There’s so much to consider when choosing the perfect office space for your business. It’s important that you’re equipped to tour a potential space so you can make an informed decision on the right property for your business. Keep these tips in mind when touring a commercial office space!
1. Do Your Homework
Before you tour, it’s important to perform all of the necessary research that goes along with renting a commercial space. Prepare your budget, any specific measurements you might need to accommodate and a list of important questions to ask the landlord or leasing agent before you leave. While many of the questions you ask may be specific to your business, here are some common questions potential tenants have when viewing a commercial property.
2. Don’t Tour Alone
It’s always a good idea to bring someone along with you when touring a new office space, whether that’s your broker, space planner, architect or business partner. An expert, like a tenant representation broker, can provide you with critical market information and ensure that you don’t miss any key details on the tour.
3. Listen to Your Leasing Agent’s Pitch
Allow the leasing agent to present their pitch in its entirety. The leasing agent’s job is to showcase the commercial space and highlight all of the noteworthy features and amenities. Once you’ve learned as much as you can from the agent’s pitch, you can ask questions that they may not have covered.
4. Visualize While You Tour
When you walk through the office space, imagine how your employees and equipment will fit in the space. Bring a tape measure to find out whether or not you’ll have enough room for employee desks and other furniture. Assess the parking lot and any extra rooms such as the reception area, break room, conference room and bathrooms, to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate all of your employees and customers.
6. Don’t Reveal Too Much Information
It’s best to maintain your composure when touring an office building. Once you find a compatible space, refrain from expressing enthusiasm. Don’t reveal any key information that a landlord would be able to use to its advantage during the negotiation. Inform the leasing agent that you are viewing other properties, but don’t specify which ones!
7. Visit the Space More Than Once
When you visit the same office space a few times, you might notice things that you didn’t see the time before. Check out the space at different times of the day to assess the surrounding environment and see how the office looks in the morning and evening. Be sure to take photos of the space to look at afterwards and compare with other properties you view!