Choosing Office Space: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

The cost of office space can be prohibitive for companies that are just starting out, especially those that do businesses in large cities like Washington, D.C., New York or San Francisco, where rents are significantly higher.

Leasing office space in a prime city location is undoubtedly expensive, but that’s not the only cost of setting up shop.

Besides leasing your space, you need furniture. Yes, you can lease that too, but that route may actually cost you more in the long run. Buying office furniture can add up to thousands. You can rent for much less, but you’ll eventually end up paying the same amount, and you won’t even own the furniture.

And don’t forget about technology — computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, monitors, modems, keyboards and more. Plus, you will need supplies like ink, paper, staplers, paper clips, etc.

Some leases include the cost of utilities, but some don’t, so you need to factor that expense into the equation as well.

How to Afford the Office Space You Need

Even for companies that are firmly established, these overhead costs can take a sizable chunk out of the profit. Every business wants to maximize profit, so saving money where possible is essential. But how can you save money on office space?

Easy: Rent space in a shared office environment instead of assuming all the costs yourself. An office space rental agreement can include the use of supplies and other necessities, saving you many thousands of dollars upfront that you may not have if you are a small business or startup company.

Additionally, you will be able to afford much nicer surroundings by renting shared space than if you leased an entire private office suite. Your clients will be more impressed walking into a marble-tiled lobby and taking the elevator up to a beautiful office staffed by a capable receptionist than they would if they visited you in the type of surroundings you could afford on your own. This can translate into more business, and a stronger bottom line.

Rented Meeting Rooms

Another great benefit of renting office space is the availability of meeting rooms. Even if your company could afford office space, it likely would not be large enough to include meeting rooms. Besides the space required for a meeting room, you would need a conference table and chairs, and equipment for presentations, such as projectors, screens, and related technology.

These expenses add up quickly, and there are always a few needs (translate that as costs) that you didn’t count on. Remember to include services you might need, such as techs to set up your computers and wireless network, construction costs for walls or cubicles and delivery charges for furnishings, rugs, appliances, etc.

Some businesses can get by with their employees using their cell phones, but others will need a dedicated number with a system in place for routing calls. Such a system would also likely facilitate group and conference calls, call waiting and other VoIP features.

Another cost frequently overlooked is insurance. You need to protect your investments from fire and theft, plus you may need insurance to protect your visitors who may slip and fall or have another type of accident.

Comparison Calculator Reveals Savings

Find out how much you can save by using our comparison calculator tool. Plug in the numbers specific to your business and you’ll see how you could benefit by choosing office space with Metro Offices. We have locations for private office space in Dupont Circle, Farragut Square, Metro Center, and Reston, Virginia. Each is conveniently located near a Metro stop in a bustling, downtown location.

When you choose Metro Offices, you don’t have to worry about compromising on location, features or amenities — you’ll have everything you need under one roof.

Compare what it costs to run your own office vs. simply letting Metro Offices do the work for you.

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.

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