A small business might start off in humble beginnings, but it will have to grow up and move out in time. Well, that is as long as it is successful and expansion is a realistic possibility. The problem with finding a new home is the unknown. If you have never shopped for office space before, you will not have the first clue and that can lead to mistakes. Seeing as a real estate mistake can end up lasting for years, it is probably best if you do a bit of research.
The following are the things to look out for when you shop for your first business office. Good luck!
Extra Space
Like most ventures, it is not uncommon for people to think in the present. After all, thinking about the future can lead to complications. Still, it is essential that you keep one eye on the future to save the business money and hassle. The main goal is to grow and expand. When that happens, you do not want to have to move out straight away. Instead, you want to be able to stay put and increase your current operation. Obviously, you cannot do it if the office is too small, which is why the extra room is always a positive. Of course, do not go overboard because you still have to pay for what you buy.
Building Materials
You are not a contractor, so you do not have a clue about buildings and building materials. Unfortunately, you are going to have to learn, and quickly. Certain materials mean issues are more likely to occur, which is why people like to avoid them like the plague. Steel is a popular favorite now because it is more durable than other resources. There is a reason sites like http://armstrongsteel.com are in vogue today. Wood is a material that many people like to avoid because it is a nightmare when it goes wrong. The same is true of aluminum siding because it is thin and easy to break.
Location
Two people matter regarding the location: employees and clients. Quite simply, you want a site that is going to attract the best of the best in both categories. However, that will not happen if you do not have a central office in the heart of the industry. There is a reason firms pay ridiculous money to work in Manhattan, and it is not only because it has nice scenery. Just to prove a point, http://smallbusiness.chron.com believes the location affects everything from revenue to sales and profit. So, before you sign, do you have the geography right?
Hidden Costs
Sneaky realtors will not always tell you about hidden costs that could change your mind. Let us face it – they want the sale. However, you do not have to listen to everything the broker says because they are not the property king. Instead, you should do you own research, or at least ask an unbiased third party for help. By getting them to look over the property, they will uncover expenses that the first realtor might have ‘forgotten.’
Whoops, a daisy!