Choosing an Office Space: What to Look For

Before buying or renting an office, an owner inevitably wonders which space to choose — because not every space is suitable for commercial use. A renovation matters too, but choosing office space comes first: a mistake at this stage costs far more than any rework.

In this guide we look at what to pay attention to when choosing office premises: location and infrastructure, area, technical condition and layout. And at the end we’ve put together a short checklist useful for both office rent and purchase.

Location and infrastructure

An office can be in the centre or on the outskirts — the choice depends on the specifics of the business. If the work involves constant communication with clients, a place closer to the centre is better: it’s prestigious and convenient for visitors. If the activity needs a warehouse, it’s more logical to be on the outskirts.

When choosing a location, consider a few points:

• transport routes — the office should be convenient to reach;
• parking — preferably spacious;
• catering nearby — so clients and staff can eat when they need to.

By the way, if there won’t be a meeting room after the renovation, a nearby cafe makes a great place for client meetings.

Office area: how many square metres you need

Area directly affects the team’s comfort. By sanitary standards, each employee should have at least 6 m², and desks are placed 2 metres apart. Every piece of furniture needs extra space, so it’s not worth skimping on size if you want to organise truly comfortable workplaces.

It’s best to calculate area with a margin — taking into account not only work desks but also waiting areas, a meeting room, a kitchen and other rooms.

Technical condition of the premises

Even if you plan to redo the space entirely, don’t forget about its technical readiness. When buying or renting, be sure to check what could break down and cause unnecessary losses:

• the air conditioning system;
• electrical equipment and cable wiring;
• the light level and placement of light sources;
• the sewerage and water supply system.

Buyers often see a space “needing no renovation”, quickly sign the contract, and only then ask for the work log. Study the technical condition right away to avoid hidden pitfalls. More on engineering systems is in the articles on Office Water Supply: Design & Installation and Office Lighting: How to Get It Right.

Internal space layout

A good layout has a positive effect on work efficiency. There are three main types:

• Closed — a long corridor and separate offices.
• Open — one large room where zones are divided by partitions.
• Mixed — a combination of closed and open layouts.

Make sure the office has client waiting areas, employee offices and a director’s office, and if needed — a cloakroom, warehouse and dining room. Office Partitions: Why They’re Worth Using will help divide an open space flexibly.

Office selection checklist

Before signing the contract, check:

• ☑️ the location for the specifics of the business (centre or outskirts);
• ☑️ transport access and parking;
• ☑️ catering nearby;
• ☑️ area at a rate of at least 6 m² per employee;
• ☑️ the technical condition of air conditioning, electrics, water supply and sewerage;
• ☑️ the light level and placement of light sources;
• ☑️ the possible layout type (closed, open or mixed);
• ☑️ space for a meeting room, kitchen, warehouse and waiting area.

Office selection and renovation with Partner Create

Even a space that looks perfect is worth assessing from the point of view of the future renovation and engineering. Partner Create, as a reliable partner, will help check an object’s technical readiness, and after the choice — deliver a turnkey renovation under general contracting, planning everything as early as the design stage.

Examples of completed offices are in the office spaces portfolio.

Choosing an office space in brief

• Choosing the space matters more than the renovation: a mistake costs more than rework.
• The location is chosen for the business: the centre for client work, the outskirts if a warehouse is needed.
• Area is at least 6 m² per employee, desks 2 m apart; calculate with a margin.
• The technical condition (air conditioning, electrics, water, sewerage, light) is checked right away.
• The layout can be closed, open or mixed; provide for all the necessary zones.
• Before signing the contract, go through the office selection checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a space and renovate with Partner Create

The right choice of space and a well-executed renovation are the key to a comfortable, effective office. Partner Create will help assess the object and deliver a turnkey renovation with responsibility for the result.

Explore our work in the portfolio, read useful materials on the blog, or get in touch to discuss your project. Call +38 050 388 24 49.

We also recommend Construction Works in the Office: Types & Stages and Office Partitions: Why They’re Worth Using — they will help plan the renovation after choosing the space.