Every business is different, but there are some fundamental questions that apply to nearly all companies when they're looking to sign office leases. While a face-to-face interview can get you these answers, it will save you and your client time if you email her a list of questions to ponder before you meet.
These are some common questions that can help a tenant to prioritize her business’ needs and wants.
How many employees work in the office? Is this number likely to increase or decrease in the next five years?
What is the budget range for monthly rent (low-end and high-end)?
How much square footage, total, does your business need?
How many offices does your business need? How many private/executive offices?
How many larger offices for cubicles?
What are your geographical parameters?
What are your business hours? Do employees regularly work night shifts or past normal business hours? What about weekends?
How many electrical outlets does the office need? How many phone/fax lines?
Do you need an on-site kitchen?
Do your employees need access to a private bathroom? Would they be comfortable using a communal bathroom that resides in the hallway?
What’s more important to your business, lower rent or tenant improvements?
Are there any industry-related concerns that need to be considered when choosing an office space?
How many parking spaces would the office need access to?
Does it matter if employees have to park at a distance from the building?
Is it important for you to have a lease-to-buy clause? What about a sublease clause? Or the option to renew or expand your lease?
On a scale from 1 to 5 (one being not at all important, five being extremely important), how important is building security?
On a scale from 1 to 5, how important is energy-efficiency (or green-building) to your business?
Any other considerations (i.e. needs to be close to a freeway or a corner unit, etc.)?