So we have outgrown our office space, and we are looking for a new space with a street presence. We don't really have the typicall business model that I have gather most on this forum use.

Most of our business is local, we are also network consultants, and we are a complete solution, we set up office networks, host their websites and off-site back solutions. We have cabinets at datacenters around the state, but we are also going to have a rack in the office with a fiber connection.

So what else do you guys look for in an office (in addition to the normal things, like parking, location, etc)?

Obviously, there is a need for connectivity, cell reception, power, and the such. But I'm trying to figure out the things that I may have overlooked.

Have any of you moved into a new office space, only to look back at it, and wish that you had some other utility, or function included in the space?

Thanks for the input!
Nik Dahl

One office i looked at 6months ago had no windows.

I would recommend getting one with windows.

The quality of the structure of the building. Also, the other types of businesses around you, you don't want to be next to a XXX video store. How old is the building, will your office need to be cleaned up?

Here's a list of other things to look at:

i) Is the drywall good quality?
ii) Are the ceilings in good shape?
iii) Is there a lot of natural light in the office?
iv) Is there a room where you can hold confrences and meeting with your employees, future clients, and current clients?
v) Is the building properly zoned in the city layout

Those are some of the things that I would look into if I was going to rent office space.

Some of the things that our office has, which may be something you might want:

- Floor to ceiling windows, with plenty of natural light.
- Central location (CBD) and close to public transport
- Excellent communication services. Take note if you plan on running any call centre type environment where multiple phone lines are required (10,20,30,120, etc).
- High speed connectivity available. Our building has fiber, we can have connectivity up to 1Gb/s
- Building in good condition. We moved into a new building, so that was a given.
- Can you run conceiled network cabling? The first thing we did before moving in was have the office wired for network and phones. You may have problems doing this in older buildings, and it doesn't look very attractive when it's exposed.
- Air conditioning with sufficient capacity. Computers and people generate a lot of heat (Our air conditioning stopped working once. It was nearly 20'C warmer inside).
- etc

-Shaun

One office i looked at 6months ago had no windows.

I would recommend getting one with windows.
And walls. Walls are good too. :D

I agree with SimonJohnson, a window will be good. Especially in a high story building, window(s) will help your ego :D

Well, just from what you've told me I'd say your going to need a pretty decent size facility. Room for a reception area, a couple private offices, staff room, storage room, bathroom(s), and server room. Just off the top of my head, I would think one of those Private "Built to Suite" deals would be best for you ;).

As stated above, you are going to have to take into consideration:
"i) Is the drywall good quality?
ii) Are the ceilings in good shape?
iii) Is there a lot of natural light in the office?
iv) Is there a room where you can hold confrences and meeting with your employees, future clients, and current clients?
v) Is the building properly zoned in the city layout" [QUOTED BY: Bryc3]
vi) And of course, make sure its not next to an adult video store :D:D

Not only will you have to take into consideration the structural features, but also the layout of the building! You wouldn't want to have a bathroom right close to the datacenter room just in case of a leak or something like that (crazy things like that always pop-up).

For some other general things on what your office should include, take a quick look at http://webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=475505&highlight=web+host+offices - I started that thread a while ago asking a somewhat similar question as you did :).

Good luck with your search on "the perfect location" :).

WINDOWS AND PARKING! Oh god, I have to try and wedge my car into some half-assed parking lot design at my daytime office and I hate it with a passion. Lighting is a big issue too for some people. I'd rather work with a window and a desk light or overall softer light.

Something that I wish I had known 5 years ago. Talk to the other tenants in the building and ask about the landlord/building super. I was burnt pretty bad by a bad landlord a few years back. Unfortunately, if I had taken the time to talk to a few of the tenants, I would have known he was basically a 'slum lord' before I signed the lease. The next time around, I talked to a few of the tenants and they couldn't say enough good things about the building owners...and renting from them, I found out why. :)

--Tina

And walls. Walls are good too. :D

Yes! There a "must have".

Tina's definatley got a very good point about landlords, some can be lazy feckers, just want your rent every month and dont quite get the concept of re-investing the money into the building.

Windows, walls ... don't forget, tables. :D

Don't forget the Red Swingline and the TPS reports....a must have in any office space :)

Don't forget . . . the TPS reports . . .
:smash:
TPS reports

2 things i pay particular attention:

1 - The fact that I can access the office/parking garage after hours. Is there enhanced security after hours?

2 - Whether the area is safe... Is crime a problem?