During the past few years, many of us went remote. Working from home gives us the much-needed freedom and an opportunity to save hours on commute. But at the same time, we lack in-person communication and notice that some processes slow down. That is why more and more people scroll office listings in the USA, searching for a nice and comfortable working space nearby.
The process of renting commercial real estate is not as simple as it seems at first. But with our list of the main things to consider, you will surely succeed!
1. Appropriate budget
First of all, you should set a clear budget that won’t put your company in debt. Don’t pour all the money into renting because there will be additional expenses along the way: taxes, maintenance, security, and so on. Business requires investments, so you should have enough free money for growth and development.
2. Preferred location
Another important but tricky criterion is location. The office should be situated in a pleasant and comfortable area that your clients will easily find. Your employees should also have a chance to get to their workplaces as quickly and trouble-free as possible. Finally, it must have transportation hubs nearby for convenient commutes and cafes and walking areas to have a pleasant time throughout the day.
3. Suitable office type
There are many types of office spaces, each of which has its pros and cons. The main options are separate desks, independent suits for small teams which are not ready to commit to long-term rentals, private offices for 10-15 people, and big offices with annual leases and all the necessary amenities. To find the right place, you should know what you are looking for.
4. Rental and related charges
As we have already mentioned, the rental price is not the only cost item when it comes to finding an office. There are additional expenses you should be aware of. For example, real estate manager commission if you hire someone, equipment rental fees, and taxes. Additional fees can also be seen when you utilize an after hours answering service. When signing a rental agreement, make sure that all additional fees are mentioned, so they won’t become an unpleasant surprise in the future
5. Rental duration
Each office has its own approach to rent duration, so you need to understand in advance which option suits you better. All terms are divided into flexible and fixed. As you understand, a flexible lease doesn’t have a specific end date and allows paying on a daily or monthly basis. This option is preferable for startups and businesses with a tight budget. The biggest advantage of fixed rent is that you know exactly how much you’ll need to pay before the end of the agreement.
6. Amenities included
To work effectively, you and your team need more than a desk and a roof, so evaluating what amenities the space offers is an important step. We are talking about good Internet, all the necessary furniture including comfortable chairs, conference rooms, coffee machines, printers, equipment for presentations, and so on. Fully-equipped space can double or even triple your efficiency, so try finding an office with all these goodies in the oven.
7. Open space
Luckily, the days when we worked in cubicles and small offices are in the past. Nowadays, most areas are spacious enough to let you breathe freely and avoid the feeling of being trapped in a cage. Open space is good for communication and reduces stress in a long run. We also recommend checking out if there is enough natural light in the office.
8. Surrounding areas
Once you come to the potential office, take some time to have a walk around the building. The location should not only be easy to access but have a parking area for cars and bikes, as well as coffee shops and cafes for those who prefer eating outside during lunchtime. A park or at least a fountain with benches will also be a big plus.
9. Office security
Another important thing to consider when choosing an office for rent is its security. No matter how beautiful and affordable the area may seem, it should in the first place give a sense of protection to all your team members. The main things to check out are access with a personalized pass, cameras both inside and outside the office, and equipment for cases of emergency. It is a big plus if the building has security guards and receptionists that meet visitors.
10. Kitchen and dining areas
If you plan to spend a full day in the office, there should be an equipped and convenient place to have a meal. Check out whether the kitchen has microwaves, toasters, and fridges. There should also be a separate clean and calm dining area, so your workers won’t have to eat at their desks. Make sure that there is always enough tea, coffee, water, fruits, and snacks.
Wrap-up
Finding the right office for rent is not easy. You need to consider its size, price, location, lighting, amenities, security, and a bunch of other factors. You should also walk around the neighborhood and ensure that your team members will easily get to the office. But all these efforts eventually pay off because your office becomes a comfortable place where you spend your days. So waste no more time, register at a trusted office listing, and be the first to rent the space of your dreams.
