Office Space Considerations For Your Business

Finding the right office space is even more crucial than locating the right place to live. Where a person lives is important for quality of life but finding the right spot from which to run your business is about survival. We've all seen those cursed places where every company or restaurant that opens its doors ends up closing them a short time later. Selecting the right address for your business can bring you more success and prosperity than a thriving bamboo plant. Here are 5 considerations to ponder:

Location: Just like a residential property, a prime consideration for a business' address is its location. Things to take a look at include crime rate, zoning, the surrounding businesses, how easy it is to locate for customers and clients and parking availability. The type of company inhabiting the space will have an effect as well. The use must match the zoning classification or the local municipalities will not give its stamp of approval for a permit to operate. Parking spots must be able to handle customers' vehicles or they will simply drive away. What's nearby will also have an impact. No one wants their swanky boutique right next door to a pawn shop.

Square footage: How much space do you truly need? It's important to think of future needs, too. Having room to grow is always a good thing if you can afford it. How many offices are desired? Is there storage space? Room for a staff room or reception area? Do the math and look at spaces that can accommodate your needs.

Amenities: There are a plethora of amenities out there including security provisions, equipment rentals built into the lease, HVAC systems, furnishings and even secretarial staff that is provided for a turn-key operation. Some rental contracts include remodeling while others must be constructed at the cost of the businessperson. It's important to add up all remodeling costs ahead of time to see if it's affordable for your cost overhead projections.

Cost: What can your company afford to pay for an office space? A brand new business will have to project budgets, but an established one probably has a pretty good idea of what their top dollar amount is. In some cases, the more years signed up for in the lease, the less expensive a monthly payment may be. It's crucial to give serious thought to how many years seems reasonable and feasible, however. Once a lease is signed, it's a legal commitment for better or for worse.

Curb Appeal: Curb appeal is crucial if customers and clients will be coming to an establishment. If it's a mail order business, it will still be important in hiring employees as no one wants to work at a dump. If customers are involved, curb appeal can be a make-or-break consideration. No one wants to frequent a shoddy and disheveled CPA office, day care center, restaurant or shop. Neglected and unsightly external appearances often translate into shoddy business practices, at least in the eyes of potential clients and customers.

Finding the right office space can help a company operate smoothly and to flourish. Taking the time to select the best spot is well worth the energy expenditure.