Evaluate available office spaces before renting.
If you own a business and need to rent office space, first understand you must choose carefully: Your office space represents more than just a place to go and work; it represents a significant recurring capital investment that must work toward building your business. If you choose poorly, you will waste your money because your space might not help you grow sales or you might find it too expensive. If you choose well, your space will help grow sales and help establish your business. Learn recognize quality office space before starting your search.
Instructions
1. Compare the location to your commuting needs as well as your customers' needs, choosing one that represents a short commute for you but a centralized location for your potential clients. A long commute might wear on your schedule, and a non-central location might make customers look to your competitors.
2. Drive through desirable office parks in your area, looking for "for lease" placards. Take note of the contact name and phone number.
3. Ask the leasing contact about the office specifications, which include square footage, in-office bathroom or amenities like a receptionist. Square footage represents the size of the office, and typical executive offices range in size from 200 square feet to 500 square feet. In-office bathrooms provide extra convenience as compared with community bathrooms, and amenities like a receptionist can provide your business an added professional touch.
4. Ask the landlord or leasing contact about average utility costs, which include heating and air conditioning. You must include your utility costs in your monthly overhead, so you need to know what to expect.
5. Ask the landlord about monthly rent specifications, including monthly rent, late fees, and tiered payment structure. Monthly rent represents your monthly costs, and late fees include additional fees you must pay if you make a late payment. Tiered payment structures take into consideration the status of your business by allowing you to pay a lower monthly rent for the first year of business and a higher amount for the second and/or third years as your business grows.
6. Review the lease length, looking for a term length of one to two years, before signing.
