Renting an office can be a really difficult process, with lots to consider. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the key questions to ask when looking for the right workspace for your business. Whether that be a shared office space, virtual office or full office hire.
Budgeting questions
One of the main things to decide on when renting an office is the budget. You may have a specific budget based on each person who works for your business or a more general figure in mind. Instead of paying expensive office fees, you may find that it’s more cost-effective to hire a shared office or virtual office. To determine how much is suitable for your budget some of the questions you should ask around budget include:
What is the total cost of renting an office space?
Determining the full cost of the office space you decide to rent is important when considering your bottom line. Here at Grosvenor House, our co-working package starts at just £175 per month.
Is there a security deposit to pay?
Knowing all the costs upfront is essential for budgeting effectively. Here at Grosvenor House, you don’t need to pay a deposit for our meeting room hire, but for fixed office space we require three months of service upfront.
Are there any additional cleaning fees or other extras?
When calculating the cost of your office space the cost of hidden extras can really add up. It’s a good idea to calculate any additional costs you might need like cleaning. At Grosvenor House, our cleaning and housekeeping fees are included in the total cost of renting an office – so you know that the total cost includes everything you need.
Location questions
Choosing the location of the office is one of the top considerations you should have when choosing the right office space for your business. You should consider how long it takes for your employees and for you to commute to the office. You should also look at transport links and parking to make sure the location is accessible. Some of the questions to bear in mind about location include:
Where is the location of the office space?
Determining the location of the office gives you an idea of how accessible the office is for you and your staff. Grosvenor House is in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, a central city centre location in Birmingham.
What are the transport links like?
Decent transport links not only make it easy for you and your colleagues to get into the office but are also an important consideration for business meetings and other work events. Our Jewellery Quarter location is just a few minutes walk from all major Birmingham train stations, and easily accessible on the city’s tram and bus network too.
How easy is it to park?
Although public transport links are important, it’s good to make sure that anyone driving to the office has ample parking. Although there is no on-site parking at Grosvenor house, we’re happy to organise parking for you either on road or in the NCP carpark nearby.
Facilities Questions
The facilities available to you in your office space can make the difference between a dysfunctional work environment and a productive one. A good, clean and bright working environment can be morale-boosting along with access to amenities like refreshments and snacks. And, if you aren’t time rich you might benefit from call handling or other time-saving services. Some of the questions you should ask about facilities include:
What is the internet connection like?
A stable, fast internet connection is a key consideration when choosing your office space. Our offices at Grosvenor House are equipped with super fast broadband, which means you never have to worry about a loss of connection.
Are there any storage facilities?
Bringing your work equipment to and from the office on a daily basis can be frustrating, and inconvenient. You may worry about the security implications of leaving important files and equipment in the office overnight. At Grosvenor House, we have lockable cabinets and storage facilities that give you peace of mind over the security of your work equipment.
What equipment is available to use, do I need to provide my own furniture etc?
It’s good to check what equipment and furniture are included in the office hire so that you can calculate any additional costs. Here at Grosvenor House, not only are our offices superbly decorated but come complete with furniture and access to the use of a printer, scanner and photocopier.
Are there any kitchen facilities?
Even if you’re working in the heart of the city centre with plenty of dining options, it’s good to have access to your own kitchen facilities so that staff can make meals to keep them fuelled while they’re at work. Our office solutions allow staff access to the kitchenette which includes facilities such as a fridge and microwave.
Are there any meeting facilities?
You might already have your day-to-day working environment covered but need to use the office space to hold meetings or entertain clients. At Grosvenor House, we have a number of meeting rooms available along with Bar 11, specifically designed to hold meetings and also provide a space to unwind.
So, there you have it – just some of the most essential questions to ask when renting an office. If you’re not sure if you need a physical space or if a virtual office is what you need, check out our guide to Virtual Offices. If you’re ready to book your next office space or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team today.