Renting your First Office Space// Here are a Few Tips to Guide You

Renting your First Office Space// Here are a Few Tips to Guide You

There are so many benefits of renting an office space and getting it right on the first instance can be a great feeling.

It is one of the toughest and most important decisions you make, as there are numerous factors to carefully consider prior to deciding on one. In this article, we’ll discuss key factors to consider prior to renting your first office space.

Getting the right space means, your staff will be face-to-face and foster in-person relationships. This has a big impact on company culture and overall productivity and will ultimately bode well for your bottom line.

With our vast number of social and networking events, renting makes more sense than leasing a traditional office space. 

You’ll no longer have to deal with an inflexible leasing contract, regardless of how your business is going. 

This allows you to pivot quickly in line with market demands. With a Nairobi Garage membership, you’ll have access to five office locations across Nairobi.

The first step is deciding if you actually need an office space. How will an office impact your workflow and team collaboration?

There are so many benefits that come with investing in a physical office space but here are some of the things that you need to consider and look into:

Choose a Location Near 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 first need to ensure that the office will be close enough for your team members to commute. Or if you don’t have a team just yet, choose an office that is closest enough to an area that’s populated with potential talent. 

When thinking about your location also ensure that you consider your clients in mind. Is the office building you’re considering easily accessible? Will they be able to find it easily? 

Compare the different office types

There are various types of spaces when it comes to an office. From shared coworking spaces to traditional private offices, entrepreneurs can choose from a variety of office layouts.

Day pass – Need a day office space to work from without long-term commitments? The day office space packages are exactly what you need. The pass allows you to take advantage of a full suite of benefits including the offer of that different space.

Also Read // Office space in Nairobi: 8 different types that you can choose from

Private Office – For individuals or teams of up to 15. A private office gives teams room to grow and change, great for new teams, geographic expansion, freelancers, or those just getting started.

Dedicated Desk – Similar to a coworking membership, dedicated desks offer flexibility and affordability, as well as the security of a locking file cabinet and a reserved desk within a shared private office.

Virtual Office –Virtual offices or Club Space as we call it at Nairobi Garage, ia not a physical workspace, but highly useful for those working remotely who need a professional business address and place to pick up mail and deliveries – and access to on-demand meeting rooms, day offices, or the occasional lounge pass!

Avoid legal pitfalls

When renting a commercial office space, remember to carefully consider the terms of your lease. Pay extra attention to the length of the lease, when it begins, and whether there are renewal options.

Additionally, does your rent include insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs? What is the security deposit and what conditions need to be met to have it returned? What common areas are included with your rent?

Consider your budget

Don’t choose an office space that will put your business in debt. Deciding on an appropriate budget will help you maintain your peace of mind. That being said, investing in your company and in your dream is a necessary part of growing a business.

Remember that amenities, maintenance, taxes, mail service, furniture, and other factors should be weighed when deciding on your office space budget.

Look for flexible terms

Read your office lease agreement from top to bottom. In addition to the criteria you set for your ideal office space, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any flexibility in the leasing process. 

For example, the office space company may offer a discount on your rent for signing a long-term agreement (such as a one or two-year contract). This level of flexibility can be crucial for ensuring the viability of a developing company.

Ask the hard questions

While looking for office space, ensure that you get to ask hard questions during the space tour. Ensure that you get the value you want. 

Also by asking the hard questions you ensure that you really understand the terms and conditions of the office space and that you do not stand a chance to breach any of the terms. 

The questions would include anything around space amenities, events, networking sessions, the community and so on.

The culture

Be a part of our inclusive culture and join the Nairobi Garage. Being a Nairobi Garage member means networking with some of the largest companies in the world who share your space too.

If you’re interested in growing your clientele and having fun while you’re at it, Nairobi Garage is the office space solution for you.

We offer all sorts of events, including those centered around your well-being. Meeting rooms can be used in creative ways, such as workshops for business owners. You can book a tour of our space here or send us an email at join@nairobigarage.com.