Factors to consider when searching for new office space

Just like your clients who are looking for a new property, when you are searching for potential office spaces, there are multiple pros and cons to consider, like cost, location, amenities, etc.

While you may be used to pointing out pros and cons for your clients, Frank Chalupa, president and co-founder of Amata Office Solutions, offered three tips for you to consider as you search for new office space.

1. How far away are major expressways? In some neighborhoods, it can take 15 minutes or longer to reach a main thoroughfare during peak travel times. It’s therefore important to consider how accessible the location is for people who are driving to your office. A drive that takes 30 minutes at 2:30 p.m. could take an hour or more in the morning and evening rush.
2. Is public transportation available? A growing number of U.S. households do not own a car, according to a 2014 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute. By choosing an office center near train and bus stops, which are typically concentrated in downtown districts, businesses can save car-less visitors from expensive cab rides and long walks that cut into their workday.
3. Are there any alternative modes of transportation? Bike-sharing programs have popped up in cities across the country, providing residents with an alternative mode of transportation that’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Today, many young professionals want to have this option, even if they don’t take advantage of it on a daily basis. As a result, businesses should consider “bike-ability” – that is, proximity to bike-share stations and designated bike routes – when searching for a shared office, and ensure there are bike racks and/or secure rooms on-site where bikes can be stored.

If a property fits all of your criteria, but is slightly out of your price range, Chalupa suggests leasing space in a shared office environment. It will help cut down on cost, and potentially allow you to rent
a space previously deemed unaffordable.

“Not all shared office centers are alike, especially in terms of location. As the market has become increasingly crowded, shared offices have spread from the central business districts of Chicago and other major U.S. cities into new neighborhoods that, historically, have been more residential than commercial. That’s good news for entrepreneurs who already live in these neighborhoods and want their office to be closer to home, but can create headaches for clients and employees who have to commute from other areas, potentially undermining a company’s growth,” he said.