Choosing the Right office Space

Several studies show that a well-designed office is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to retain workers and make them more productive. General Electric, Microsoft, and major West Coast insurer Group Health are just a handful of major organizations reaping the benefits of smart, worker-oriented designs.

Choosing the right office space, whether for rent or purchase, for your business will have a big impact on how well your business runs. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the right space for your business.

Location
This is a very old adage that the most important aspect of an office is its location. This is particularly true if the business requires foot traffic. Think about who your customers are and narrow down the choices.

Determine Your Needs
This may sound obvious, but any business owner needs to think about the entire opperation, not just the front office. Look at the space in terms of how your customers will see it and how your employees will use it.

Assess the Building
It is important to look at the building as a whole. Many commercial buildings will publicize upgrades, but won’t talk about repairs.

Get Professional Help
Utilizing a real estate professional who specializes in office space, an office tenant representative, will reduce the amount of work substantially. A professional will be familiar with a variety of styles of office space around the area. When know what you are looking for and can communicate these needs clearly they will be able to show you properties that meet your needs.

Review the Lease
The final step is to review the lease very carefully before signing anything. Make sure you understand what you are responsible for and what the landlord is responsible for. It is a good idea to have a lawyer review the document.