Are You Relocating Your Business?
This post was kindly written for us by Bellhops Moving
Moving your company into a new office or warehouse can be a complex experience. (Especially if you are moving downtown!) Not only do you need to work with your legal team to make sure that all the details of your purchasing agreement are in order, but you also need to ensure that you select a space that's appropriate for your brand.
Choosing the wrong location could mean that you lose the loyalty of valuable employees or clients, just as a lack of space could lead to future problems with over-crowding if you plan to expand your business. Since purchasing a property is a huge commitment, it's important to consider these questions carefully before you sign on the dotted line.
Is There Room for your Company to Grow?
As an organization with its eye on the future, it's important for your brand to consider not only your immediate needs, but also any plans for growth you might have in the coming years. If you can't afford to build extra space when you grow, try thinking about how you can repurpose the square feet you currently have.
If you're renting a property instead of buying it, consider speaking to your legal team and adding language to the lease that allows you extra opportunities to negotiate on any adjacent spaces that might be vacant when you need to expand.
Is the Location Right for Your Employees?
A successful business is nothing without the right people, ask yourself where your most valuable staff members currently live, and whether the space is convenient for them to get too. Sometimes, a long or expensive commute could push your people to seek employment from an alternative business. The last thing you want is to risk losing top-tier talent.
Is the Space Safe for My Clients?
Before you start welcoming people into your new office space, it's important to have it thoroughly evaluated for any signs of structural damage or danger. Although your lawyer can help you to fight back against liability claims, and you should always invest in the right insurance to protect your business, it's generally better to select a property that's as safe and reliable as possible.
Remember to think about the safety of your employees, as well as the security of any future clients when having your inspections done.
Does the Building Make the Right Impression?
Consider the image that you want to portray when you choose your preferred location. An office is more than just a collection of cubicles bundled together, it's also a sign of what you stand for, and an insight into your personality as a brand.
Make sure that you evaluate every inch of your new property as a team and decide whether any changes need to be made to ensure that the building resonates with the signal you're trying to develop for your business.
Is the Space ADA Compliant?
Finally, whether you're renting a space or buying it outright, make sure that you check for signs that the building is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A failure to adhere to the needs of employees and clients with disabilities could lead to huge and expensive legal issues in the future, so it's important not to take the risk.
You can ask an attorney for help finding the regulations you need to follow or look for guidance online. For example, the law suggests that doors in office suites should be a minimum of 32 inches wide, while carpeting must have pile that's less than half an inch thick. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today for more information