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?
