Looking for Furnished Office Space?

There are many reasons that people seek office space...

Quit working from home!

Our tenant’s work for companies that do not have a corporate office in the Greenville area but want to have an office outside of their homes.  Working from home is not easy, especially if you have kids/family. Many of our tenants, like the convenience of separating work from their family life.

Meet your clients in a professional setting!

If you meet with clients, you need to have a professional space to conduct business — access to a common lobby and conference room help portrait a professional image.

Need for a business address!

Do you need a business address to comply with your business license? Some of our clients need a physical address where their regulatory agency can inspect them.   Our offices are HIPPA compliant for those of you in the medical field.

Five Critical Factors to Consider:

Pricing and leasing terms

Pricing:

Furnished, single office suites range from $400-$900 per month. Pricing depends on the size, quality, amenities, and location of the office. 

The first floor is more expensive than the second-floor office suites.  Some businesses need first-floor space due to the clients that visit them.  If you are not meeting clients and are in good physical shape (you can walk upstairs), the second floor will offer a cost advantage.

Utilities:

Power:

If you are renting 1-2 furnished offices, power is most likely included.  The only time power is not included is when you rent an entire suite (4-6 offices or 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft.).

Internet:

Some office suites include Internet and others do not.  If the Internet is not included, then get pricing from Charter or ATT.  If the Internet is included, then determine the bandwidth and how many other tenants use the service.  Make sure there is enough bandwidth to operate your computer and phone effectively.

Phone services:

Does the landlord offer telephone services?  If not, then you will have to decide the best solution.   Many small business owners use their cell phones. If you need a landline, then ask your landlord about options.  The disadvantage of using a provided telephone (provided by your landlord) is that the number will not follow you.  When you leave that office space, your clients will have a number that is not yours.  

Amenities:

Receptionist:

Some office suites provide a shared receptionist.  If you need someone to answer the phone, then this is a good option. If not, you are paying for a service that is not required.

Conference Room:

If you meet more people than your office will accommodate, you may need access to a conference room. Many office suite landlords provide use of a conference room.  Make sure you understand the terms of using the shared conference room. Is there a charge? How many hours per month are allocated to your use? How do you reserve?

Lease Terms:

If you are a new business and not sure about the future of your company, then you should seek month to month lease terms.  If you have a successful business, then a longer-term lease is in order. Month to month leases are typically more expensive, but they do offer flexibility in the event you need to cancel the contract.  If you can commit to a longer-term, then ask the landlord for a discounted monthly rate. The only disadvantage to a month to month lease is that the landlord has the same flexibility. If they want to rent your space to someone else, they can with a notice.

Hidden Charges:

Many of our tenants have experienced renting from large national companies that charge for small items such as printing, copying, and conference room use. Know the amenities that are included before signing a lease. No one likes receiving an unexpected invoice for hidden charges. For example, A new tenant of ours was being charged a dollar per page copied/printed. 

Parking and security :

If your clients come to you, then parking is essential.  Make sure that there are enough parking places for everyone in the same office complex.  Visit the space at the beginning or end of the day. Many of our tenants are woman, and security is critical.  Make sure that the parking area is well lighted and the office space is in a safe area.

Many of our new tenants from downtown Greenville are grateful to have free parking.   Paying for parking every day is expensive!

Location:

How close is the location of the office to where you live? It makes sense to try to get an office space that is convenient to your home, making it easier to commute.   

Is the office close to your client(s)?  The building must be visible from a busy road if you rely on attraction “drive-by” clients. This aspect of office space is much more important if your clients visit you at your office regularly. 

Make sure the office suite is close to quality restaurants, so you are not inconvenienced when it is time to eat.

Flexibility:

The ability to upgrade or rent additional space is essential.  Many of our tenants started with one office and as their business grew added other offices.  Ask the landlord if they own extra office space that could accommodate growth. Also, if you are in a 12 or more-month lease, ask to add a clause that will allow you to add more space as needed.

If you have questions about the office space rental market, please email me at tammy@upstateoffices.com or call 864-423-1644.