Tips For Finding An Office Space: Part 3

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August 13, 2015

Continued from Part 2

Understand What Your Lease Includes

The lease for your location may include a set of amenities or options that you will not have to pay for out of pocket. If not, you will need to weigh out the cost of those extra services to determine if the location is indeed right for you. Some inclusions for the lease may be:

  • Security: It is important to choose a location where your clients feel safe. Some security features to consider are an on-site security guard, surveillance cameras, security gates, or an on-call officer.
  • Marketing Options: Can you put a sign in the window, or is there a billboard available for your business logo? Is your name going to be visible at all from the outside of the building, and if not, will that hurt your business?
  • Office Equipment: Fax machines, printers, computers, and more may or may not be included with your office space.
  • Office Staff: Your lease may include a secretary or personal assistant that works for the entire set of office suites, or you may have to hire one on your own.
  • Maintenance Staff: Does the office provide janitorial services, yard work, bug prevention, etc.? Or will you have to pay for that on your own?
  • Mail Services: How will you go about collecting mail? Is there a designated mailbox at the office or a mailroom you can rely on? Some office suites require you to receive mail at the post office.
  • Furniture: Similar to office equipment, your office may include desks, tables, chairs, etc. that you need to run your business.

Look through your lease carefully so you understand what you’re really paying for. This will ensure that your office is worth the investment.

What kind of time commitment are you prepared to make?

Traditional leasing usually demands a 3-5 year commitment.  Determine how much time you can afford to lease.  If you’re just starting out, you probably need as little leasing commitment as possible, just in case you need to adjust your business plans.  In that case, a non-traditional leasing model might work better for you.

Virtual offices and business centers only require an average commitment of 3 months of commitment.  If you need more flexibility than that, some companies offer month-to-month contracts for everything from virtual offices to fully-equipped office suites.  That will give you the office you need without the burden of a long-term contract.

Compare Rent Prices To Find The Best Office For You

How does the rent rate for your desired office compare to other locations?  When you consider the amenities, location, budget, and value, make sure you are not sacrificing your the necessities for a lower rent.  Consider all of your options carefully, and figure out where you’ll get the most value for your money.