Category Archives: Office Relocation

6 Office Interior Design Tips

Interior Design Tips For Your OfficeEach year, the contemporary office setting continues to evolve. The standard office interior design setting has significantly improved from the traditional desk and chair in a confined room, to the colorful open office designs, with large glass windows and ergonomic furniture. Thanks to the continuous evolution of work offices, many companies now ensure that their interiors inspire both employees and their clients. 

Your office interior design can affect how your employees perceive their work environment; many company owners consider office design to be one of the key elements for their business success. As an example, the more convenient, welcoming, and efficient your office interior design is, the more likely your clients will feel comfortable there. The same goes for employees; working in an efficient and beautiful office can help to improve their emotional and physical health, leading to improved productivity and a more positive work attitude. 

Planning your office interior design should not be taken lightly. If you’re new to office designing and you don’t know where to start, here are six interior design tips that can serve as your guide throughout the designing process:

1. Plan To Maximize Space

Planning your office space is not only about décor, but also about providing enough coverage for your employees, office supplies, furniture, and clients. The more spacious your office is, the more organized it will look; a spacious office allows you to have separate areas for your employees, management and even recreation. An organized office space can also encourage an efficient workflow. When employees have enough room to complete their tasks, it can boost their productivity. Make sure your office desks, tables, and office chairs are arranged evenly throughout the space to give each employee the space they need for themselves and their office supplies. A tight budget shouldn’t be a hindrance to provide some sort of organization to your office. For instance, you can use pallets to build wooden crates as containers. That way, you still save money without sacrificing aesthetic and function.

2. Let Natural Light In

Lighting plays an essential role in achieving an efficient and appealing interior office design. The best lighting you can use for your office is natural light, thus, it’s vital that you make smart choices for your office blinds. Some blinds tend to limit your access to natural light, while others, such as semitransparent blinds, can maximize natural light usage by letting more in. You can browse reputable interior designers such as Orla Kiely Interior Designs for more inspiration about which type of office blind is suitable for the space you’ll be working with. The more daylight exposure you can provide in your office, the more chances it will increase your employees’ productivity. Daylight has been known to boost people’s mood, helping them to have a positive work attitude, and using natural light can also enhance your office interior design, making it livelier and more welcoming.

3. Incorporate Your Company’s Identity

Now that you’ve planned out your office layout and how you’re going to maximize the natural light, it’s time to think of ideas for designing your office’s theme and decor. The first thing you need to consider before settling on a design concept is your company’s identity, ask yourself how you want people to perceive your office when they first step inside. If your company is related to the fashion industry, it may be best to plan your office interiors to include recognizable elements of this. You can use colorful walls, prints, and accented furniture to convey that this office is all about fashion and make a statement through styles and colors. Meanwhile, if your company is in line with the law, finance, or marketing industries, it may be best if your office design is more formal and used muted tones to make sure that it conveys a serious and trustworthy business image. 

4. Invest In Good Furniture

In designing your office interior, don’t forget to consider your employees’ well-being, the best way to do this is by investing in good quality furniture. Generally, people working in offices spend around eight hours per day sitting at their desks, it’s very common for office workers to complain about back and neck pains due to this, if their workstations are not designed effectively. The best way to prevent injury and strain on your employees is to provide them comfortable and ergonomic chairs and desks to support their body and reduce eye strain. Not only will the right furniture help them work comfortably, it could also have a big impact on their productivity. 

5. Choose Colors Wisely

Your chosen colors can significantly impact how people feel in the office setting, so it’s essential that you choose them wisely. One way to choose the right colors is by using color psychology. Some studies have shown that colors may have the power to affect people’s mood, for instance, if you use blue for your office walls, it can convey a calming and peaceful vibe for the employees and clients. By contrast, if you choose to use red on your walls, it can give out an energetic vibe. Do your research and make sure you pick colors that align with your brand, while projecting the kind of energy you want in your office. 

6. Create Collaborative Spaces

It’s common for offices to host corporate meetings and client collaborations, when designing your office, make sure you set aside an area intended for these types of gatherings. An office interior designer can help you create an innovative layout that can maximize the floor space available to you, without feeling cramped. Moreover, you can optimize your office space layout by creating a multipurpose area, aside from being a meeting room, you can also use this for events and other company functions. When planning the décor for a multipurpose area, consider including round meeting tables, corkboard panels, whiteboards, and other materials required for business meetings or presentations. 

Office Interior Design Takeaways

Traditional office interior design has come a long way from dim cubicles, to more flexible office spaces that cater for efficiency, convenience and design. 

Don’t forget to incorporate these tips mentioned above, to help you create an appealing and efficient interior office design that both your employees and clients will love. Be creative and start planning your layout today!

Certified OfficeFinder SpecialistWe can help you find the office with just the right design for you, whether conventional or flexible space, we can help. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion on how one of our local tenant representatives can help.

5 Important Considerations When Purchasing Office Space

considering purchasing office spacePurchasing office space is a big step for any company. You need to consider many things like floor space, price, on-site facilities, parking, and ambience before you spend a considerable amount of money on work premises for you and your employees. 

Of course, you can’t just buy the first office you visit. Walk around a few of the best and try to compare each one before you make your final decision. When checking out office spaces, keep these points in mind:

1. Check The Location 

The first thing you should consider is the location of your office space. You must find a place accessible enough for you and all the employees who will occupy the office.  

Is it close to public transportation and is there parking available? Is the office space in a good neighborhood or business district? Are there any restaurants or banks near your office? By answering these questions before you settle into an office, you can pick which one would be at the most effective location.  

2. Utilities Should Be Working Well 

Before you settle into an office space, first check if the electricity, water, and internet lines work properly and meet your needs.

If you’re not very familiar with these details, it’s best to bring an inspector with you. This way, you can determine if all the lines and connections are properly installed in the office.  

The electrical lines should conform to safety standards, and the main water line shouldn’t have any leaks or damages. Likewise, the internet service in the area should also be working correctly. If anything is not up to par, you should talk to the selling representative about repairs or search for other offices without any utility issues.   

3. Space And Ventilation  

Aside from the main utilities and location, you should also consider how much space is in the office, its layout, and the ventilation inside.  

Is the air-conditioning or heating system centralized, or can you regulate it per room? Does the office feel stuffy when crowded? Asking yourself these questions will help you chose the best commercial space for your new office.

Also, estimate how many people can occupy the office. For example, if you’re planning to move a company with 20-30 employees to the office, make sure there’s enough room for everyone to set up their desks, as well as essentials like filing cabinets, printers, and photocopy machines.  Hiring a space planner for this is both affordable and recommended.

4. Price For Value 

Before you purchase an office space, evaluate whether the money you’ll be paying is worth it. 

Try to factor in the costs you’ll pay for your monthly bills and the insurance for the place. Also, do s lease vs buy analysis to make sure you are making the right decision. Do all the aspects of the space justify its price? Can you still negotiate the selling price of the office?  

Once you’ve calculated all the expenses, you can determine whether the office you’re eyeing is worth its price.  

5. Do You See Yourself Building Your Company In That Space? 

Of course, the most crucial factor you should consider before purchasing an office is if you can see yourself and your company staying there for a long time. You are investing a significant amount of money in an office space, so it’s best to get your money’s worth.  

Consider if the office space is a positive work environment that will help you grow your company.  

Does it fit with your company’s ethos and values, and does it feel comfortable enough to work there daily?  

The office you’ll work will play a part in how well your company will function. It will also influence how efficient your employees’ work will be. So, think about how you’ll thrive in the office you’ll purchase. 

Final Thoughts  

Of course, we recommend you use a buyer’s broker when purchasing office space to make sure all of these and many other considerations are evaluated correctly. Purchasing office space for your business is a big decision and one that requires careful analysis. These are only a few considerations listed here that you should delve into. Once you’ve evaluated all the aspects of the potential office spaces you’ve checked out, you can decide which one is the best option.  

Certified OfficeFinder SpecialistContact us if you would like assistance finding the perfect office space to purchase. Our local reps are not only experts in their market, but also great guides to make sure you avoid any costly mistakes.

4 Ways To Create A More Productive Work Space

After hiring a couple of employees and renting an office, it seems that you’ve done your part, but that’s not entirely true. Although you’ve done what’s necessary, it doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile by helping your employees settle in on their jobs and create a productive work space. After all, once they adapt to the business, their productivity will soar.

More productivity means more work done, and more work done means more money for the company. 

The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to guide them each step of the way. Creating favorable working conditions would be more than enough to help them become more comfortable, and that’s what this guide is all about. Below are four ways to breed productive employees through improving their workspace: 

1. Incorporate Natural Sceneries

You may have heard from somewhere or someone before that greeneries and natural light can improve your mood, and yes, it’s true. Humans have a desire to connect to nature, which is why a study has found that even just a minute with nature can lead to a feeling of relaxation, which may increase productivity. 

While it’s true that nature itself can lead to relaxation, there are other ways to make the workspace much closer to nature, and that’s by getting air filters that eliminate pollution. Of course, you can buy some plants and place them in your employees’ desks, but if you find a custom filter that pretty much does the job, there’s no need to bother with buying greeneries.

2. Provide Proper Equipment 

Surely it must be evident that one of the best ways to improve productivity is by providing the proper equipment. Employees may feel disheartened knowing that the business they’re working for cannot provide them with the necessary tools for the job, resulting in less productivity. 

The pieces of equipment you’ll need to prepare to differ according to what business you run. For most office jobs, employees must have their own desks and gadgets such as computers or laptops. Other than working equipment, you also have to consider buying equipment that brings comfort such as ergonomic chairs. 

3. Mind the Temperature 

Electrolytes, a compound that serves as energy for the body, deplete much faster in hot conditions. On the other hand, excessive coldness can lead to discomfort and even vulnerability to diseases. In other words, the temperature must be perfect. You can either use air conditioners during hot climates or heaters during the cold weather. 

4. Introduce Colors to the Office 

Is there a feeling of relaxation when you see the color blue all around you? Do you feel a sense of excitement when you’re surrounded by red walls? That’s probably because colors can affect a person’s mood, just like nature. 

For that reason, it’s a good idea to paint your office walls with a color that improves productivity, but which color? You may have already guessed it, but red is an excellent color since it keeps the heart pumping, which might be necessary to employees if they somehow feel bored during work hours. Blue is also a great alternative as it exudes a calming atmosphere, which can help your employees focus on their tasks.

Wrapping Up 

No matter how high the pay is or how nice you are to your employees, you can’t guarantee that they’ll become much more productive. What they need is a good productive work place, one that suits their needs and provides them with comfort. While it’s not an easy task, this guide should make it less complicated. However, remember that great things aren’t free, so don’t be afraid to invest in your business and your workforce. 

Certified OfficeFinder SpecialistAnd if you are looking for office space wher you can creat a productive work space, we can help with our network of local tenant reps. Contact us today to find out more. Our services are free to you! No obligation either.

Top 6 Fascinating Ideas on Renovating Your Office Space

Working in the same office space layout for many years is not refreshing, and sometimes a renovation is required. While the idea of renovating an office space is very exciting, the process may have several challenges. It is important to ensure that you have the right strategy when you are thinking of renovating your office space. For starters, it is important to have a flexible budget that will allow for any overheads to ensure that unavoidable overheads will not slow down your renovation process. There are services you can use like CostCertified to help you with your financial planning for the project. It is also essential to ensure that you already have a renovation idea before contacting your contractor ahead of the renovation. In most cases, it is not always easy to decide on the type of office layout you would like to have in your office. Fortunately, we have listed the top 6 ideas for renovating your office space in this piece.

1. Create a Collaborative Working Space

Creating a collaborative office space is one of the unique ways that you can design your office. In the recent past, most companies are incorporating this form of office design because it boosts teamwork in their organizations. Moreover, a collaborative layout is more spacious and more comfortable.

2. Break Out The Office Spaces

Break out space is essential in this modern era. Ideally, it is an office space that is not part of the normal working space. This space is helpful when someone needs some alone time to think about something. This is somewhere that someone can go and relax while at the same time thinking about major firm issues. In the long run, a breakout office space will enhance the productivity of your firm.

3. Create Private Workplaces

Adding a private workplace in your office plan is also an exceptional idea. It will create an additional space where the workers can go work from, for them to be more productive. Ideally, there is minimal noise in private workplaces, which would ensure that the worker concentrates on what they are doing. The private office space will enhance your firm’s productivity because your workers will have an ideal work area.

4. Invest in Desks

Generally, you and your employees spend a lot of time at the office, meaning that you should invest in things that will make you more comfortable in the office. For starters, you should ensure that you get modern desks when you are redesigning your office. Don’t fear to invest in quality desks that will enhance your comfort and that of your employees at the office because they will enable you to become more productive. Moreover, quality desks will help in preventing backaches.

5. Enhance Lighting

When redesigning your office, ensure that you create more space to allow your office space to get more sunlight. Sunlight will brighten up your office, and it will also make it look bigger.

6. Add Some More Bright Colors

This will serve the same purpose as allowing more sunlight to the office space. It will also boost the mood of your workers.

While renovating an office space may not be a smooth process, you should follow the tips we have outlined in this piece to make this process a no-brainer.

Certified OfficeFinder SpecialistAnd if you’d rather make a move, we can help you find the office with just the right renovations for you, whether conventional or flexible space, we can help. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion on how one of our local tenant representatives can help.

5 Tips For When Negotiating for an Office Space Rental

5 Tips For When Negotiating an office space rentalOffice Space Rental is one of the significant expenditures of a rising company. It makes sense then that negotiating for an acceptable lease is a challenging yet necessary process one has to take. Take note that there are several approaches you can adopt to obtain the best deal without undermining your finances or slowing down your business.  

Regardless if you hired a tenant broker, do your research on the space you want to rent. Are there other companies eyeing the property? How long has the place been empty? These are aspects that can significantly impact your negotiation process. 

And since there’s no such thing as a standard lease, you will find below five tips when negotiating the office space rental you want.  

1. Settle Length of Lease Period (Term)

Property owners or landlords are usually amenable to grant long-term leases. In a way, this condition can be beneficial; however, it’s normal for the company to adjust. When this change happens, you’ll find yourself stuck in a lease with either a sizeable or small space for your business.  

As a tenant, aim to negotiate a short-term contract with extension options. For instance, seek a two-year deal with a two-year extension option instead of a four-year agreement.  

2. Manage Rent Hikes

When it comes to office spaces, it’s unusual to find fixed rent with long-term contracts. Typically, property owners expect yearly increases based on rate hikes found in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

If the landlord requires rent hikes, see if you can arrange for a fixed CPI rent increase. For example, your monthly rent is $7,000 a month. Your second year will increase to $7,200 per month, then $7,400 a month on your third year.  

3. Explore Hiring a Tenant Broker

Yes, it’s common to come across stubborn landlords with unreasonable requests. If you’re in this tight situation, you may want to look for alternative office space to rent.  

A credible tenant broker, aka tenant representative, can help your company search for available spaces or industrial developments like the Gloucester business park. These professionals can give you a background and help you understand the dynamics of the market. Moreover, they can help you discover office spaces that satisfy your standards, set up viewings, and go with you to see these properties.  

Tenant brokers likewise help their clients draft offer letters and deal with property owners so you can obtain a sensible lease for your company. 

4. Discuss Office Space Improvements and Repairs

Meanwhile, please note that some contracts will include clauses that state tenants must reinstate premises to their primary condition. 

See if you can modify the provision to say that you will return the office space in the same state at the start of your contract as a tenant. This condition excludes devastation by fire that isn’t the responsibility of the tenant and usual wear and tear.  

Furthermore, if the property requires upgrading or enhancements, who is responsible for these repairs? Suppose you want fresh carpets, new paint colours, or re-arrange the layout of the office area. Take note that many leases state that tenants can only modify the property with the property owner’s consent.  

Request for a provision that allows you to render alterations with the landlord’s permission and that consent will not be unduly conditioned, hampered, or delayed.   

5. Be on the Lookout with These Provisions

Lastly, be on the lookout for these one-sided clauses that strongly favours property owners:

  • The property owner restricts potential assignment or subletting 
  • The property owner expects the tenant to settle tax escalations stemming from the property sale 
  • The property owner has the right to rescind the contract at the landlord’s convenience 
  • The property owner rents the space ‘as is’ to waive compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or any environmental laws.   
  • The property owner demands a personal guarantee of the principal shareholders of the business 
  • The property owner transfers to the tenant additional operating expenses such as repairs, insurance fees, and building taxes.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind when negotiating an office space rental, it’s best you carry a definite understanding of what you’re willing to consider and what you can propose. It is also best to have a tenant representative working on your behalf. Always document everything in writing when clarifying lease details that you don’t understand. While this will make the process longer, it will provide you legal protection in cases some of your negotiated terms get excluded in your contract. 

It’s essential to study your lease carefully. The contract can possibly contain numerous details you’ll not understand. When faced with this kind of scenario, highlight each unclear point, and discuss it with your tenant broker or the property owner.  

Certified OfficeFinder SpecialistOur tenant representatives at OfficeFinder do this day in and day out for their clients. Contact us so we can connect you with one in your area. There is no cost for their services and no obligation to request info.

 

How To Find The Best Local Movers To Move Your Office

Local Movers

Moving your office physically is a very challenging task to take on. It takes a lot of preparation, so you can be sure that you’re not committing any mistakes. After all, there’s so much at stake. You can’t delay or lose anything, as this can also adversely impact your business operations. This is why it’s very important for you to make the right choice and not settle when it comes to the quality of the movers that you’re entrusting to move your office.

One of the most important aspects of finding movers for hire in your area is how easy they are to use, and how they can truly make your office move a breeze. But it’s important to consider several factors before you decide on one. That way, you can end up working with the best company that can handle your relocation.

Here’s how:

Ask Around For Recommendations

If you know of others that went through a relocation or office move, ask them for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is usually a good indicator, as suggested by one of the best local movers in Annapolis MD. Ask them for any complaints they may have with other movers they’ve worked with. Chances are because these are people that you know and trust, they’ll give you unfiltered recommendations on the reputation of a moving company.

Check The History Of The Moving Business

When you’re narrowing down your search to include only local movers, it’s easy for you to check the history of the moving company, particularly how long they’ve been in business. When a moving company has survived the test of time, this often means that they’re good at what they do. Moreover, with an office move, you can’t take any risks with a company that just opened yesterday. Otherwise, you might lose some of your office equipment to thieves or damage along the way.

Pay close attention to the manner that they answer your questions or even how they deal with you, as their clients. Any red flag that could indicate poor professionalism, it’s best to move along and work with a more reliable local mover instead.

Make Sure They’re Reputable Movers

There are certain factors that are truly indicative of a mover’s quality. Take special notice of these as a part of your checklist. If you don’t want to end up hiring an unreliable or unscrupulous mover, the one you hire must have the following:

  • They offer a free quote, and have a comprehensive list of moving services;
  • They don’t have regular, or repeated complaints;
  • They comply with the safety standards set by the law;
  • They’ve got a good experience in handling valuables and other belongings.

Take The Time To Really Go Through All Of Your Options

There are many great companies that offer great services. You just need to know where to look. The great thing about going with local movers is that you’re limiting your research area. So, there’s no reason for you not to do deep and thorough research.

It’s important to have an open mind when you’re doing the research into companies to entrust your office move with. You’ll be comparing different moving companies and the different services they offer to see if any of the options really are the best for your needs. Technology is also on your side, as so many movers now have websites. It’s easier for you to make comparisons before first visiting their physical office.

Check For Their License And Insurance

The best and most reputable local movers are those that have all the legal requirements and license necessary to operate. Beyond that, they also have an insurance policy to cover your move.

This is very important for you to check through, as with an office move, you’ll be taking with you valuable business assets that you can’t afford to lose. The last thing you’d want is for your business to go through financial losses all because of a simple mistake when moving.

Remember that relocating also has a lot of risks associated with it. No matter how careful a mover is, there’s still outside forces such as highway robbery and theft. You never know when these risks can happen. But if you fall victim to these, having an insurance policy can help you start over again.

Weigh The Price Quoted With The Services They Offer

Working with the best local movers doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pay more. While moving can be expensive, there are so many quality movers that can work with the budget you have. They key is for you to balance the price quoted with the services that they offer. You shouldn’t have to pay anything more than you have to.

Conclusion

Choosing the right moving company to move your office is crucial before you move. Moving is already stressful enough in itself, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re working with a moving company that’ll make it hassle-free for you. Once you set up new office, it’ll be nice to open up the moving boxes and see that everything is still intact and present. 

If you would like some help finding the right office space with a great working enviroment, contact us. It is what we do with our network of over 450 local tenant reps. All at no cost to you.

 

Keys To Moving Your Office During The Pandemic

Pandemic move your officeMany people are facing the dilemma of needing to move their offices during this pandemic. As long as canceling your relocation isn’t in the cards, you’ve got no other choice but to just soldier on. Even before the pandemic, moving was already very stressful in itself. This is even more true now that you’re dealing with the added challenge of implementing sanitation measures to ensure everyone’s health and safety. There may also be travel restrictions and limitations that you’ll need to look into.

However stressful it may be to move your office during this time, it’s doable as long as you know how to keep things clean, safe, and sanitary. This article offers some helpful tips for safely moving your office during the pandemic.

1. Hire A Reputable Mover

Hiring a professional moving company is something that anyone considering moving their office needs to do. The best movers will provide different services which should satisfy your needs and requirements. Professional movers have all of the expertise that’s necessary to ensure that your move isn’t just successful, but also safe.

Here are some best tips for moving your office that we got from movers Boise to follow when choosing the right mover:

  • First of all, make sure that your moving company offers some kind of guarantee for their services. It might be a little more costly than the usual moving companies, but if you’re worried that things might go wrong along the way, it’s better to be safe.
  • Choose a moving company that has been around for a while and that has a good reputation. This will ensure that you’re not stuck with a mover who doesn’t follow industry standards, or someone who has no experience in ensuring successful moves.

2. Opt For Digital Tours

This tip applies if you still haven’t made a decision on which office space to move to. Instead of going through the usual process of physically going through viewings or an open house, it’s best to go through digital or virtual tours now. While the experience isn’t exactly going to be entirely the same, it’s the safest that you can do for the time being.

Physical open houses or tours are to be avoided, as you’ll want to avoid crowds. Even if you’re the only one viewing the prospective new offices at a certain time, there may have been others who also did so beforehand. There’s still a risk of contamination, as the Coronavirus can live in surfaces for several days.

3. Study The Mover’s COVID-19 Policy

Before agreeing to the services of a particular mover, be sure that you’ve also spent adequate time to go through each of their pandemic policies. For instance, you may want to know what practices the mover has to ensure that it’s safe for you to come into close contact with their team. Remember, you’ll be packing your things together, and they’ll also be touching your belongings. Also, ask about what sanitation practices they follow for the moving truck, their hauling equipment, and others.

Reading through their COVID-19 policy can help you make a better decision as to which mover is more equipped to do the job during the pandemic. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to contact them directly. Any reliable mover would be happy to answer any concerns or address any problems you may have.

4. Buy All Of Your Supplies In One Go

Another very important tip that you can follow is to buy all of your moving supplies in one go. Better yet, buy even more than you’ll need. This shopping list should include not just the lacking supplies per se, but even those that you’ll need once you’ve reached your new office.

For example, apart from the usual boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, it might be a good idea to also want to stock up on paper or plastic products like cups, utensils and plates. While packing, you may want to serve snacks to the movers from time-to-time, and it’s also easier to dispose these materials right away.

Buying more than you need is also a good way to avoid going back to the stores. During this pandemic, the least exposure you’ve got to the outside world, the better.

5. Plan Ahead

The goal is always to ensure that your office move goes as smoothly as possible. However, the reality is that this isn’t always going to be the case. Because you’re moving an entire office, there’s so much more at stake for you to get it right. Hence, you’ve got to learn how to prepare for the worst.

Rather than doing everything last minute, have everything settled with the moving company well ahead of time. Think, two to three months ahead. Remember, you’re not the only one who has a lot to worry about; movers are also under a lot of pressure because of the changes brought about by the pandemic. Some of these movers may also have a long waiting list or they may not be able to accommodate your move because of the travel restrictions that may be in place in your location.

Here are other very important questions that you need to cover while you’re planning for the move:

  • Whether you’re allowed to park in front of your old and new office location, taking into account the changes in social distancing procedures
  • Whether or not you’re still allowed to access a building’s main elevator to haul your equipment and supplies
  • Which cleaning and sanitation procedures you need to comply with in both your old and new office locations

Takeaway

Moving during the pandemic can be difficult, especially if you don’t have any experience, but it can still be done successfully. Even if you’re going to enlist the services of a professional, you’ve still got to do your part to ensure your safety and the safety of those who will be helping you during the move. You’ve just need to extend your patience a bit and accommodate the tough, but necessary changes the pandemic brings. Keep the above tips in mind to make your smooth a smooth and hassle-free experience.

And if you are looking for an office to move to, contact us. That is what we do. We help businesses fingd the right office space!

Tips and Tricks To Negotiating the Best Office Space Lease

office space leasePerhaps you operate a small start-up business that has outgrown your home office. Maybe your company is mid-sized and is growing out of the office space you occupy. Or, you may head a large organization that needs an additional facility to support a new contract. Whatever your situation, you’ve realized that you need to lease some office space.

You are now in one of the most exciting and challenging parts of your growing company, acquiring an office space, but alos one that is priime for making expensive mistakes. An office space lease is usually the second biggest expenses after salaries for a business. There are ways that you can do it to get the best office for your business without compromising your budget or other aspects of your business’ growth.

You’ve begun the search for space. You may have used an online commercial office location service such as OfficeFinder.com, a local commercial real estate broker or you may have searched by driving by empty facilities.  Whatever method you used, you’ve found the perfect option for your every need. It is in a strategic location, plenty of space for employees and clients, good security and good facilities.

During the process you have analyzed and understand your business needs for space, not only for the present but for the future too. You know how you will use the space, what are the amenities needed and identified your priorities.

Finally, you’ve decided. You are now ready to move on to the next phase of acquiring an office space, negotiating the best office space lease.

Understanding the Office Space Lease: LEASE 101

An Office Space Lease has three main forms:

Lease is an agreement between the property owner or landlord and the tenant. It has three forms:

  • Full-Service Lease – the rent is all-inclusive. The pay covers all of the expenses associated with the property, such as insurance, maintenance, taxes and even janitorial services.
  • Net Lease – the landlord charges a lower base rent for the space and all of the usual costs that related to operations, maintenance and use that the landlord pays. Net lease also comes in three types:
    • Triple net lease – you share the three additional costs about the base rent. Taxes, insurance and maintenance.
    • Double net lease – two additional costs are added on the base rent, taxes and insurance costs.
    • Single net lease – some of the landlord costs will be charged to the tenant upon negotiation.
  • Gross Lease – this could the most favorable lease for the tenant. The landlord shoulders all of the property expenses that would come across in a net lease.

To obtain a lease for the office space, you should have an experienced guide who will have your best interest at heart and who has negotiated many successful office space leases in the past. A tenant rep broker is a necessity. It’s a sure bet that the landlord or property management company offering the lease has plenty of experienced assistance to help them get an advantage. Shouldn’t you have an expert on your side too? After all, there is no cost to you for their services. It would seem to be a no-brainer.

Protect yourself by following some important guidelines
that can help you negotiate successfully.

Always remember that in negotiating an office space lease, the more knowledge and power you have, the better the outcome. Even with a tenant rep, you will need to stay involved. Find out about the space. Is anyone else looking at it? Has it been vacant for a long time. Aside from having a tenant representative or a broker, it is still important that you are hands-on with the search and you are aware of the important factors, factors that may somehow make a change on a burdensome leasing terms made by landlord throughout the lease process.

Once you’ve told the office property owner that you want to locate your business in their property, you are likely to be presented with a standard lease package. Do not sign any papers at this point but accept the lease for review. Explain to the landlord that you must review the lease with care so that you completely understand it.

Your specific needs are unique and may require significant changes in the office space lease  during negations. Here are a few specific points that any tenant should look for in the standard lease package:

  • An accurate description of the office space should be clearly listed in the lease.
  • How much is the rent and exactly when is it due? Are there any late charges if not paid on the correct date?
  • Is there a security deposit and how much is it? Under what conditions is this deposit repaid upon vacating the commercial office space and what conditions permit the landlord to refuse to return the security deposit?
  • What is the lease period and are there provisions to facilitate lease renewal if desired?
  • What are the terms in the lease regarding vacating the premises early? Do you have the right to move into another, larger office space owned by the landlord without penalty? Do you have any rights to rent additional space if your business grows more rapidly than anticipated?
  • Is there a cleaning deposit for preparing the space for the next tenant when you vacate the premises and is this fee returned if you leave the premises in the same condition as upon delivery?
  • Identify verbiage defining how much parking may be used by the tenant and what, if any, number of spaces can be marked as reserved.
  • Review all references to use of common space. You should have the right to enter and egress at any time of day or night and access to all common spaces unless specific restrictions are contained in the lease. Also, watch out for clauses regarding common space upkeep or charges.
  • The lease should clearly state what utilities are the responsibility of the tenant as well as what should be paid by the landlord. The same goes for charges for maintenance and repairs for any problems not the result of misuse or neglect on the part of the tenant.
  • Is there are space in the lease or reference to an addendum where notes regarding the condition of the property at delivery may be noted.
  • Is there any defined allowance for tenant improvements?
  • What rights to signage are included in the office space lease?
  • Does the lease provide for delivery of a punch list after tenant improvements are accomplished?

Some suggestions to help you become a little more of a lease-expert

Length of Lease and Renewal Options:

The initial office lease period should give you enough time to settle in and determine how this location works for your business but not so long that you must pay a stiff penalty if you decide to move on after two or three years. Try to negotiate a shorter-term lease with a renewal options. Keep in mind that your company’s needs may change, you might get sucked into an office space lease that is too big or small, or with a rent that is above-market if demand for space later drops.

Rent Increases

Watch out for the clause that establishes the amount or percentage at which rent can go up and the specific periods at which this change can occur. Rent should not increase more than annually and should have a reasonable cap set on it so that the cost of leasing the office space does not become outrageous in a short period of time. Usually, landlords refer the annual increases on the percentage increases in Consumer Price Index or CPI, try to arrange for a CPI rent increase that does not set in for at least the first two years of the term. Then, you can try to have the cap on the amount of each year’s increase.

Cost Transferal

Be sure you and your office lease broker understand exactly what costs can be passed long to you or what percentage of those costs can be passed along. Examples can include property tax increases, specific repair costs not caused by your occupancy and the increasing cost of services to the building. Your rent increase should cover the costs associated with increased service costs or taxes and only those building repairs caused by you should be passed along to you.

Landlord’s Right to Early Termination

Check what verbiage is used regarding what, if any, rights the landlord has to terminate your office space lease early and what conditions must be met to justify such early termination. If this clause is too liberal in favor of the landlord, you could easily find yourself seeking different office space much sooner than your business plan set forth. This can be expensive and time consuming for your business and can be avoided with the right wording in this area of the lease.

Repairs, replacements and improvements:

Be mindful about the office space lease clause that says that the tenant must restore the property to its original condition. If this was mentioned to the agreement, try to state that it will be returned to in same condition at the beginning of the least EXCLUDING (1) ordinary wear and tear, (2) damage by fire and untoward incidents, loss or casualty not the fault of the  tenant, (3) improvements approved by the Landlords.

Payment from Corporate Owners:

Watch out for verbiage indicating payment can be sought from the corporate owners rather than the corporation itself.  While some office space owners like to have this protection in the event a business becomes financially insolvent, it does give a landlord too much recourse into the business owners’ private finances to allow entry into the final lease.

One-Sided Lease Provisions:

Be cautious about the landlords that use form lease agreement that can be one-sided. Negotiate on the provisions that are favorable to the landlord. Below are the common types of provisions that one-sided and landlord favorable:

  • Passing on to the tenants, without limit, increased operating costs like property taxes, repairs and or insurance expenses.
  • Landlords disclaiming responsibility for compliance with environmental laws or government act (e.g., disabilities acts)
  • Requiring tenants to pay for tax increases
  • Landlords reserving rights to terminate the lease at their convenience.
  • Prohibiting subletting and assignments.

These are only a few of the clauses that an office space renter should be on the alert for. Turn to your office space broker for the best possible advice on all areas of the lease and lease negotiation process.

There are dozens of additional points that will stand out in the lease. Some of them may be points you do not understand. Make sure to highlight these for investigation. Another verbiage may better meet your needs. Highlight each portion of the lease that either is unclear, misleading or requires negotiation. These are items that you will need to cover with the help of your leasing team, especially your tenant rep.

When negotiating an office space lease or rental, you will find that the devil is hiding in the details and these can cost you lots of money over the life of the lease. Turn to your office lease broker, tenant represetnative, for experienced advice regarding how to negotiate out these demons before signing an office space lease. An old idiom says “God is in the details” which means that attention paid to small things has big rewards. In this case, your goal is to turn those devilish little hidden clauses into the best possible agreement with the landlord for your office space so that everyone can live with the lease for the life of the lease.

We are here to help. It is what we do every day. If you want an expert to help you get the right space with the best possible terms, contact us. We’d be happy to help

Office Space Rental, Productivity and Small Business Success

Helpful tips for an office space rentalChoosing the right office space rental for your business or organization means more than just choosing a physical location.  If you have customers visiting your property, then you want to make a good impression. You want to make sure it is somewhere that you employees will be happy and productive. Depending on your organization’s identity, you might need to appear trendy, modern, or traditional, and your physical location can help customers decide if you are the right place for them to take their business or not.  When choosing commercial real estate, the following tips are a few considerations that can help you find the location that is just right for you and your company.

Appearances are important.  Take a very close look at the property, standing in the parking lot, or on the sidewalk in front of the building.  If the building looks dingy and dirty to you, it will probably look that way to your customers and employees as well.  Unless you do not get any customer visits, make sure the location is somewhere that you would visit as a customer. Don’t forget your employees. Is this somewhere your employees would be proud to work?

Consider accessibility and convenience.  Many customers will simply not visit your location if it is difficult for them to park, maneuver a wheelchair through, or find the elevator or stairs.  While some inexpensive improvements may be feasible and advantageous, you do not want to invest more money into making your building accessible than you spend on the property itself.  Make sure the elevators and stairs are in good condition, ensure that the location is handicap accessible, and consider the ease of entering and exiting the parking garage or lot for your customers.

Check with the local City Hall to ensure that the property is zoned for your business.  If you have an unusual business, rezoning can take months or even years, and is a costly process that requires legal consultation and assistance.  Checking out the zoning ordinances for the property before you sign the contract is always the easiest way to avoid headaches and extra cost.

Current and Future Space Needs. Taking into account what your future ofice space rental needs may be is very important when signing a multi year lease that will lock you into a defined area. Whether you are a large or small company the basic needs are the same. You need to consider your office space efficiency, cost effectiveness, room for expansion, and strength of location. If your company is currently housed in an inefficient space the multi-step processes necessary to keep everyone ‘in the loop’ can create redundancy and confusion. While a move can be costly, if done correctly it can reduce future costs significantly. Would moving from your current location disrupt client service? Or are you able to make a move without affecting the product or service you provide?  Lots of questions to be answered before deciding to make a move.

Before Signing an Agreement for an Office Space Rental for Lease

Renting office space can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. In some of those anxious moments, it can easy to get caught up in all the excitement and sign a lease agreement that has unfavorable terms.  Since the success of your business largely depends on the right rental terms, you’ll want to check out a few important details whenever you are considering an office space rental.

The type of lease that’s being offered can make or break your business, as some could result in your paying large additional charges you weren’t prepared for. The common types of office leases are:

  • Net lease that includes base rent and a nominal charge for taxes and insurance
  • Double net lease that requires you to pay rent in addition to the entire cost of taxes and insurance
  • Triple net lease which mandates that you pay rent, taxes, insurance and maintenance fees
  • Fully serviced lease or gross lease in which the landlord pays for additional expenses and then passes them on as a “load factor and increased from a base year.”

When choosing a fully serviced lease, it’s important to understand what the load factor and base year means. It is essentially a way to calculate the total monthly rent when a tenant has usable square footage in addition to common areas. For example, a business could occupy space in a building where stairways, restrooms and entryways are common space. In this instance, the load factor covers the expense associated with maintaining these areas, spreading them evenly among all who use them. The base year is the year in which you must pay for any excess expenses over the amount for that lease year. You have to be careful that the base year is current or in the future when signing a lease.

Although you may be offered a deal for signing an extended office space rental or lease, if you’re a startup or growing business, you should be leery about doing so. That’s because you just might find the needs of your business change a great deal over the first couple of years. For this reason, you should consider a short-term lease that’s between one and two years if you are a brand new company.

It’s also a good idea to ask about initial improvement allowances, remodeling or redecorating when signing a lease. Most long term leases will include a tenant improvement allowance. Make sure you know if that is on a rentable or useable square footage bases. It can make a difference of 15% or more. You may choose to build cubicles, add new carpeting or paint the walls once you settle in, so you need to know if this is something that’s allowed. Many times, minor modifications are allowed as long as the structural integrity of the building is not altered in any way.

Consult an expert.   The perfect office space rental can be competitive and hard to find, so consulting an expert is your best bet.  An experienced tenant rep can help you locate inspectors, engineers, architects, or anyone else that you may need to get your business off and running in a new improved location. The cost of a tenant rep are paid by the landlord. There is no cost to you for their services, yet they represent you and don’t get paid until you are happy and sign a lease. You have nothing to lose. Just make sure and find an experienced one who will not only help you shortlist potential locations, but negotiate a great deal for you. They understand to nuances of leases and can help you avoid costly mistakes and save you money.

5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Looking For New Office Space

helpful tips when looking for new office spaceAre you looking for new office space? You’re in luck! We understand that looking for a new office space can be a confusing experience, which is why we are here to help ensure you make the right decision for your company. After all, this is your prime opportunity to ensure your employees are equipped with everything they need – and might need – moving forward! Regardless of whether you are finding the right office space for your small business or larger corporation, find five questions to ask yourself while looking for a new office space below.

  1. Are There Any Hidden Costs I am Not Considering?

When it comes to looking for a new office space, before you decide whether your chosen office is right for you, it is vital to consider if there are any hidden costs you are unaware of. Before you settle on your new office space, it is paramount that you calculate the full cost of the space, including the cost of rent, utilities and various moving expenses. It is paramount that you also consider construction costs. As an example, in the the UK Damp proofing in London area is essential to ensure your employees health and well-being in a safe working environment.

  1. Is There Sufficient Room For My Company To Grow?

Once you are happy that you have considered all the relevant costs of your new office space, you should consider whether there is sufficient room for your company to grow. Whilst you must consider your company’s needs, taking into account the future of your company is just as important in order to avoid repeated moves. If you are unable to afford additional office space required to allow your company to expand, it is a good idea to attempt to negotiate a shorter lease term, so that when the time is right, you can find a more compatible office space.

  1. Is It The Right Location For Employees?

Now that you are rest assured that there are no hidden costs and that there is sufficient room for your company to grow, the next question to ask yourself while looking for a new office space is whether it is situated in the right location for employees. In order to dictate whether your new office space is in the right location for employees, you should consider where your employees live. Nevertheless, it is paramount to remember that an expensive commute may push your employees to seek employment closer to home!

  1. Is The Location Convenient For Clients?

As well as considering whether your new office space is situated in the right location for your employees, it is paramount to consider whether the location is just as convenient for client to get to because as fees associated with transportation increase, people may not be willing to travel far in order to visit your company. Just like deciding whether the location of your new office space is right for employees, you should take into account the expense of clients visiting your office, as well as the time it will take for them to arrive.

  1. What Is The Parking Situation?

The final question to ask yourself while looking for new office space is what is the parking situation will be like. Depending on the location of your new office space, you may not require a large car park. After all, if your company is situated near a bus stop or train station, your employees may be in favour of using public transport. If not, it is vital to consider where your employees can park cheaply, if not for free. If the parking is tight, is there a convenient alternate spot? Whilst you should not rule out parking tickets, they will need to be taken into account when it comes to deciding your budget.

There are countless things you need to take into consideration while looking for new office space, from deciding whether the location is right for you, your employees and clients, to making the most out of the parking situation. Most importantly, however, you should consider whether there are any hidden costs you are not taking into account while looking for a new office space, such as the cost of rent and utilities, in order to ensure your big move remains on budget.