Summary

Synopsis

Before changing your business location or acquiring a new one, consider all relevant factors that could influence your operations. Five major phases, outlined here, walk you through a simple step-by-step procedure that helps you pinpoint an optimal business location.

Objectives

• Decide whether it is better for you to buy or lease business space
• Identify and use appropriate, specific location criteria adapted to the needs of your business
• Rapidly evaluate your space needs
• Make a list of costs associated with moving
• Apply a structured approach to your research and decision making
• Draft an internal space plan
• Identify the most appropriate professionals to assist you
• Identify critical elements in the rental lease that need close consideration

Outline

• Acknowledgement
• Introduction
• Overview
• Objectives
• Step 1: Define Your Needs and Means
• Starting at Home?
• Pros and Cons of Home-based Business
• To Buy or Rent?
• Define Your Location Criteria
• Manufacturing Space Specifications
• Commercial Space Specifications
• Know Your Business Needs
• Calculate All Your Moving Costs
• Establishing a Budget
• Checkpoint I
• Step 2: Assessing Location and Needs Alignment
• The Process of Elimination
• Regional Location Criteria
• District Location Criteria
• Business Site Criteria
• Preparing Analysis Tables
• Using your Analysis Tables
• Checkpoint II
• Step 3: Structuring your Research Endeavor
• Call on the Professionals
• Regional Research
• District Research
• Local Research
• What you See is What you Get
• Step 4: Interior Planning and the Lease
• Check the Actual Office Space
• Validate Leasing Conditions
• Develop an Interior Layout Plan
• Final Checkpoint