Things to keep in mind when renting your first office space

Renting your first office space can be an exciting turning point for your business. But choosing just any office would be a mistake. You need to make sure that your office will support your team and allow you to grow and thrive.

Below are things to consider before renting your first office space.

Choose a location that suits your team
If it is absolutely essential for you to have a dedicated office space, then the location is likely your most important consideration when renting your first office space. You need to ensure that the office will be close enough for your team members to commute - don’t be looking at the opposite end of Dubai to that of where majority of your team live! If you don’t have a team just yet, choose an office that is close enough to an area that’s populated with potential talent.

Think about the office surroundings
Another factor when renting your first office space that could impact your location decision is the nearby amenities. Your team will likely appreciate an office that’s at least close to restaurants and coffee shops and a convenience store so lunch doesn’t solely arrive with a driver. If there are certain places you need to visit regularly for business purposes, like meeting spaces or banks, you’ll want those to be nearby as well - this is very important! You don’t want to be taking time out of your day on travelling to a necessary place because you’ve chosen an office space far away. 

Have a strict budget in mind
After location, cost is likely your next big concern. Don’t choose an office that is going to put your business too far into debt and stunt its growth. Crunch the numbers before you even start looking to find a budget that will allow you to operate comfortably. A commercial real estate broker will be able to point you in the right direction from the start and get you looking at spaces within budget and maybe pointing you in directions you didn’t think were an option.

Account for extra expenses
There are a lot of expenses that go into renting an office space. The actual rent is just part of it. The extra expenses can really add up if you don’t account for them in your original budget. Make sure you account for utility bills such as DEWA, chiller and telecommunications. 

Choose a suitable space
Of course, you will need a large enough space for the members of your team to each have a desk or place to sit. But you don’t want something so large that you’re paying for entire rooms that you never use. However, a bit of extra space can be a good thing -  especially if you plan to grow within the length of your lease. Even a few extra cubicle spaces or some room to add a few desks can be helpful. Take meeting rooms into consideration too if this is something that you need.

Consider parking
Parking is another important factor that might be overlooked when renting your first office space. You need to make sure there are enough parking spaces nearby so that your team can actually get to work on time without much hassle. A secure parking lot or dedicated area is a plus and even if you get a couple of spaces with your office rental - it’s a big bonus.