If you’re on
the hunt for a new office space, there are lots of different things you should
consider. The office environment and location can have a huge impact on the
productivity and satisfaction of your employees, which is why it’s essential
you make the right decision. Your new office space will not only affect
employee morale and day to day business operations, but it can affect your
brand image too.
Finding the
right building for your business can seem like a daunting task. Not only do you
need to find somewhere that satisfies your clients and employees, but you also
need to find a space that is practical too. In addition, it’s imperative to
ensure the building is structurally sound and there are no issues that could
cause problems in the future.
Below, we’ve
put together a guide for what to look for when choosing your new office
building.
Find the right location
First and
foremost, it’s important to find the right location for your new business
building. The location can make or break a business, which is why it’s
essential that it is carefully considered. Every business needs a building that
is accessible - both in terms of location and access.
Look out for
buildings that have a designated car park so your employees can park with ease.
If there is no car park, look out for nearby parking. The last thing you want
is employees stressing each morning trying to find a space. It’s also important
to remember that not all of your employees will be getting to work via car.
Many employees may commute using public transport and therefore it’s important
that your space is accessible by public transport too.
It’s also a
good idea to choose an office building that is located near coffee shops, small
shops and restaurants to improve employee morale and ensure your staff have
somewhere to grab lunch or socialise after work.
Choose the right sized office
Obviously,
you’re going to need to find the right sized office. When choosing a building
where you plan to set up an office, make sure you think ahead to the future.
While you may be a small company now, do you plan to grow and expand your team
in the future? The last thing you want is to set up your business space and
settle in, only to have to move to a bigger building just a year or so later.
As a general
rule, it is recommended to allow at around 70 square feet per person. Make sure
the space you choose has enough storage space for all of your equipment and
items. Are there appropriate areas to hold business meetings? Is there space
for your clients to wait? Do you have somewhere your employees can relax when
they need a break?
Look out for the right facilities
With the
above in mind, it’s important to make sure the building you choose has all of
the facilities you need. Generally, there are lots of different facilities
offered by commercial office buildings so it’s important to focus on what your
business actually needs. If your business is client-facing and you often have
people in for meetings, you’ll likely need several meeting spaces and rooms
with enough power outlets to hold meetings and conferences. Perhaps you’d like
an outdoor space for your employees to enjoy or a separate space for them to
meditate and relax in.
The kitchen
area must be big enough for your employees to comfortably make and eat their
lunches. There should be enough room for fridges, microwaves and other utensils
your staff need to make their lunch.
Today, many
business buildings choose to give their employees space to work out during
their breaks. If this is something you’d like to incorporate into your work
space, you’ll need to keep it in mind when picking out the perfect commercial
building for your business.
Don’t forget to consider internet options
This may or
may not be important for your business, but it’s worth considering anyway. Very
little businesses can function without a reliable, fast internet connection and
the majority of businesses rely on it to operate efficiently and productively.
If you’re renting an office space, it may include internet access as part of the
rent. This can help save you some pennies
- just make sure you test the internet connection beforehand to ensure
it’s up to scratch.
If you’re
buying a commercial building, you’ll likely have to set up the internet
connection yourself. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of setting up an
internet connection! A speed test is a good way to check whether the service is
good.
Style
When
choosing the right office space, style may not be the first thing that comes to
mind. After all, your office should be practical and meet your needs before
anything else. However, the style of your office can have a big impact on the
way your clients see your business. Plus, a stylish office is far nicer for
employees to work in!
While your
office doesn’t need to look like it’s come straight out of an interior design
magazine, it does pay to have a good office image. If you’re a business that
hopes to become a ‘brand’, starting in a stylish office is a great place to
start.
When viewing
different buildings and spaces, try to picture your office. Would you be proud
posting pictures of the interior of your office on your website or for clients
to see? Is the space customisable? Although it won’t be the first thing at the
top of your list, style and appearance is definitely something to consider when
choosing the right commercial space.
The building
When
checking out the building, make sure it’s presentable and in a good state of
repair. Remember, the building is the first thing your clients are going to see
when they come in for a meeting - and first impressions really do count. The
state and condition of your building may affect the image portrayed to clients
which is why you should ensure it is in good condition.
However,
this isn’t the only reason it’s important to check the condition of the
building. Whether you’re leasing or buying the business space, you’ll have full
responsibility for maintenance and repairs. You don’t want to end up forking
out lots of money on repairs and maintenance throughout the year, so choose a
space that is in good condition. A property surveyor can help you with this.
Simon Levy Associates: chartered building
surveyors in Borehamwood, Watford and Greater London
As an expert
and independent firm of chartered building surveyors in Hertfordshire and
beyond, we have a range of experience surveying properties. Whether a
residential or commercial property, the experienced, skilled and expert team at Simon Levy Associates
can help identify any issues.
When
selecting a building, whether it’s for residential or commercial purposes, it
is absolutely essential that the property is in good condition. Whether the
property is decades old or a new-build, there may be underlying issues that an
untrained professional is unable to spot.
With over 30
years of experience, we provide impartial and expert property advice and can
survey your property, checking for defects along the way. Our dedicated team
will help you determine whether or not it’s a worthwhile investment.
For more
information about our services, visit our website.
