Choosing the right office space is one of the most important decisions a small business makes. The right environment affects productivity, hiring, client impressions, and your monthly overhead. This guide walks you through the key factors to consider when evaluating office space and gives practical tips for touring and moving. If you're comparing options, you'll also see why shared and flexible office suites like those at Legacy Office Centers are a smart choice for many growing companies.
Start the fundamentals: Location and commute
-Client access: Be near your key customers, partners, or industries hubs so visiting is easy and professional.
- Employee commute: Proximity to public transit, major roads, and available parking reduces turnover and increases punctuality.
- Neighborhood fit: Consider neighborhood amenities (restaurants, gyms, banks) that employees and clients value.
- Know your true budget
- Beyond rent: Factor utilities, janitorial, internet, parking, insurance, and common-area maintenance.
- Predictability matters: Fixed monthly costs make forecasting easier. Flexible office providers often bundle utilities and services into one monthly fee.
- Growth buffer: Plan for expansion so you’re not locked into too-small space or paying for unused square footage.
- Lease flexibility and scalability
- Short-term vs long-term: Startups may prefer 3–12 month terms; established firms might want multi-year leases with expansion options.
- Add-on space: Ask about the ability to increase (or decrease) square footage as needs change.
- Subleasing and exit clauses: Know your rights if you need to leave early.
- Amenities that support daily operations
- High-speed, reliable internet and IT support
- Conference and meeting rooms available by reservation
- Furnished suites or move-in-ready options
- Mail handling, receptionist/concierge, and virtual office services
- On-site parking and 24/7 access for flexible schedules
- Community, culture, and professional image
- Shared spaces and neighboring businesses can spur collaboration and referrals.
- A professional lobby and meeting spaces create a strong impression for clients.
- On-site staff can support mail, visitor greeting, and facility issues—saving you time.
- Practical touring checklist (what to inspect on a site tour)
- Noise and privacy: Can you hold confidential calls or client meetings?
- Lighting and air quality: Natural light and HVAC performance affect comfort and productivity.
- Internet infrastructure: Ask about provider options, typical speeds, and redundancy.
- Security: Building access controls, cameras, and after-hours procedures.
- Availability of meeting rooms and how they’re booked/charged.
- Parking: number of spaces, guest parking, and any permit requirements.
- Neighborhood safety and walk ability.