Now that your startup has outgrown the confines of your home office (or the local coffee shop), you need a proper base of operations. It’s time for you to take the next step on your road to success by renting your very own office space. As exciting as that is, don’t let eagerness get the better of you.

Renting a private office in the Philippines is a serious commitment so don’t jump headfirst without due diligence. Before signing that lease agreement, make sure you’re good and ready.

In this handy guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about finding the right office space for your business.

Get a head start on your search

Once you’ve set your budget and your priorities (give yourself a couple of months for this), start searching now. Putting it off until the last minute could mean settling for an office that’s subpar, especially in desirable locations within the metro. Look at spaces in locations throughout the metro and decide which suits your needs and your budget best.

Find a space that’s convenient to your team

You don’t want an office on the south side of the Metro when everyone lives up north and vice versa. If the team lives in scattershot locations, choose a place that’s central to most. Or, pick an area that’s easily accessible, whether by car or public transportation. You want an easy commute for your team members so they don’t report for work looking like it’s the end of a very long day!

Also, if you’re thinking of expanding your team, rent a place that’s closer to areas your potential employees will be happy with — like an area that’s less affected by rush hour gridlock.

Figure out the type of office space you need

Ideally, the office space you choose should not only be big enough to fit your team, but it should also allow you to expand in the future. You don’t want to rent the perfect space only to move out in a year’s time.

Ask the following questions to determine what type of space you really need:

• How many team members do you have?
• To what extent do you see yourself expanding in the near future?
•  Do you want a traditional office space or something more flexible?

Leasing a dedicated space is especially beneficial for bigger teams that need to be physically present in one place in order to get their job done — creating product prototypes, for example, or working on collaborative projects.

If you have a small team, a coworking space might be the better option. Coworking spaces provide the benefits of traditional offices like tables, chairs, and Wi-Fi but with considerably less overhead. Coworking spaces also have the added benefit of being around other startups and business professionals. Friendly chitchat can lead to valuable connections. For those on a tight budget, going the coworking route is definitely the more affordable choice.

Your office also sets the tone for your startup’s work environment and culture. Talk to your team and decide what style or layout suits your startup before looking for office space for rent in Manila.

Consider nearby establishments, office amenities, and parking

Your team is going to love having a space that’s conveniently close to restaurants, coffee shops, malls, and banks. It’s fun having lunch options. And a relief to be squeezing in a few errands during your break so you have more time to focus on your work.

Office amenities are a top priority, as well. No office is complete without a break room or coffee maker. Make sure your dedicated office or coworking space has both so you don’t have to keep leaving the office during your downtime. If you need a place to meet clients or investors, look at coworking spaces with private offices for rent or available meeting rooms.

Parking is also something you should look into, especially in the city. Beyond the limited parking slots a building provides, an office with nearby parking is something your team members and your clients will be happy with.

Project the right image to clients and investors

You want your office space to reflect your startup’s brand perfectly. Look for an office building that’s right at the center of a business district to show your clients and investors that you’re serious about your startup.

Stick to your budget

When renting your first office space, make sure you don’t break the bank. Run the numbers and decide on a budget that won’t have you chasing rent or, worse, payroll every couple of months. Factor in contingencies. Remember, your office should contribute to the growth of your startup, not stunt it.

Read your lease agreement carefully

Discuss the terms and conditions on your lease with the property manager. Cover every clause, from how long your lease lasts to who takes care of the maintenance of the office. Making sure that you and your the lessor are on the same page when it comes to understanding the lease agreement will help avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

Ask about an exit clause, as well. It pays to know what you’re in for should you need to terminate your lease early. Find out when you need to give notice and the fees you need to pay. Always check if the provisions are in the lease agreement before signing it.

If you’re looking for a dedicated office or an awesome coworking space, we at Loft offer an array of options. Look into our small office space for rent. Check out our exceptional coworking space designed with startups in mind. Book a conference room with a dedicated AC, audio-visual facilities, and a view of the city. Our services include fast Wi-Fi, free-flowing coffee, a pantry where you can heat your meals and chill your drinks, and, weather permitting, an outdoor penthouse area where you can clear your thoughts or think things through.

Learn about our other amenities and get your own private office in Ortigas. Book a tour of the Loft facilities today! Call Loft Spaces at (02) 284-8789 or 0917-899-1801, or email [email protected].