It’s imperative to begin the relocation process early so as to allow enough time to negotiate the best lease possible. And the first step to getting started is to define your requirements and criteria before you speak to a tenant representative.
Here are just some of the questions that we ask our clients in order to move them from a rough idea of their needs to a clearly defined objective. These work whether you’re looking for office space, retail space, industrial space or a warehouse.
1. Location & General Info
What area are you most interested in?
Is a view important?
What is the lowest floor your company would be willing to locate?
How many people will work at this location?
What is your annual budget?
What length of lease do you prefer?
What are your parking and transportation needs?
2. Space Configuration
What do you require in terms of:
• Private Offices
• Other Offices
• Open Workstations
• Conference Rooms
• Storage/Supply Rooms
• Filing Cabinets
As a rule of thumb, office users should plan on between 150 and 250 square feet per person. Remember to include in your calculations any anticipated personnel growth during the length of the potential lease.
3. Other Questions
How large of a reception area do you want or need?
Do you have any special electrical needs?
Do you have special heating, ventilating and air conditioning needs?
What provisions do you need to make to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act?
4. Qualifying
These are questions that the owner, landlord or their broker may ask you while you’re touring potential locations to lease.
Think about what information you are prepared to reveal and what you will want to hold back. Important information given too quickly before negotiations start can compromise your bargaining power, especially if time is short.
Some questions you may be asked:
When does your current lease expire?
What is your budget?
What else have you seen?
Why do you have to move?
Do you have any other options?
Are you working with a broker?
