A dedicated commercial property is essential for any business, large or small. It provides a place to conduct daily operations and a sense of legitimacy to customers and clients alike. Research shows that having a professional office space improves customer trust and engagement while boosting employee morale.
A recent survey from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) found that 93% of businesses believe that having an appropriate work environment can increase employee productivity, with 74% even reporting improved worker satisfaction when moving into commercial premises. Additionally, 79% of employees felt their company’s brand was more prominently displayed within an office environment, with 77% agreeing that customer interactions were more successful in this setting.
The same study revealed that 67% of customers trust companies with professional offices. Customers associate better service and product quality with such firms, whereas those without an office or physical address may appear less reliable and reputable to potential buyers. Using commercial properties also helps strengthen relationships between businesses and their customers on a personal level, which cannot be achieved through online-only communications.
However, you might require a few more steps before you can move into a commercial space. Here are some things to consider when renting commercial property for your business.
Research the Local Talent Market
While most businesses prioritize researching local customers for setting up a shop, it might be different when looking at a commercial property for an office. Before you sign a lease, it’s essential to consider the size of your current team and the talent market in that particular area.
For instance, if you plan on expanding or recruiting additional staff members shortly, looking at an office space in an area with plenty of skilled workers available to fill roles would make sense. On the other hand, if you plan on staying small, it might be best to look for a property in an area with minimal competition and lower costs.
When looking at commercial properties, consider what amenities are already provided. Does the building have ample parking space? Is there access to public transportation? Can things like air conditioning and data networks be installed easily? These may seem like trivial matters, but they can significantly impact your business operations over time, so make sure that you check them out before deciding on which office space to rent.
Negotiate Prices and Lease Terms
Commercial properties come at a high price tag, mainly if they’re located in prime areas or offer premium features such as landscaping, security, and more. It’s essential to do your due diligence and research the local market before signing a lease.
Available terms might vary depending on the property and its current owner, so be prepared to negotiate with those in charge. The most significant areas of contention typically include rent costs, length of tenancy, and clauses for renewing or exiting from the agreement early.
If you can’t agree on agreeable terms, don’t be afraid to walk away and continue looking elsewhere. There are plenty of commercial properties out there that will fit your needs perfectly at an affordable rate.
Renovating the Office Space
Once you’ve found the perfect property for your business, it’s time to think about how you want to design the interior and exterior. Depending on the required improvements, this can quickly become costly as you might need to hire contractors, painters, electricians, or plumbers.
When planning renovations, you should consider getting companies with experience in construction and built environment. These types of firms have the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that your office space is compliant with all relevant safety regulations, as well as taking into account any potential fire hazards.
However, you might require construction and built environment PR services to spread the word about your newly renovated commercial premises. These professionals can help you get the most out of your renovations by creating a buzz around your business’ new office space.
Investing in Business Assets
Business assets are essential for any office space and can differentiate between a successful business venture and one that fails miserably. Not only do investments provide a comfortable environment for your employees, but they also make for an enjoyable customer experience. Here’s why business assets are integral to every commercial property:
The Comfort of Employees
A happy employee is productive and motivated. Business assets like ergonomic furniture, adjustable desks, and comfortable chairs will ensure that your team has everything they need to feel relaxed while working hard. A large monitor with a good resolution will also help employees work more efficiently. Additionally, access to the right technology, such as computers and laptops, is essential for modern businesses to stay competitive.
Workplace Safety
Taking care of your team’s safety should always be a top priority when renting commercial property for your business. This means investing in fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and security systems like CCTV cameras or motion sensors. It would be best if you also considered providing first aid kits in case of any emergencies within the workplace.
Impressing Customers
Branded materials like stationery sets, promotional items, or signage can help customers better understand what you offer and create lasting impressions about your company’s values and mission statement. Investing in quality photos or videos of your team at work can further enhance customer relationships by creating a sense of credibility and trustworthiness amongst potential buyers. It is also essential to have clean, well-maintained restrooms, so customers don’t have any negative experiences while visiting your office premises.
Unlocking Potential
Some businesses require additional tools or resources to move forward with their projects. Investing in specific tools or software can open up opportunities for employees to take on new tasks or complete existing ones faster than before. Similarly, investing in soft skills training programs like public speaking classes can unlock more potential within each employee by helping them become confident communicators with clients.
Final Thoughts
Renting commercial property for businesses can be tricky, but getting the process right is essential if you want your business to succeed. Researching local talent markets and negotiating prices are critical steps in selecting an appropriate office space, while investing in business assets is crucial for creating a productive workplace. Following these tips, you should have no problems finding the perfect commercial property for your business.
