BBB of
WESTERN MICHIGAN, INC
CONSUMER ARTICLE
Issued: 05-03-2011
Contact: Ken Vander Meeden
616-774-8236 or Email: bbbceo@iserv.net
www.bbb.org
Leasing
an Office Space That Works for You
If
your business is starting to take up more room than your home office has to
give, it’s time to think about moving your business out of your house. Taking the leap and leasing a commercial
office space can be a frightening prospect. But if you ask the right questions
and take the time to do your research, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls.
“Choosing the work
environment that’s right for you makes all the difference when it comes to your
overall productivity,” said Ken Vander Meeden, President, BBB of Western
Michigan. “An efficient work space allows
for an overall efficient work ethic.”
BBB
recommends considering the following when choosing a leasing space that’s right
for your business:
What are your
needs?
Before you start your search, spend some time thinking about what you need in
an office space. Don’t just consider how many employees you currently have;
seriously consider your company’s growth and estimate how many employees you’ll
gain over the course of a lease. The general rule for allotting space is 175 to 250 square feet of usable area per person. Also consider the common areas such as
break rooms, reception area, and conference rooms you and your employees will
need.
Get professional
help.
Finding the right commercial office space isn’t as easy as finding residential
property. Chances are you’ll need a realtor
to navigate you through the process of finding that perfect office space. Before you select your realtor, check out
their free BBB Business Review.
Location, Location,
Location.
The perfect location can often depend on what kind of business you run. If you regularly expect clients in your
office you’ll need a convenient, safe, location. Where is the competition
located?
Consider
safety and accessibility—parking, public transportation—as well as the
condition of the building and the neighborhood.
Will your employees be able to easily get to work?
Go ahead, kick the
tires. Take
a long hard look at the office space and assess the condition of the building.
Office space is typically broken down into three categories, Class A, B, and C
dependent on the location, age, condition, and amenities with Class A being
considered the highest quality. Ask the
landlord about recent improvements and upgrades as well as the condition of the
AC and heating units.
Also,
discuss with your landlord how much remodeling needs to be done to the office
space and determine who will foot the bill. You’ll need to consider the basics
such as new carpet, fixtures, and fresh paint as well as major interior
renovations such as constructing new walls.
Review the lease
carefully. It’s
time to get out the glasses because you need to make sure you read all of the
fine print of your lease. If you need
help deciphering the legalese of your lease, an attorney who specializes in
lease agreements can help negotiate the terms. Don’t be shy about negotiating;
this is a major investment and a big step for your company and you don’t want
to get locked into a bad deal.
For
more business tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.
