How do I choose an office space?
How do I choose a suitable office for my organization?
Have you just registered your own business with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)? Or is your company so successful that you need more space? Perhaps you're simply looking for more office space? Whatever your current situation, choosing the right office space can be quite challenging. At Frame Offices, we understand that the office market has changed significantly, and we're happy to help you get started. How do you choose and find the right office for your organization?
Figures and technical jargon can quickly become overwhelming once you start delving deeper. It can be quite daunting, and we understand that. Don't panic! At Frame Offices, we're happy to help and explain everything step by step.
Start at the beginning
Let's start at the beginning of your search for office space. Nowadays, there are so many different options that making a choice isn't always easy.
Therefore, let's initially focus on the difference between a multi-tenant office building and a business center. A multi-tenant office building is an office building with multiple rentable offices or spaces where various companies can establish themselves, with the option of shared facilities such as restrooms or pantries. However, multi-tenant office buildings are known for the fact that most things are managed in-house; consequently, virtually no extra services are offered. In a business center, just like in a multi-tenant office building, multiple rentable spaces are also rented out within a single building. The biggest difference, however, is that more services are available in a business center, relieving tenants of as much burden as possible. Additionally, a business center is created with its own identity and its own community. As a result, there is a greater sense of togetherness in a business center than in a multi-tenant office building, where it is more a case of everyone fending for themselves. So ask yourself the question: am I looking for an office space where I and my colleagues have to arrange everything ourselves and where we are more dependent on ourselves? Or am I looking for an office space where I am relieved of the burden and become part of a larger whole?
How much space do I need?
And then comes the second question: how much space do I need? Colloquially, we like to speak in terms of square meters, and you would say that speaks for itself, right? Unfortunately, this is not entirely the case. In commercial real estate, the term used is floor area. The floor area (VO) of a building indicates both the gross floor area (BVO) and the lettable floor area (VVO). It is therefore important to carefully consider exactly what area you actually need. If the term used is lettable floor area (VVO), the tenant does not pay for elevators, stairwells, and technical rooms. Conversely, if the term used is gross floor area (BVO), the tenant *does* pay for elevators, stairwells, and technical rooms. In most cases, the term lettable floor area (VVO) is used, as this often forms the basis for the rent and is used as an indication of the number of m² per workstation or FTE. So, if you are looking around, always look at the lettable floor area (RFA), an important factor in finding the right size for your office space.
Service costs
But the size of the office space isn't everything, of course, because at the end of the month, the bills still have to be paid. And if you look at this bill, you'll most likely see the term "service charges." But what exactly are these service charges? There are quite a few variables and they depend primarily on the lease agreement you're signing. Primarily, these are costs related to the building, which the landlord incurs for the tenant. Think of maintenance of the air conditioning system, cleaning costs for common areas, reception services, municipal taxes, security costs, water costs, use of office furniture, etc. Generally speaking, the more services offered, the higher the service charges.
What are my options now?
And we hear you thinking, what now? There's still a lot to think about. We understand, which is why we at Frame Offices, with locations across the country, are here for you. At Frame Offices, we offer spaces that work for everyone, with offices of all sizes and flexible rental options. Our workspaces are designed with you and your colleagues fully in mind. If you choose to have Frame Offices take care of your workspace, you'll have nothing to worry about and can fully focus on your own work.
Our hospitality team ensures a warm welcome upon arrival or a friendly greeting upon departure. But our hospitality team goes even further; we offer services that go the extra mile. For example, we offer various service packages to suit everyone's wishes and needs, or we can provide customized services in consultation. In addition to our hospitality team, every Frame Offices location features a wonderful food and beverage concept where you can enjoy the most delicious lunches, drinks, treats, and, of course, those much-needed caffeine fixes. And if you're looking to really challenge your colleagues, take them to one of our fitness rooms, where you and your colleagues can work up a sweat for a good inspiration boost. But besides exercise, relaxation is also essential for a healthy workday. For this reason, Frame Offices also offers locations with relaxation areas where you can completely unwind, also known as our Happy Zen spaces. And to ensure that, in addition to a wonderfully full belly and opportunities to relax and unwind, you can focus even more on your own work, we also offer our Time Savers. We're happy to take care of your household chores and can take care of your laundry, but we also iron and dry-clean your clothes with ease!
Want to know more? Contact one of our locations or fill out the contact form on our website.
By Sharon Hilferink
