Eventually, your business will outgrow your current space. If you’re ready for a new office, it’s important to know what to look for. Taking the time to get clear on your priorities and what you want in an office will help you purchase an office that the entire company is happy with. Relocating an entire office can be hectic however there are things you can do to relieve the pressure. This post looks at six different things you should look for when picking out a new office building.
1. Get A Plumber To Inspect Your Utilities
Before moving in, it’s worth your time to consult with a plumber about your building’s utilities. Failing to inspect your utilities before you move-in puts you at risk of dealing with costly plumbing problems. Before making any final decisions, you need a plumber to check your pipes, bathrooms and other utilities.
Plumbers will help you ensure your new office building is fit for use. During an inspection, plumbers will check the condition of your pipes, if your plumbing can withstand winters and what type of sewage system your building has. Don’t leave this inspection up to chance since repairs can be costly.
2. Start Moving As Far In Advance As Possible
Make things easy on yourself and allow for lots of time to move. Office moves are already hectic enough without being on a deadline. Get started by making any changes or additions to the new building as soon as possible. It’s better to do renovations before people start working in the new building. While the renovations are underway, start packing stuff up from the old office. Making the move in small gradual steps will help reduce stress for everyone involved.
3. Choose A Place With Lots Of Windows
When browsing different buildings, it’s an excellent idea to prioritize window placement. Dingy, dark office spaces are morale killers. Dark offices are especially depressing for employees that start work in the morning when it’s still dark out and don’t finish until the evening. Having lots of windows is an excellent way to inject energy into your office.
4. Consider Adding A New Coat Of Paint
Before you move in, adding a new coat of paint can be an excellent way to add energy to the new space. If you’re buying a used building, old peeling walls can be a bit depressing. Most buildings also have a plain white color scheme that’s worth upgrading. Adding color to the work environment is a great way to add vitality and life to the work area.
5. Purge Items From Your Old Office
It’s important not to bring junk from your old office to your new place. Your new office is an opportunity for a fresh start for your company. You don’t need to bring all your items from your old place. Take the time to toss out old electronics, shred useless files and try and shift as much of your physical data to electronic as possible. Bringing clutter with you makes it hard to get a good start in your new building.
6. Include The Space For A Workout Area
If you have the opportunity to create a new layout from scratch, an exercise area will not go unappreciated. Many studies suggest a strong correlation between physical activity and prolonged mental stamina. Allowing your employees to blow off some steam in the gym can increase productivity.
Successful companies such as KeyCorp and Northrop Grumman have on-site gyms for their employees. There’s also a correlation between standing on the job and increasing productivity. If your staff as to sit all day, it’s worth investing in a way for them to counteract the negatives that come with sitting.
