C: iii) Office

The following questions are essential for finding the right office for your business:

• Is the floor area and layout suitable for your purposes?  If not, can it easily be modified?
• Can the floor take the weight of any stationery, books, equipment etc?
• How easily can heavy equipment/stationery be taken into your office?
• Is there room for a suitable reception area?
• Is there room to speak with clients/customers in privacy?
• Can you easily carry/ install heavy stationery/equipment?
• Is there a service lift, if you are not situated on the ground floor?
• Is there convenient parking for customers/visitors/staff?
• Is there sufficient sockets/outlets/capacity for your requirements in these areas, and would the present equipment be adequate & cost effective for your needs? 
• Is there the capacity to install additional outlets cheaply and easily if required?
• What is the age and condition of any wiring/installations?  Can it cope with your requirements in the short/medium term?
• Check on where the sun shines, and at what time?  May this cause a problem?
  Are the doors/access large enough for your present and foreseeable requirements, or can they easily be modified?
• Is the window display area suitable for your requirements, can it easily be altered if required, and are you allowed to advertise on the windows/building?
• Is there room to install a staff kitchen/rest room?
• Do you require modifications to comply with The Disability Act?

Storage Space
Is this big enough for your present and foreseeable requirement, and is it sufficiently accessible for deliveries and restocking?  Check door widths and heights.