There are many reasons why a company may need a new office space.

Maybe your office is already crowded. Maybe your team is expanding rapidly and you know it will be crowded soon. Maybe you are about to bring a largely remote workforce back into the office. Maybe the building just doesn’t suit your company anymore.

Whatever your reason is, it’s time to move to a new office space.

Finding a new office can be daunting, though – where do you begin?

What to Consider in a New Office Space

When you need a new office space, your first consideration should be your budget. What – if anything – are you currently spending on your office space? Does that include utilities? What can you afford to pay for rent and utilities going forward? Don’t forget that you’ll need money saved for a deposit, too.

Next, how much space do you need? If your team is growing, it’s safe to assume that you want something with more square footage than you currently have. This Business.com article has good guidelines for figuring out how much space you might need. Remember to plan for how big your team might be in three to five years, not how big it is now.

If you’re looking into leasing part of a larger building, you may want to ask about the possibility of adding additional additional space to your lease in the future. This could be useful if your team grows more than you expected.

Location is also an important consideration. Your current employees’ commutes should be factored in, and it’s a good idea to survey them about how far they would be willing to commute to a new office.

The neighborhood also comes into play. Depending on your employees and whether you expect customers to be visiting your office you may prefer a trendier urban area or a quieter suburban or rural area.

Other amenities are important too. Internet access is imperative for all businesses in the modern world, so reception quality is important to look for. Parking is important too. Computers need somewhere to park, so you’ll either need free parking available to them or you’ll need to be willing to contribute to their parking fees. If you have employees that rely n public transportation, make sure your potential spaces are close to bus or train stations.

Your last consideration should be the length of the lease you want. You need to have a good idea of your forecasted team growth so you can find a space big enough that you won’t outgrow it too quickly. It’s easier to renew a lease than to move your whole business every few years. Keep in mind, though, that building owners will push for longer lease terms.

Before you talk to an agent or tour any locations, make sure you know what you absolutely need in a space versus what you want. Knowing wha you are and aren’t willing to compromise on will put you in a good position to negotiate a lease.

Where to Find Available Office Space

As with anything you might be looking for these days, the internet is a good place to start searching for a new office space. Simply searching “office building for lease” and your city will get you a lot of results.

Many of these results will lead to listings on OfficeSpace.com, CommercialCafe, or other listing sites. Listing sites can help you get an idea of what the market in your area is like, but the potential for scams or hidden issues in the properties is high.

For such an important purchase, an agent is your best bet. Agents will have experience and connections that you don’t, which can help you find a better office space. They may also be able to give you pointers on negotiating a lease. Don’t be afraid to ask around for agent recommendations.

How to Make the Most of Your New Space

Once you’ve secured a new office space, how do you make the space suit your team?

First, you have to know what your employees want. A survey – conducted before you move – is the best way to get your team’s thoughts on what kind of work space they want.

Think about what kind of spaces you want to have in your office. How many individual offices do you need versus cubicles or open work space. How many meeting rooms do you need and how many people will be meeting at once? How much lounge or break room space do you need for the employees you have? Do you need a front desk or reception area? These are all important to consider as you build out a new space.

Keeping it flexible can help you adapt to the building as your team grows. Light furniture and furniture on wheels is easier to rearrange then heavy furniture. Temporary walls are easier to move than drywall.

Finding a balance between bright lighting and harsh light is difficult, but will improve the experience of your employees, especially those who aren’t seated near a window.

If a space echoes or sound carries a lot, try using carpeting, soft furniture, and sound-absorbing wall panels to keep noise levels low. These can also help soundproof meeting rooms and make them a better environment for phone or video calls.

Don’t ignore airflow, either. Heating and air conditioning are imperative for keeping your team comfortable all year round. Making sure food or trash smells don’t travel outside or kitchen or break areas will keep them happy all year round.

Conclusion

Knowing ahead of time what you’re looking for in a new office space will help the process go quickly and smoothly. Keeping your employees in the loop and getting their feedback will make them feel engaged and listened to.

But, ultimately, the process of finding a new office is going to vary based on where you are, what you need, and whether or not you work with an agent.