Choosing the home of your business is an exciting task. It is often one of the first things new business owners do. Your workspace also plays a role in helping you make a positive first impression on customers and employees in addition to being your home away from home for about forty hours or more each week.
There is a lot that goes into finding the perfect office space in Atlanta. It takes more than business owners choosing the first open space they can find. Owners have a lot to take into consideration before they even start their search. Here are four things business owners should think about before they start their search for the best office space in Atlanta.
Know your budget
Before you start searching for the perfect office space, determine a budget. Decide what your business can afford to spend before you start. Then, stick to it. You don’t want to find the perfect place, only to discover that you really can’t afford it. Review your expenses and your profit margins, and decide what you can spend both on purchasing your new office space and on renovating it to fit your needs.
What size do you need?
One of the first things Atlanta business owners need to decide when choosing a new office location is the size. As you consider the size of the office you need, consider these questions:
- Do you want more space than you need now so you can grow into it?
- How much space do you want your employees to have?
- Do you want break rooms?
- How many conference areas do you need?
Knowing the answer to these questions can help you decide what square footage will meet your business needs now and in the future.
Location, location, location
Atlanta covers over 134 square miles. That’s a lot of space. But, according to an old adage, when it comes to home and businesses, location is important. Decide which area you would like your office to be in. Do you want to be in a business district? Would you prefer to be on the edge of a residential area? Or, maybe you want to be right downtown or in a surrounding neighborhood.
Rent or buy?
Deciding to rent or buy your office space will open up a variety of options, and each has its pros and cons. Renting allows you to work in your location without taking on the maintenance tasks required to keep the building in good order. Plus, property taxes and other fees are not yours to pay.
However, a rented property may have restrictions on things you can change; for example, paint and the rent amount may increase as time goes on.
Owning your new space in Atlanta allows you to invest in your business. It gives you a place that is all yours and that you can decorate and remodel however you like. When you buy, however, you do take on maintenance tasks and other jobs associated with owning a property.
Bring in the professionals
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, start your search. Bring in professionals to help you search for the perfect spot in Atlanta. Your representative will not only assist you in your search but help you get the best deal for your new office when you find it.