A viewing of office space is the perfect moment to ask all practical questions that could later cause surprises. The right questions help you make an informed choice and prevent you from getting stuck due to unexpected costs or limitations. In this article, we discuss the five most important topics you should address during every viewing.
By systematically going through these questions, you’ll get a complete picture of what you can expect and be able to properly compare different providers.
What costs are included in the rental price?
The rental price of office space can vary greatly, depending on which costs are and aren’t included. Always ask for a complete overview of all costs, so you won’t face surprises later. Many providers use an all-inclusive formula, while others only charge the basic rent.
Costs that are often charged separately:
- Service costs (cleaning, security, reception)
- Internet costs and IT facilities
- Use of meeting rooms
- Parking spaces
- Energy and water
- Coffee and other catering
Also ask about any one-time costs, such as registration fees, deposits, or costs for keys and access cards. With flexible office solutions, price transparency is important for proper budgeting.
How flexible is the contract for growth or downsizing?
Contract flexibility determines how well you can respond to changes in your business. Most office landlords offer various options for scaling up or down, but the conditions vary greatly between providers.
Important flexibility questions:
- What is the minimum contract duration?
- How far in advance do you need to give notice?
- Can you move to a larger or smaller space within the same location?
- Are there costs associated with switching offices?
- Can you temporarily rent additional space?
Growing companies often need a step-up model that allows them to expand without being forced to relocate. Ask about the possibilities and any waiting lists for other spaces in the same building.
What facilities and services are available?
The available facilities make the difference between a bare office space and a complete work environment. Modern office work requires more than just a desk and chair, so inventory which amenities are available and how accessible they are.
Standard facilities to ask about:
- Meeting rooms and the associated booking system
- Internet speed and wifi quality
- Kitchen and coffee facilities
- Reception and telephone accessibility
- Lounge areas for informal meetings
- Mail processing and package handling
- 24/7 access and security system
Also ask about additional services, such as catering, event spaces, or special facilities for client visits. Check if you have access to all common areas or if there are restrictions attached.
How good is the accessibility by car and public transport?
A well-accessible location saves time and frustration for you, your employees, and visitors. Accessibility directly impacts your operational costs and your team’s satisfaction, so take this seriously in your consideration.
Check accessibility by car:
- Distance to major highways
- Availability and costs of parking spaces
- Parking options for visitors
- Accessibility during rush hours
Accessibility by public transport:
- Walking distance to bus, tram, or metro stops
- Frequency of connections
- Direct lines to important destinations
- Accessibility from airports and stations
Test the route yourself at different times to get a realistic picture of daily accessibility.
What happens with outages and maintenance problems?
The way a landlord handles outages and maintenance says a lot about the quality of service you can expect. Problems are inevitable, but quick and professional handling makes the difference between a minor hiccup and a day without productivity.
Service agreements to discuss:
- How do you report outages and who is your contact person?
- What are the response times for different types of problems?
- Is 24/7 technical support available?
- How is planned maintenance communicated?
- Are there backup facilities in case of internet or power outages?
Ask for examples of how recent problems were solved and if there’s a dedicated maintenance team. Personal contact and short lines often make the difference in the speed of problem-solving.
How Kronenburg Offices helps with office space viewing
With us, you get direct answers to all these questions during the viewing, without surprises afterward. We use a transparent all-inclusive formula where all costs are clear upfront and offer flexible contracts that grow with your business.
What we offer:
- Transparent prices: All costs included, no hidden charges
- Flexible contracts: Scaling up within the same location possible
- Complete facilities: From fiber internet to meeting rooms and restaurant
- Excellent accessibility: Near highways and public transport
- Personal service: Direct line to the owner for quick problem-solving
Want to experience how a good viewing works? Read more about our approach or schedule a viewing directly to discuss all your questions personally.
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