Office planning, while critical to running your business efficiently, is usually done less frequently than other types of planning, partly because once you have a good work flow in place, you don't need to tinker with it often unless you have major changes in other aspects of your organization.
Here are some issues you will want to consider in planning your office:
Budget
How much can you afford for space
What is the maximum amount your are willing to spend
What is the ideal amount to spend
Employees
Number of employees by type of work they do
Amount and type of work areas each employee needs
Special needs for disabilities
Features:
The things you must have in your office space
The things you absolutely don't want in your office space
What your ideal space would be given you could afford it
Layout:
How many private offices
How much open work area is needed
How much storage
How many restrooms
Any other specialized space needed (e.g., reception area, lunch room, conference room)
Ease of access for customers and suppliers
Lease Options
What are your contractual obligations
What are their contractual obligations
Is there space for expansion
How long is the lease for
What are the terms for extending the lease
What are the terms for terminating the lease
Who handles maintenance and repairs
What else is provided (e.g., air conditioning, elevator)
Location
Urban/Suburban/Rural
Easy to reach by your target market
Location in relation to major roads
Alternate transportation access (e.g., bus, subway)
Parking
How much parking is immediately available
How much parking is needed for employees and customers
Is there an extra cost for parking
Security
What type of security is available with the space
Is there limited access to the building at certain hours
What additional security is needed
How safe is the neighborhood
Timing:
How soon is it available
How long will it take to move and be set up for business
Work Areas
What types of work areas are needed
How large do the work areas need to be
What equipment is needed for each work area
What other features need to be considered (e.g., electrical outlets, air conditioning)
Lighting
