Making the move from a home business to your very own commercial property is a big, exciting move. However, it’s also one to easily get wrong. If you don’t spend enough time defining your needs and scanning the market, you can end up in a property that simply does not provide what you want it to. Here, we’re going to ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible.
Consider your needs
First of all, you have to seriously consider what the perfect commercial property has to do for you and your team. List your business property needs, including how much space you need, how many people it has to accommodate, and the kind of layout and facilities you need. Don’t forget the location, too. How easy is it for you and your team to reach and, if you have to welcome customers and clients, is it visible and accessible from the street?
Make sure business can run as usual
Even before you find a property, you should make sure that you’re laying the groundwork for the transition. You need to consider additional needs beyond the property choice, such as finding the right ISP for your business. Make a list of all the service providers and clients that you have to inform of the change in address, as well.
Know how to tap into the market
It can be a lot harder to look through the commercial market for a property than it is to find private property. For one, it’s not as publicly advertised. Secondly, it requires a certain amount of insight to ensure you’re looking at properties that fit your business, and not the needs of others. Finding agents makes the search for commercial real estate for lease a lot easier. Make sure you choose those who know the area and, if possible, have some insight into your industry so they’re more aware of your particular needs.
Making the right work environment
Make sure you blow your entire budget on finding the right property and securing the lease. You should also have plenty left aside to enhance the business premises and make it fit for the team. This includes the office furniture and the equipment your team will be working with. However, it also includes making it visually appealing, creating relaxing break rooms (if you have the space) and potentially adding some branding signage to it.
Get on top of those overheads
A home business doesn’t have to deal with a fraction of the overheads that the average commercial property does. Make sure you update your budget and understand your new costs as soon as possible with the help of some professional accounting software at your disposal.
Doing the right prep work, finding your needs, gaining insight into the market, and leaving a little extra in your budget to ensure you make the changes you need can ensure that you hit the ground running in your new business property. Now, it’s up to you to make the most of it.