Start-up 101: How to land a suitable office space

Picking the location of your start-up is almost always a tedious process. Finding the best office space is crucial to the smoothness of business operations or executions. Data shows that landing the right type of office can impact the overall business performance and profitability.

It is vital that the following be considered before you sign off your business for the long haul:

• Business nature and culture

Knowing your business inside and out will help you choose the best location. The ideal office reflects company values and a space that can house all employees and their respective operations. Poor workplace planning can result in various forms of clutter. This can create an unproductive, unprofessional and accident-prone work environment.

The ideal office should always uphold your company culture given its positive effect in raising morale and the overall productivity of employees. Spaces that allow staff to work efficiently can help jumpstart the image and reputation that a business intends to build in the long run.

•  Value for money

One can only expect quality returns come from well-thought-out investments. It is important to evaluate prices and check for hidden charges. Start-ups should always calculate total costs including installations and possible renovations. Profitability of the business should still be of prime importance as the price and others leasing charges of the chosen office should be with the set budget.

• Space inspection

Businesses should always check whether or not the office layout is appropriate to their brand. Layout requirements vary depending on the equipment and furniture one needs to fit inside the space. Some spaces come with built-in lighting and air conditioning. It is wise to check whether or not the said fixtures are working. This will make the amenities of your future office more comfortable and safe for employee use.

Some spaces need to meet special business requirements. Client-facing operations need a reception area and a conference room to hold meetings in. Internet and telephone connection should also be checked along with its available parking spaces, pantry, and storage units.

• Location

Physical office spaces create the right impression for a business' prospective clients. Having a location they can visit and interact with you gives your business an air of credibility. Office placed in a prime location is also a good investment in the long run as it gives a much-needed boost to your company's branding and overall image.

In picking a location, one must remember that accessibility is always key. Be mindful of the convenience of employees by checking out roads, daily traffic flow and nearby establishments in your chosen location.

• Lease terms

Reading the terms printed in leasing contracts is as important as scoring the right location. It is advisable that all office space-related documents are reviewed thoroughly. Companies should feel free to clarify vague clauses and study the implications of each stipulation. It is also vital that hidden charges and other binding clauses are revealed to the parties involved before a transaction is sealed with finality. 

Finding a suitable space may appear as a tedious process but investing time lands you in the correct offices that will help in the long run. The best real estate decisions are guided with wise advisory and backed with professional assistance from industry experts.

Reach out to Gerold Fernando to help and assist you in canvassing for options, selecting sites, inspecting facilities and evaluating office layout and design appropriately. For more information, please contact (02) 403-5519 or send an email to [email protected].