elements to consider. For example, how many desks can you fit into the setting? Are there private offices or only open spaces? The open concept might not be the best style if you have multiple staff members needing a quiet place to work. Are there private restrooms for your employees or public toilets for the entire building? While this might not be a deal breaker, it is still worth considering.
Additionally, make sure you analyze the parking availability at the office. A large parking lot that easily holds all employees and consumers is ideal. However, if parking is limited or street parking is available, this will impact consumer convenience and how far you and your staff will have to walk to the office.
Related post: 6 Reasons You Should Prioritize Comfort in Your Office Space.
Picking an office location, while exciting, is a challenging task. There are numerous factors to consider and research before moving in. Take time to review the above details before deciding on a new space.
