What To Think About When Building Your Own Office
When it comes to figuring out from where they should run their business, most entrepreneurs choose their home, a co-working space, or a traditional office. However, there’s much to be said for building your own office space. This will allow you to create a space in your image, which can help to solidify your company’s branding, and it can also be considered an investment. You won’t be paying rent when it’s your building! If you’re going to take this approach, however, then it’s important that you’re thinking all aspects of the process through carefully. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the key considerations.
The Location
The location of your office will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make, because it’ll influence so much, such as how much your office costs, how long the commute is, and how your company is perceived by outsiders. An office in the center of the city might be more “reputable,” but you’ll also spend a lot of money for the privilege of having an enviable zip code. In general, it’s best to develop an office just outside of the center. There will be plenty of ‘up and coming’ areas to choose from, which may be better.
Five Years Down the Line
Developing an office should be considered a long-term project. Once it’s finished, this space will be your company headquarters for years. For that reason, you’ll want to think about your company’s future and where you may be a little further on down the line. For example, if you think that you may hire more staff, or may start offering the option of working from home, then those things will influence how large your office should be. While you can’t account for all eventualities, you can make a pretty good educated guess based on your growth projections.
The Infrastructure
A building by itself isn’t going to do your business all that much good. In order to be a high-quality office, it must have all the latest infrastructure. While things like the design of the office are important, the top priority should be that you and your employees are able to work productively and efficiently while you’re there. To ensure everything works as it should, get in touch with a cabling company such as Richmond Communications. With the right setup, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as soon as you move into your new space.
How Long It’ll Take
Your move won’t happen overnight! It could take a matter of months. It’s best not to rush these things, and especially the transition — take your time, so that your business operations don’t suffer.
Your Branding
Finally, take a look at incorporating your branding into your office. There’s always a disconnect when you see a company that presents itself in one way, but which has an office that seems to project a completely different message. For example, if you’re a young and hip company, then your office should reflect that attitude.
12 Comments
heather
Great tips and information here thanks for sharing. I would love to design my own office.
Kate Sarsfield
Dad once ran his business from home then he got a Govt. grant & moved into his own factory.
Connie: The Head Peanut
That’s very cool. What kind of factory?
Kate Sarsfield
Emergency lighting for hospitals, prisons, schools etc.
Kate Sarsfield
The first thing I noticed about the pic was that desk. I couldn’t go near it – too many pointy corners! I’d be covered with bruises!
Rosie
I saw where someone bought an RV and put it in their back yard, and kitted it out to be an office with teleconferencing, etc. Our town center has been gussied up. I noticed that the businesses that opened up right outside of where the foot traffic is greatest (and maybe just 100 feet), ended up not having enough business and had to close down or move right into the highest price rents with the most foot traffic. I guess it depends if you need people to come in to shop, or if you are providing a service not dependent on people walking around.
Tamra Phelps
It would be really nice for a new businessperson to be able to build their own space. You could design it just as you want it. If you were able to actually buy the land and building, you wouldn’t have to worry about rising rent costs if the area becomes more desirable.
Connie: The Head Peanut
Exactly. Have a building that you own. In the backyard would be the best for me. The commute would be awesome!
Dana Rodriguez
We converted the spare bedroom into a home office. But this is good advice for those needing something bigger.
Connie: The Head Peanut
That’s a great idea. If it’s only a home office it’s completely tax deductible too. That’s an even better perk.
Crystal K
My good friend built a home office in his backyard right before the pandemic hit. He was sure happy to have it these past few months!
Connie: The Head Peanut
That came in super handy! Good for him.