If you’re in the market for new private office space, you may discover there is much to consider before renting space. Location and amenities are one thing. Hidden fees and tenant remorse are another. This article covers 7 things you need to consider when looking for a Private Office Space.
Location is twofold: first is the proximity of the building to key resources (such as highways, train stations, restaurants, parks, etc.) and second, of your office to internal business areas (printing, reception, lobby, kitchen, etc.). Another matter to consider is parking. Is this included? Will you be able to avoid the elements?
For many companies, the biggest problem they face is finding a space that allows them to collaborate as effectively as possible within the designated workspace. They want to feel as comfortable as possible in their new home. And one way that they achieve that is by providing them with flexibility.
Flexibility is important because it allows you to use your workspace as much as you want to. You shouldn’t need to adjust your work schedule to adhere to the weird whims of offsite bureaucratic management. You should be able to choose different times of day when you would want to come and work, night and day, 365 days a year. Flexibility is one of the things that an owner of a private office space can give to their employees.
This flexibility also refers to the lease term. Is it month to month? Do you need to sign for 5 years upfront? What if circumstances change quickly? Flexible leases are less expensive to start out because they feature reduced occupancy costs. And reduced occupancy costs are fantastic things to look for when trialing a new office space. Your renter should be able to clearly explain the different options you have at your disposal.
Some workspaces are extremely quiet and don’t offer much social interaction. Others have a ping pong table right next to you that is always in use. It’s important to find what works for you, and be able to book a tour and test it out. Some spaces are not ideal for those who require the same amount of flexibility in their work but expect more freedom in their working environment.
Here are some of the types of offices you should consider:
Shared offices usually allow for more social interactivity and allow freelancers to have more contact with co-workers. Some of the most popular shared working spaces are available to freelancers on-demand. For instance, if you need to post an ad for a certain project, you can simply have someone else show up and take care of it.
Private offices have become more flexible because of the advancements in technology. Businesses of all sizes are trying to save money and create the most workable employee relations possible. When using private office space, there are some more things to consider. Is it move-in ready? Does it have a desk, coffee table, chairs, lamps, bookshelves, phones? If it’s already furnished, does the furniture meet your needs? For example, some private offices have very solid wooden desks while others have glass desks. Some have printers already available, other printers might be a short walk away.
Perhaps you thought you could get away with using a hotel’s conference room, only to discover a significant charge on your credit card. With as-needed Office space, you can take advantage of private, furnished offices that can be used when you need them most. These offices can be rented by the hour, day, or week.
A virtual office rental is an ideal chance to taste the real estate without the risk of tenant remorse. But, first, you have to go through the actual office space firsthand during your daily workday. This is the only way to really understand how the actual space works and what amenities are offered/able. Virtual Offices also allow you to leverage all the perks of a physical office without having to actually work there. These perks could include Lobby directory listings, Mail and package handling, as-needed use of the amenities, a dedicated phone number with receptionists and voicemails… the list goes on.
Whether it’s a formal board meeting, a training session with new hires, a small-brainstorming session with colleagues, or a function, you need to examine what options are available to you. You may have just signed a one-year lease at your new office building, only to discover that you won’t be able to have in-person meetings without driving to the nearest library. Fortunately, we have you covered in that department, with a variety of meeting spaces to choose from.
You have to think about the size of your office and what features you will be able to use. There are tiny spaces out there, or there are multi-room executive suites that are flexible but do not allow you much leeway. You will also have to consider the number of people that will be using these spaces so you get one that has enough space for everyone.
Owing to Covid-19, most office spaces will be enforcing stricter safety protocols, such as reduced occupancy and a disinfecting regimen. When venturing into a new workspace, be sure to see what measures are in place to ensure the safety of all tenants.
You also want to know that you can leave your items in your office and expect them to be there the next day. When touring the space, see what measurements they’ve taken to ensure that your space remains your space only.
Some cakes come without icing. Some ski slopes don’t have enough snow. Some office spaces don’t have rich amenities that make your experience enjoyable. Amenities are what separate entry-level operations from established enterprises like ours that have serviced clients for decades.
You should be at least checking off the following:
If there are any must-haves you’re looking for that you aren’t seeing online or in-person, speak with a member of the team to see what they can do for you.
Every operation you’re looking at should have reviews available online that you can explore to garner better insight into the office space, its values, and what it can do for you. We’re proud to have been in business for over 20 years and we believe that you are our number one priority. Our clients can voice for that.
There are many things to consider when looking at office space rental. Whether you are looking to buy or rent space, it’s always a good idea to go with something that will suit you and your needs. It’s always good to get things together early so you can look at designs and styles and amenities before you make any commitments. Get ideas from different places, other businesses in the area, and even take a look online. There are many things to look for when choosing a flexible, virtual, or private office space rental.