10 Things to Consider When Looking for Office Space
Ideas and innovation light the fire in a company… but practical considerations keep those embers alive. When you get down to brass tacks, choosing the place in which you will conduct business is critical. It sends a message to investors, employees, clients, customers, visitors, and the public: This is who we are, this is how we operate, this is what we can do for you. Understandably, looking for office space to rent can be overwhelming; let’s make it easier.
Private Office Space Selection Criteria
Top of mind when you’re looking for office space to rent:
1. Location, Location, Location
You had to know this was coming! Location is one of the most critical aspects to consider when you are looking for office space to rent. You need to be accessible to your team, customers, clients, partners, and investors. It needs to be easy to get to you, to park, to access transit solutions, to get food, to run errands, to get a great cup of coffee….
Location is everything. It either puts you in the hub of the action – or out on the outskirts. This, too, sends a message to stakeholders.
2. Price
“Location, location, location” may be the mantra for real estate folks, but “budget, budget, budget” may ring truer to startups, small businesses, and companies at pivotal points in their growth. Price is nearly always a factor. If you scrimp a bit too much, you end up with a subpar space and location. If you overextend, you struggle to pay the rent. Neither scenario is optimal – or good for morale.
Ask yourself: can I pay the deposit? Can I make the lease for a year? How about for the term of the agreement? Are there hidden costs (e.g. maintenance, extra parking, utilities, wi-fi) that will derail our budget?
3. Design and Layout
It may seem like a “want” more than a “need,” but the design and layout of your office space works to convey a message to clients, customers, employees, and others who are critical to the success of your business. Weigh functionality and visual appeal. Is it restrictive? Or will the space accommodate your evolving needs?
4. Size
Ideally, you’d have 70 square feet per employee. Sounds pretty luxe, right? But this includes desks, offices, conference rooms, storage, break rooms, cabinets, equipment, gear, etc. You also need to anticipate future growth. Will you need to add staff to accommodate expansion?
5. Meeting Space
This is an offshoot of design and layout, but it deserves special attention! If you think one conference room is enough… find a space with at least two. You’re going to need it. Look for a situation where you will have sufficient meeting space. There may be shared facilities that you can leverage to cut costs. Even if you love the open office concept, you still need private spaces for client meetings, presentations, pitches, etc.
Shared facilities can help you shave some digits off your budget, so consider spaces that allow this flexibility.
6. Connectivity
Can you run your business without reliable, seamless access to the latest technology? Not many of us can. Workplaces are becoming inextricably interconnected, and your office space needs to keep pace. You need, as the least, the infrastructure to support blazing fast wi-fi in both business-related and public areas.
7. Parking
Parking is often an afterthought, but it plays a central role in accessibility and convenience. If it’s a hassle to get to your location, why should customers, clients, partners, investors, etc., bother when competition may be just down the road – with great parking?
If you are in an area that is more inclined towards public transportation, parking may not be as important. It’s critical that you evaluate your location, as well as the needs of those who will access your business.
8. Landlord/Owner
Entering a lease can be risky business. Once you’re in, you’re locked in. Will you be able to have a productive relationship with the landlord/owner? Are they responsive? Do they communicate effectively? How is their customer service? Before you sign on the dotted line, take the time to sit down and “interview” your prospective landlord.
9. Flexible Space
More and more of us are opting to work remotely. But that doesn’t mean your people don’t need connection or structure. Do you have space for your remote folks or freelancers? Even a hot desk in a central area can show them they have value to your organization.
Flexible space can also be used for brainstorming, group projects, impromptu meetings of the mind, and much more!
10. Style
We have emphasized that your location, amenities, and services are a reflection on you as a business. When looking for office space to rent, one significant consideration is the style and aesthetic of the building/area. Does it convey the message you want your shareholders to receive?
Revolutionize Your Business With Office Evolution
When you are looking for office space to rent, consider innovative solutions that may present an attractive alternative to traditional leases. Office Evolution provides private executive offices, day offices, desks, coworking lounges, conference rooms, and ancillary services that allow you to contain costs, enjoy an exclusive location, and run your business from a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and transportation.
Get in touch with our team today and see how we can fulfill all of your communal and private office space selection criteria. We’ll take care of the details, so you can get back to work.