6 Things You Should Do Before Investing in New Office Space
March 31, 2025
Nothing says “We’re doing great!” quite like the smell of fresh paint in a new office—unless, of course, you haven’t done your homework. Before you commit to a swanky new space, here are a few oh-so-important things you should do first. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Key Takeaways on Investing in a New Office Space
- Visit the neighbourhood at night: Daytime charm can turn into a noisy nightmare or an eerie ghost town after hours—check before committing.
- Research the landlord: A responsive landlord is crucial; ask past tenants about their reliability before signing anything.
- Test Wi-Fi and phone signal: Poor internet or patchy reception can be a dealbreaker—test before locking in your lease.
- Evaluate parking availability: Ensure employees and clients won’t struggle to find parking, or risk daily frustration and delays.
- Understand lease agreements: Get legal advice to avoid hidden clauses that could cost you later, especially with commercial property conveyancing.
- Plan for future growth: Choose a space that accommodates expansion rather than cramming into an office that’ll feel too small too soon.
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START NOW1. Scrutinize the Neighborhood… at Night
Spying on the area by day is one thing—scoping it out under the cloak of darkness is a whole different story. That trendy café next door might look lovely at lunchtime, but after 9 p.m., does it turn into a karaoke nightmare or a lonely ghost town? Stalk the place in the evening (without being too creepy) to see if the after-hours vibe matches your professional image. You don’t want your employees forced to scurry home before sundown like vampires avoiding daylight.
2. Spy on Your Potential Landlord
Ah, the landlord: that all-important, behind-the-scenes figure who might pop up unexpectedly at the worst possible time (like a cameo in a horror movie). Do yourself a favor—Google them, ask around, bribe former tenants with donuts if you must. Get the scoop on whether they’re the type to fix a dripping faucet before it floods or the type who’s conveniently “on vacation” for the next three months.
3. Check Wi-Fi Speeds and Cell Signal
Would you buy a car without test-driving it? Then why buy or lease an office without testing the Wi-Fi? The internet is your lifeblood—don’t sign up for any place where your Zoom calls feel like dial-up nightmares. Do a speed test, walk around, see if your phone bars mysteriously vanish near that corner cubicle. Nobody wants a bonus game of “Where’s the signal?” in the middle of an important client call.
4. Consider Parking (Unless Teleportation Is Finally a Thing)
“If you build it, they will come”—except they might not if they can’t actually find a place to park. Before you sign that shiny lease, investigate whether you’ll be fighting for spaces with the 5,000 employees from the mega-corporation across the street. If your staff spend half their morning searching for a parking spot (or valiantly battling in Thunderdome-style duels), productivity might take a dip. Or maybe that’s not a dip, but a full-on crash.
5. Understand the Fine Print: Commercial Property Conveyancing and Beyond
This one might sound a bit dry, but trust me, it’s crucial. Once you’re knee-deep in mortgage documents or office lease agreements, “commercial property conveyancing” starts looking a lot less boring—and a lot more essential. Make sure you have a legal eagle (or an extremely nerdy friend) comb through those documents so there aren’t any hidden bombshells. The last thing you need is discovering you actually leased the communal broom closet.
6. Picture Your Future Growth (or Start Practicing Yoga?)
Finally, think long-term. Are you planning to expand your staff, add some fancy ping-pong tables, or install that mind-blowing VR station you’ve been dreaming of? If so, you’ll need space to actually breathe, grow, and occasionally toss paper airplanes when the boss isn’t looking. Cramped corners might be cozy for a moment, but you’ll regret it if you end up doing yoga poses to squeeze past everyone.
New office buzz might be real, but don’t let it blind you into making a decision you might come to regret, and be sure to do these six things first!
FAQs for 6 Things You Should Do Before Investing in New Office Space
Why is it important to visit a potential office location at night?
Visiting at night gives you a true sense of the neighbourhood's atmosphere after business hours. It helps you identify potential issues like excessive noise from nearby venues or a lack of safety, which could affect your employees and business operations.
What's the best way to find out if a landlord is reliable?
You can research them online, check for reviews, and, if possible, speak directly with current or former tenants. A reliable landlord is crucial for timely maintenance and a positive leasing experience, so doing this homework is well worth the effort.
What are the most critical technical aspects to check in a new office?
The two most critical things to test are the internet speed and the mobile phone signal. Poor performance in either of these can severely disrupt your daily work, from client calls to cloud-based tasks. Run a speed test and walk through the entire space to check for dead zones.
How can I avoid legal issues with my office lease?
The safest approach is to hire a legal professional to review the lease agreement. They can help you understand complex terms, identify potentially problematic clauses, and ensure the contract is fair before you commit.
Should I choose an office that just fits my current team?
It's wiser to think about your future plans. If you anticipate hiring more staff in the near future, selecting a space with room for growth will save you the significant cost and disruption of moving again too soon. Planning ahead is a key principle we value at Storific.
