There are many things to consider when choosing your office premises and taking advantage of your tenancy inspection is a simple and easy way to determine if the space is right for your company’s needs.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Take a camera with you
Document any repair or maintenance issues you notice during your inspection. This will make it easier to refer to any potential disputes or problems later down the track.
Note your needs before the inspection
Depending on the circumstances of your team or company, consider what needs are non-negotiable and what’s open for discussion. A lot of these factors can be outside the office space and depend on the building facilities. Do you require parking or an elevator? Are the office bathrooms shared or within your private space? Ensure you scope out these needs during the inspection.
Prepare a “concept plan”
Will you team fit into the tenancy space you’re considering? Think about the space you’ll need for each person to avoid cramped spaces and overfilled desks. It’s also important to think of your potential growth over a lease period. If your company is experiencing high growth and a lot of new faces around the office, consider a space that offers room to expand.
Get inspiration
Inspect other tenancies to see how they use their space. You’ll be able to see how much they can fit into a similar sized office premises and consider options you mightn't have thought of.
Ask the right questions
Avoid making any assumptions about the rights you’ll have for a fitout or your responsibilities for an end of lease make-good. Ask the landlord about everything you’re considering for the space to ensure you’re both on the same page. It’s also important to have a knowledgeable fitout specialist accompany your inspection - what you don’t know, they definitely will!
Keep all parties informed
Before committing to a lease, inform both your Legal Representative and Accountant of your plan. They’ll keep you out of troublesome make-good obligations that can become a big financial worry towards the end of your lease. You’ll also gain a better understanding of your owner’s contribution, tenant fitout costs and end of lease make-goods costs.
