Speedy Incorporation > Business Articles > Tips for Leasing Office Space
When you're looking for a place that your business will call "home", there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. Many small business owners don't know what to look for when scoping out potential spaces. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for an office space to lease.
Give yourself more time to find and lease a space then you think you will need. Finding the right space for you and negotiating the terms of the lease with the landlord can take much longer than expected, sometimes even months. You don't want to end up unhappy with your lease or your space because of time restraints.
Check out what other types of businesses are in the building. While they don't have to be the same type of business as yours, if you are going to be having clients come to your office, you want the other offices in the building to be professional.
Factor in ALL costs before you commit to your lease. Rent is not the only cost associated with leasing a space - find out approximately how much you're going to be paying in other bills (such as electricity and heat) and make sure that you factor that in to your budget.
Make sure that the building is up to date on all current building, fire, safety, zoning, and ADA codes. Also, if possible, negotiate with the landlord and have him guarantee the condition of the plumbing, electric, heating, and AC systems for at least the first 3 months, if not the whole lease.
Do your research. Look into how much similar spaces in the area that you are looking in are leasing for, and make sure that you don't overpay. Remember - this is a business transaction, and a landlord is going to charge you as much as he or she thinks he can get out of you.
Talk to the other tenants in the building. Ask them if they have had any problems with the building or with their leases. Chances are, if they have had problems, you will as well.
Think about the future. Do you see your business growing significantly in the next few years? Many offices lease for 3-5 years at a time, so if you see your business outgrowing the space, make sure that there is an expansion right in your lease. This will ensure that the landlord will be accountable for providing you with a bigger space should your business outgrow your office.
Think of the little things. Check out the bathrooms in the building. Ride on the elevators. Check out the parking situation - are there enough spaces in the parking lot, or will your employees need to find street parking? Is there an adequate security system in the building? Does the lobby of the building mesh with the image you want your business to project? By thinking of these things before signing a lease, you will save yourself a lot of stress later on.
It seems like a lot of things to take into consideration, but when you finally do find that perfect space for your business, you can rest assured knowing that you've covered all of your bases. Finding a space in which your business can grow and prosper is important, and once you're settled in, it will be worth all the time and effort.
Incorporate Online Now | Form an LLC Online Now
|
