10 Things to Consider When Choosing an Office Space

Choosing the right office space is no small task. It’s an important decision that can either make or break a business. You have to think of the big impact it has not only on your day to day operations and brand image but your staff morale as well.

Aside from careful planning and real understanding of the company’s needs…

Here are 10 things to consider when choosing an office space:

1. Admirable

When it comes to first impressions in business, a professional yet inviting impression is best. Fair or not, you have only mere moments to make an initial impression on prospective customers and clientele, especially if you deal with upscale ones.

Don’t forget that small details matter, from a well-maintained and clean surrounding to smiling attendants at the entrance. The impact it will leave to potential customers and clientele will definitely make your business a cut above the rest. Not to mention the sense of pride and motivation employees will have working in an office with impressive conditions.

2. Accessible

Choose an office that’s easily accessible from a majority of key places. Locating and reaching the place shouldn’t pose a problem. An accessible workplace will maximize results that work in the favor of both your clients as well as employees.

3. Parking Space

The last thing you want is a great office with parking space issues. Make sure the office space comes with a lot of parking space, preferably for free. Clients with vehicles expect a level of convenience when parking. If a client has to drive around the block several times to find a space to park, it could potentially drive clients away to look for a similar business with better parking space options. As for employees, it could continually cause them to run late because they have a hard time finding a parking space.

4. Amenities

Employees nowadays prefer working in an office that gives value to the work/life balance. By having various amenities within their own premises or somewhere close by, a more enjoyable and collaborative environment is achieved. These amenities include restaurants, cafes, malls, fitness centers and recreation rooms.

5. Reputation

The reputation of the local area can have a big impact on the way potential clients see your business. Your staff and visitors will feel safer visiting your office if the area has a good reputation.

6. Size

Calculating the right amount of space for your company’s plans is important. It should be big enough to comfortably accommodate all your furniture, computer systems and staff. To be on the safe side, you can do a ‘test fit’ of the space before deciding on a property.

7. Price

When choosing a new office, price is probably the most important thing to consider. Settling for an office you’re not totally happy with might lead you to move out in just a couple of months while gambling on a pricey office might lead you to financial woes. The solution is to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Don’t hesitate to negotiate to reduce the costs before signing on the dotted line.

8. Repairs

Make sure to read and fully understand the repair obligations in the contract.  You’ll want this clause to specify what you are and aren’t required to do to keep up the property and building, and what the landlord’s duties are. The way the responsibilities are shared depends on common sense and your own negotiating power.

9. Security

It’s important for clients and employees to feel safe when they are inside or within the building’s vicinity. They should feel safe when travelling to and from it by local transport and even when commuting on foot.

10. Infrastructure

Businesses today have a greater demand of not only the fitting out of the office space but also any other generic equipment required to make the office usable such as the provision of IT infrastructure, telecoms and office furniture. Thinking about the suitability for all these can save time and money later.

It is easier to look for the perfect office space if your search is more defined. Do your research and never rush into a decision that you may regret later.

Do you have other things to suggest when looking for an office space? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section.

Looking for an office space? Contact us now and we’ll help you find the perfect spot.