Whether it’s your first rental or you’re moving for the umpteenth time, you can’t sleep on office space. The right one can do wonders for the business and boost everything from reputation to sales and profits.
Finding the perfect lease isn’t a walk in the park as it takes time. Why? It’s because there are various features to factor in before signing on the dotted line. Everybody knows about the location, yet not all entrepreneurs are perceptive enough to read between the lines.
With that in mind, below you’ll find four features you must consider before renting an office. The following will ensure your choice is the correct one.
Space For Growth
Yes, the plan is to increase the customer base and use the profits to expand. In that case, you’re going to need more room to maneuver so that it isn’t cramped and unproductive. However, shooting for the stars often means business owners forget to think about the potential pitfalls. After all, if the strategy tanks, you’re going to need to be able to cut back. Therefore, there needs to be room to move both ways depending on the circumstances. Regarding retreating, you may want the flexibility to find a tenant to share the bills.
Included Services
These are a fantastic way to cut down on the expenses of renting. Typically, a serviced office should come with cooking facilities and a kitchen for staff. Plus, it will provide a receptionist on the front desk to ensure the company comes across as professional. It may even include security arrangements, such as a night guard, to ensure the property is safe when no one is home. Services aren’t only money-savers – they provide flexibility. As a rule, the leases are short and that gives you scope to move out if it isn’t right.
The Exterior
The outside of the building is going to impact the public perception and your employee’s balance between work and life. For example, passers-by will notice a cluttered, unkempt exterior. As soon as they see it, they’ll think the company is the same which is why you need autonomy to hire landscape maintenance companies. No control over the location means your reputation is at the mercy of the landlord. From a work/life balance perspective, workers want an easy time. So, there is space for parking? Can you add more spots? Will it be free or will they have to pay? This can impact a person’s happiness in and outside of the office.
Hidden Costs
While a landlord may throw in a few bonuses, they may also try and get you to pay for stuff which isn’t your responsibility. There is no reason for a tenant to fund repairs as it’s the owner’s job. But, if they include it in the contract and you sign, the buck stops at your door. Always ask a lawyer to leaf through a deal and point out any potential anomalies.
Then, you can be certain the deal is a good one for the company, which is the most important point.