Thanks to Austin Distel for sharing their work on Unsplash.
Over 600,000 new businesses start up in the United States alone every year. Thanks to advancements in technology, many of those businesses are “at home” or able to survive remotely.
But so many startups need a more concrete place to call home. So, knowing how to find a suitable office space for your business is essential, no matter what you do.
Finding an office space for rent might seem easy, but there are many things to consider before signing an agreement and moving into a location. Unfortunately, it can become a bit stressful if you get overwhelmed by the office-hunting process.
So, take a deep breath. Let’s cover a few tips on finding the perfect office space for your business venture. Doing so can help you to start on the right foot and focus on growing your business from the ground up.
Pay Attention to the Space You’ll Need
You might be a small business now, but do you see yourself always being that way? Do you want/need room to grow? How many employees do you plan on having? What do you want your office culture to look like?
Those are all questions you should ask yourself about space. Everyone in your office should be able to move freely and comfortably.
A 1,000-square-foot office space is excellent for anywhere from 4-6 employees. But, if you plan on growing and hiring more people, you will want to consider that before you decide on the perfect spot. No one wants to be cramped or feel like they don’t have enough space at work.
When crafting the ideal office space for your new business, consider the unparalleled versatility and durability steel building kits offer. Unlock the potential of your workspace by exploring steel building kits size information, ensuring a seamless fusion of functionality and modern design to enhance productivity and foster a conducive work environment. Elevate your business to new heights with a thoughtfully designed office space that reflects innovation and efficiency.
Think outside the box
When it comes to your business officer or commercial space, it is often a difficult decision to make. Not only do you need to find the perfect location, the ideal amount of space but also at the right sort of cost. Often an option not really considered is to create your own space. It might be that you could work from home initially and then use a prefabricated building for stock and other spaces for people to work in packaging or logistics. You could speak with steel building designers and find you get to create the perfect space for your business without the issue of finding one already there ready and waiting.
Consider Long-Term Building Protection
Creating an office space isn’t just about interiors and layout—it’s also important to think about how you’ll maintain the building over time. Exposure to the elements can lead to wear and tear, especially on the roof, which can be costly to repair if neglected. For this reason, some business owners choose to invest in protective solutions that enhance the building’s durability and energy efficiency. One such solution is Commercial Roof Coatings. These coatings add a layer of protection to your roof, helping to prevent weather damage, improve insulation, and extend the lifespan of the structure. By including roof coatings in your maintenance plan, you can reduce energy costs and avoid unexpected repair expenses, ensuring that your workspace stays comfortable and well-protected for years to come.
Work With Someone You Trust to Find a Place
One of the best things you can do to ensure you find a great space is to talk to other business owners you know. Ask who they worked with to find their current space. If they have a particular real estate agent in mind, you can feel more comfortable using that person.
Many times, finding success in any industry depends on who you know. If your fellow business owners or someone you trust has a glowing review of a specific agent or agency, you can feel better about working with their recommendation.
It’s never a good idea to start looking for office spaces blindly with an agent who has never done commercial real estate before. Working with someone who has been in the industry for a while will help ensure that you’re looking at the best possible locations at the best prices.
Another consideration when looking for commercial real estate is ensuring that your future office will be clean and free of unwanted guests, aka pests. Utilizing professional pest control organizations like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/exterminator/illinois/ will help keep your office space free from pests.
Thanks to Dane Deaner for sharing their work on Unsplash.
Set Up a Co-Working Space
Most business start-ups don’t have a massive budget for renting or buying an office. But that doesn’t mean you must compromise on a safe, quality space for your employees. One way to afford a great space is to turn it into a co-working building (often called a co-op).
When you start a co-working space, you can open up your options for the type of building you choose. You can even design the outside of your office to reflect that you’re a co-working space and are open to other businesses joining.
In a co-op, multiple businesses work under the same roof. You might have closed-off spaces for each business or one giant, open space where everyone does their own thing. The beauty of a co-working space is that all companies that use it contribute to things like rent and utilities. It’s a great way to save money while working in a quality space, especially when starting.
Think About Your Employees
If you’re starting a business with a small, core group of employees, consider their needs and wants when looking for an office space. Choosing a central location for your space will make it easier and more convenient for your employees to get to work daily.
It would be best if you also considered looking at adjustable chairs for your team because your employees may not request them. Still, they’ll make a huge difference in protecting your team's physical and mental well-being if they have comfortable and adjustable chairs.
Finding space off the beaten path can often save you money, but it also shows that you aren’t keeping your employees’ best interests at heart. One way to make sure everyone is happy with the space is to include your employees in the search or have them go along with you to look at potential options.
Everyone will always have an opinion, and considering those is essential while choosing an office space. Starting your business with happy, content employees will make it easier for them to want to put in the hard work so your business can grow.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Have you found the perfect space, but it’s a bit out of your price range?
Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better deal with the owner or landlord. People are often willing to negotiate back and forth, especially when a place has been on the market for a while. After all, receiving some payment is better than leaving space vacant and not getting paid for it.
Try to aim to lower the rent anywhere from 5-10%. That might seem like a lot, but you might be surprised at how easy it is to get landlords to go down if you have the right negotiating skills. Come prepared to talk about why you feel the rent should be lower. Maybe the building is in a non-marketable neighborhood, or perhaps you’ve researched what other buildings charge for rent space. Whatever the case, be sure to back up your request with facts and figures.
Finding a new office space for your business should be exciting, not scary! It’s another positive step to getting your business off the ground. So, consider these suggestions as you search for the perfect space. Staying focused on what you want and need for an office will make the process much easier and less stressful.
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