<\/p>\n
Business owners and executives often focus on aesthetics and vision when touring office spaces \u2013 admiring views, the lobby, and that \u201cwow factor.\u201d As a broker, I often see key practical concerns being overlooked, which could cause serious issues down the line. Problems such as inefficient HVAC, insufficient power outlets, or poorly designed layouts can seriously affect your team’s experience.<\/p>\n
That’s why I’ve put together a list of five crucial things every business owner should evaluate when touring office spaces. Whether you’re working with a broker (like me), another agent, or going solo, this checklist will help you assess potential spaces thoroughly, ensuring you make an informed decision. Your goal is to find an office that supports your team’s needs\u2014not one that leads to problems after six months.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re touring an office, it\u2019s easy to get caught up in the appeal of your potential private office. However, don\u2019t overlook the building\u2019s shared spaces. These areas have a significant impact on your daily work life. Think about it: you and your team will regularly walk through the lobby, use the elevators, and share the bathrooms. The condition of these areas can tell you a lot about how well the building is managed.<\/p>\n
Start with the basics: you want a well-maintained security desk, elevators that work without delays, and ADA-compliant, clean bathrooms. HVAC systems and modern LED lighting throughout the building (not just in the office itself) play a major role in comfort and productivity.<\/p>\n
In your actual office, consider your team’s day-to-day routine. Is there a place to grab coffee? Is there a kitchenette, or could one be added? What does the natural light look like? Could it cause screen glare? Pay attention to small details like ceiling tiles, which could indicate whether the landlord takes care of the building. Remember, once you sign the lease, these aspects can’t be easily changed, and they can influence your team\u2019s experience long-term.<\/p>\n
Security should be a major factor when evaluating a building. Key questions to ask include: Does the building have a lobby attendant, and what are their working hours? Some buildings provide 24\/7 security, while others are only staffed during business hours. How do visitors sign in, and how are temporary guests handled? It\u2019s important to understand the building’s after-hours access. Will you need key cards, a security code, or an app to enter?<\/p>\n
Check for security features such as surveillance cameras in common areas, elevators, and hallways. These can be crucial, especially if your team works unconventional hours or stores sensitive equipment. Ask questions like: How many employees work evenings or weekends? What kinds of valuables will be kept on-site? What emergency protocols are in place?<\/p>\n
If your business requires a high level of security, look for a Class A building with advanced features such as turnstiles, comprehensive security systems, and robust check-in processes. Understanding the details of these procedures will ensure smooth and professional experiences for clients and visitors.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s dive into the less glamorous, but essential details: elevators and HVAC. At 2 PM during your office tour, the elevators might seem fine. But return during rush hour and you\u2019ll see how delays can waste your team’s time. A five-minute morning wait can add up to hours of lost productivity over time. Ask the building manager about delivery logistics, especially if you anticipate frequent shipments. Learn how freight elevators operate\u2014whether building staff manage them or if suppliers can access them independently. This information will help you avoid headaches later.<\/p>\n
Also, HVAC systems can make or break your office\u2019s comfort. Office buildings may have central HVAC or window units. Central systems vary: some allow individual offices to control their temperatures, while others have a building-wide setting. It’s also important to ask about operating hours\u2014many central HVAC systems run only during standard business hours. If you need HVAC outside of these times, it may come with additional costs.<\/p>\n
When touring, ask about the HVAC system:<\/p>\n
Take a walk around the neighborhood when touring the office space. While online photos might make the area look trendy, check how safe and convenient it feels after hours. Will your team feel comfortable working late? Are there good restaurants and cafes, or will they struggle to find lunch or dinner options? Your office location is more than just a business address\u2014it\u2019s where your team will spend most of their waking hours.<\/p>\n
Also, test the convenience of commuting. Check if the \u201cjust 10 minutes from Grand Central\u201d claim holds up during rush hour, or whether the nearby subway station is as accessible as promised. Make sure your team isn\u2019t facing a stressful daily commute or dealing with limited parking. Use online tools, like Metro Manhattan’s commute calculator, to get a realistic picture of the daily travel experience.<\/p>\n
Finally, inspect building amenities and their current condition. Beyond the marketing photos, evaluate the usability and maintenance of facilities like fitness areas, outdoor spaces, and dining rooms. A gym with broken equipment or a crowded lunch area can quickly turn from a perk into a frustration.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also worth looking into any ongoing renovations or facade work. While temporary scaffolding or netting might be off-putting, these projects usually last only a few months. Unlike a flawed office layout or HVAC system, facade work is short-term, and tenants who can see beyond these temporary inconveniences often find great deals on spaces with good long-term value.<\/p>\n
After years of helping businesses find the right office spaces, one thing is clear: the best decisions come from a careful, methodical review\u2014not from excitement alone. While it\u2019s natural to get excited about a space, it\u2019s important to address practical details upfront. This office tour checklist is designed to help channel your enthusiasm into a choice that will work for your team for years to come.<\/p>\n
Every business takes a unique approach to selecting office space\u2014whether it’s a thorough walkthrough with the team, instinctive decision-making, or reliance on floor plans and photos. There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all process, but the goal remains the same: find an office where your team can thrive and grow.<\/p>\n
Let me know if you need any further adjustments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Business owners and executives often focus on aesthetics and vision when touring office spaces \u2013 admiring views, the lobby, and that \u201cwow factor.\u201d As a broker, I often see key practical concerns being overlooked, which could cause serious issues down the line. Problems such as inefficient HVAC, insufficient power outlets, or poorly designed layouts […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions\/39"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newda777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}