How to rent an office or premises: the key questions
Renting an office or business premises is an important step, whether you’re a start-up or a small business already up and running. Before signing a rental contract, first define your needs. Here are some essential questions to ask yourself to guide your search. Taking the time to answer them can really help you find the ideal space.
What type of space do you need?
The first step is to determine the type of office, premises or workshop that best suits your business.
If it’s an office, do you want a shared or private office? Do you need a reception area, a consulting room or a meeting room to meet customers?
If it’s a commercial service space, what do you need to include? Do you need a garage door to facilitate transport of your equipment? Dedicated space for administrative tasks, manufacturing, customer service?
And if you’re looking for a workshop, what kind of activities will you be involved in? Special zoning and facilities may be required to meet standards. For example, MAPAQ standards in the food sector.
How much space do you need?
Renting the right size is key. If your office or premises are bigger than you need, you’ll lose valuable dollars. On the other hand, a lack of space will affect your business and the smooth running of your operations, and therefore your success.
What is your rental budget?
The cost of renting an office is a decisive factor. That’s why you need to start by establishing the budget you can afford to spend on monthly rent. Don’t forget to include all additional costs such as electricity, heating and maintenance.
Which type of lease is right for you?
There are many different types of commercial lease. Whichever one you choose, remember that it will have a direct impact on your finances.
Some contracts include services and amenities that can save you time by simplifying day-to-day management. What’s more, they also help you plan your spending more effectively.
Like Mon Espace Atelier’s ingenious 7-in-1 concept. This includes: basic space, common costs such as snow removal and maintenance, occupancy permit, space signage, design service for layout, as well as financing options.
What is the desired lease term?
Do you foresee the development of a market that would require a change of region or zoning? Do you need stability to anchor yourself in your community and network? Will your planned growth require a larger premises in the short or medium term?
Whatever your business plan and what the future holds, make sure you understand what the owner is providing in your lease agreement.
At Mon Espace Atelier, we’re proud to offer scalable rentals. Our flexible, semi-detached spaces can keep pace with your growth. It’s a perfect fit with our mission to help entrepreneurs succeed.
What location are you looking for?
The location of your business premises must be accessible to your suppliers and customers. Think carefully about proximity to highways, visibility and the neighborhood environment. A good location can enhance your brand image, simplify transportation and attract more customers.
For each of its projects, Mon Espace Atelier is strategically located and provides prestigious offices, service business premises and workshops. We are present in : Joliette, Saint-Jerome, Sainte-Therese, Vaudreuil, Mascouche, Drummondville and soon all over Quebec!
What kind of layout is needed?
The layout of your workspace is another point to consider. Will you need leasehold improvements? This must be factored into your budget.
Mon Espace Atelier sets itself apart by giving you the option of incorporating part of the cost of leasehold improvements into your lease. We offer a financing plan spread over a period of 12 to 36 months maximum*.
What’s more, we offer a design service for the layout of your space. You’ll benefit from the expertise we’ve acquired in layout and equipment for different sectors of activity.
Next step: finding your office or premises
Leasing an office or premises is not a decision to be taken lightly. Have you taken the time to ask and answer the right questions? Congratulations, you’re now ready to begin your search.
Join our dynamic business community
And since time is money, a final word of advice. Contact our team to discover all that our spaces have to offer. You’ll be able to see the quality of our facilities and the support we provide.
* Approval of each request is at the discretion of Mon Espace Atelier management, based on the cost to be financed, your company’s type of activity and your track record.