If you’re a business owner, whether a start-up or an established business, you will very likely consider buying office space at some point. It’s a big step and often a wise move for business owners. When you own your own office space, you have a place where your business plans and dreams can unfold and be realized. But, of course, you can’t just be any old office space or the first one you come across. It will have to meet some critical criteria and be suited for your specific business. To help you out, then, here’s what you should know about buying office space in Redlands.
Location
As with any real estate purchase, when you’re buying office space in Redlands or anywhere else it all begins with location.
“The first thing you should consider is the location of your office space. You must find a place accessible enough for you and all the employees who will occupy the office. Is it close to public transportation and is there parking available? Is the office space in a good neighborhood or business district? Are there any restaurants or banks near your office? By answering these questions before you settle into an office, you can pick which one would be at the most effective location.”
In addition, you should make sure the office space is in a safe location for conducting business. This means primarily low crime rates. To find out about a particular location, you can consult a Redlands agent at (951) 232-9704.
Classification
Before buying office space, you’ll want to find out about the building’s classification and whether it will be suited for your business. Commercial structures can vary widely in their construction, so the real estate industry has devised a classification system to “categorize and assess risk for the buyer.” The most common building classifications are class A, class B, and class C.
“Class A office complexes pose the least level of risk to the buyer because they’re often new constructions with modern features. Class B buildings are slightly older with a good overall visual aesthetic. They’re best suited for small to medium-sized businesses and have a slightly reduced market price because they typically require a few updates. Class C buildings come with the most risk since they’re generally over 20 years old and often lack some common amenities such as elevators or central air. Since class can have a large impact on a building’s price, consider this aspect carefully as you move forward with a purchase.”
Utilities
When buying office space, you will also need to make sure the utilities will meet your business’s needs and that everything is up to code.
Most buyers should lean on the expertise of qualified professionals such as contractors and electricians when assessing the utilities. “The electrical lines should conform to safety standards, and the main water line shouldn’t have any leaks or damages. Likewise, the internet service in the area should also be working correctly. If anything is not up to par, you should talk to the selling representative about repairs or search for other offices without any utility issues.”
Space and Ventilation
In addition to the location and the utilities, space, layout, and ventilation should be important concerns for anyone buying office space.
For example, “[i]s the air-conditioning or heating system centralized, or can you regulate it per room? Does the office feel stuffy when crowded? Asking yourself these questions will help you choose the best commercial space for your new office.”
And be sure to factor in the number of employees who will occupy the office space. “For example, if you’re planning to move a company with 20-30 employees to the office, make sure there’s enough room for everyone to set up their desks, as well as essentials like filing cabinets, printers, and photocopy machines. Hiring a space planner for this is both affordable and recommended.”
The Fit
Finally, when buying office space, you must make sure that the space is a good fit for you, your business, and your employees. “[T]he most crucial factor you should consider before purchasing an office is if you can see yourself and your company staying there for a long time. You are investing a significant amount of money in an office space, so it’s best to get your money’s worth.”
Consider whether the space will allow for a positive work environment that will help your business thrive and grow. Also, make sure the office space fits with “your company’s ethos and values” and that it will “feel comfortable enough to work there daily. The office [where] you’ll work will play a part in how well your company will function. It will also influence how efficient your employees’ work will be. So, think about how you’ll thrive in the office you’ll purchase.”
Buying Office Space With the Experts
Ultimately, then, there’s a lot to consider when buying office space. In fact, your company’s success depends in large part on having the right office space. That’s why it’s so critical that you work closely with a Redlands agent who has experience with commercial properties. So if you’re considering buying office space in Redlands, be sure to contact us at (951) 232-9704.