Having a physical office for your business will bring great advantages to your workflow. From holding more professional meetings to inspiring you to be more productive, you could leverage it in ways you haven’t imagined yet. However, in order to get the most out of your office, you must choose the one that best suits your needs. Here is a list of what to look for when searching for office spaces in Houston—no matter what industry you’re in.
8 Features to Look for in an Office Space in Houston
Many argue that Houston is one of the top 10 cities in the U.S. for entrepreneurs. This is partly because of Texas’ tax regulations, and also because of its culture. This is why coworking spaces are very common—but that doesn’t mean all are what you need. Here are the most important keys to contemplate before picking your office space in Houston.
Location
If you’re planning on getting a physical office space for your business, location should be one of the most important factors to consider. Ask yourself the following questions:
- First of all, is it easy for you to get there on a daily basis?
- Do you need to physically meet with clients, partners, and/or investors? How close would they be?
- What amenities do you consider relevant for your comfort? If you enjoy having special coffee in the mornings or going to the gym after a workday, having those close to your office space will save you lots of time.
Be careful! Usually, when a neighborhood gets trendy, the costs for offices go up. Don’t let word of mouth get the most out of your pocket and consider other factors before choosing a particular neighborhood.
Lease Terms
Once you have some options, you should look into their lease terms. Most office spaces have different types of plans. You will probably find two major categories: short-term and long-term lease options.
Your business will have particular needs you will need to consider. However, keep in mind that if you’re starting, a flexible plan could be more helpful during the initial stages and lower the risks of losing an investment. Depending on your workflow and the nature of your business, you could also contemplate using a shared coworking space.
Size and Scalability of Office Spaces in Houston
For this factor, the best option is to personally visit the space. You will need to evaluate how much of it you will initially need for your operations, and if there are possibilities for expansion. If you don’t need that much room or storage, opting for shared areas could be a great place to start. It would allow you to get to know the space while also saving money for later.
Nonetheless, if you:
- Will be regularly meeting people
- Need physical storage
- Value privacy
A private office will still be the better choice.
Amenities and Services
Most coworking spaces offer essential amenities, such as Wi-Fi, mail services, and cleaning. When researching for office spaces in Houston, consider what additional services they have and how much you would enjoy them. For example, at Muze Office, we offer:
- Event spaces for special occasions
- Free coffee
- On-site receptionist
- Biometric access for enhanced security
- Printing facilities
- Lounge areas
- Conference rooms
- Free parking
- Free snack back
- And more!
Technology and Infrastructure
First and foremost: fast Internet access is a must-have in any office space! But it goes beyond that. Shared and private spaces should be well-equipped, with nearby power sockets and technology requirements (for example, AV resources for conference rooms).
You can also ask about IT services and special security measures.
Networking Opportunities
Coworking and shared office spaces aren’t meant to be boring and isolating—on the contrary! What’s great about taking part in these dynamic spaces is that you get to meet all kinds of professionals and form connections you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Even if you opt for a private office space, most of these places offer different types of networking opportunities. Whether you decide to have lunch in a common area on a random weekday or attend special events hosted by the company, you will find these opportunities really valuable in the long run.
Plans and Cost
The final factor might be the first to come to mind for most people: the budget. Make sure to balance it with your business needs, and think about how much you would be taking advantage of the space and all the amenities included. Think (and ask) about possible additional/hidden costs, such as utilities, maintenance of private space, or parking fees.
If you want to be 100% sure you’re making the right decision, you could also take your time to research and compare prices between traditional and coworking leases. When doing so, keep in mind that traditional alternatives won’t include amenities and will require other types of investments from your part.
Office Spaces in Houston: Making the Right Decision
When facing several office space options and thinking about these factors, you might wonder: Where should I set my priorities? The truth is that it will vary from case to case.
Evaluate your goals, your personality, and your business dynamics. After that, choose your non-negotiables and start from there. It’s important to balance functionality, cost, and growth potential. At Muze Office, we offer the best plans with a great variety of amenities and flexibility for your business.
