Leasing Office Space: 4 Most Important Considerations

For many businesses--especially small businesses and start-ups--it makes a lot more sense to lease an office space than it does to purchase outright. Still, regardless of your industry, there are some important factors (aside from price) that you need to keep in mind before you sign any kind of lease agreement.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Don't be fooled by a cheap monthly rental rate; you could be getting a bare-bones office space with no furnishings and a poor infrastructure, which will cost you a lot of money to handle on your own. Make sure you find out exactly what's included with your monthly rental, and don't forget about things like:

• phone access
• Internet access and speed
• janitorial services
• groundskeeping/maintenance

Often times, opting for a managed office (where you pay one flat rental rate for many inclusions) is the best choice for saving money and reducing stress.

Functionality

The square footage of an office space is an important consideration, but what really matters is how well the space can work for your needs. If you want an open, collaborative work environment for your employees, then 1,000 square feet of space isn't going to do you much good if it's all separated into small rooms and tiny spaces. Be sure to carefully consider the layout of the space and how it will work on a day-to-day basis with your operations.

Location/Accessibility

If you have a lot of employees commuting to work, then having a centralized location is vital. And if you're looking for office space in a busy metropolis area, make sure there's ample parking for employees who may be driving to work. Furthermore, if you have clients or business partners who will be visiting frequently, you should also consider the convenience of the office location from their end.

Potential for Growth

Finally, to avoid costly moving expenses, it's a good idea to lease an office space that gives your business some room to expand. If you need to hire a few more employees, for example, you'll want to make sure your office space can accommodate these kinds of changes as your business evolves. The same goes if you'll potentially need more room for inventory or supplies.

Shopping for business office spaces to lease can be an overwhelming experience at times, but by keeping these tips in mind along the way, you'll eventually be able to find the space that's right for your business, your employees, and your budget. Check out companies like Bklyn Commons to get started.

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