In the last post, we discussed some of the biggest beginner’s mistakes business owners make when choosing an office space to lease. However, there are several mistakes that still need to be addressed in order to give you complete knowledge of best practices when it comes to office space leasing. To avoid ending up with a commercial space that doesn’t suit your needs — or, worse, reflects poorly on your brand — here’s part two of our guide that explores some more major mistakes to avoid when looking for office space rentals.
Not considering spacing needs
When reading a typical office leasing description, it can be hard to conceptualize the layout or size based on the square footage alone. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an understanding of your employees’ spacing needs before you even begin your search for office spaces. For example, if some of your employees’ jobs involve talking on the phone or engaging in other behaviors that may be distracting to other employees, CoOp work spaces may not be the best layout. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask your employees about the office size/type that they think they would work their best in. A bit of accommodation on the side of management can result in increased productivity for the long haul.
And, if you’re having any troubles conceptualizing square footage numbers, be sure to visit the property in person to better understand the physical space and its size.
Not taking photos before getting settled in
As most renters know, tenants get billed for any damage they cause to the property during the period of the lease. Sometimes, however, the building has damages prior to moving in. It’s important to document them using timestamped photos. Doing a careful walk-through of the property is a smart idea because it can prevent you from losing out on money that should be rightfully yours when the lease is up. In order to be certain that the property manager has received the photos, it’s best to take photos as soon as you can after signing the lease. Then, text or email the photos to the appropriate point of contact. That ensures that the time will be documented as well, so you can’t be blamed for those same damages down the line.
Not considering virtual office spaces
Finally, remember that a traditional office space may not be the most cost effective solution for all types of businesses, especially startups. Modern office space solutions like CoOp work spaces or virtual office spaces may suit your needs and allow you to cut back on the costs of leasing office space. After all, there’s a reason these types of offices have become more popular in the past decade.
A 2010 financial study conducted and compiled by the Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) shows a significant acceleration in virtual office growth in 2009, to 18.3% from 7.8% in 2008. In 2005, there was only one true coworking space in the world, a number that grew to over 3,000 worldwide by 2013. In the years since, this trend has only accelerated.
Whichever office solutions are best suited for your company, avoiding these mistakes can help you and your employees settle into the comforting and productive work atmosphere you deserve. For more information about CoOp work spaces, or to lease office space in Wilmington, Delaware, contact Stat International.
