calculate square footage

How to Design a Multigenerational Office Space in Kansas

In today’s office space, it is common to have multiple generations working side by side—an experience that can be both fruitful and challenging. Because of these generational gaps and differences in preferences, business owners are having to factor this dynamic into their choice and design of an office space. Here are a few things to know about generational office space preferences and how to find or design a space in which all employees can thrive, as described in the article “All Together Now: Designing an Office for Different Generations”:

Changes Through Generations

Baby Boomers working in the 1980s preferred a more formal and structured office layout, and as a lot of this generation is still in the workforce, it is important to consider their needs. Later decades ushered in a shift towards personal technology, flexibility, and less of a defined hierarchy in a space. Even more recent trends have placing emphasis on the importance of design and how workers interact with a space, with trends leading towards more spatial openness, culminating in the Millennial mentality of offices becoming a hub of collaboration, technology, and flexibility.

Accommodating Several Generations in an Office Space

One of the best ways to accommodate all of these different trends and preferences is to allow people to have space that they can personalize. Younger generations tend to feel the need to brand their space and make it their own, whereas older generations prefer a less personal, more corporate setting.

Office Space Design Trends

One of the practical factors to be considered when trying to create an environment suitable for multiple generations is the physical layout of the office—cubicles or open space with tables? Coffee bars or conference rooms? The things that most businesses are looking for are spaces that can be multi-purpose—meeting rooms that can transform into yoga studios during lunch. Having a space with a lot of options and different purposes can allow for both community and privacy, meeting the needs of various generations and personality types.

If you’re moving into a new office space and your business employees people of different generations, think about how you can design a space that best maximizes the comfort and the potential for collaboration between all employees!

Looking to calculate your square footage needs for an office space in Kansas City? Give us a call at 913-685-4100 so we can help you find a space that best fits your business’s needs!

Checklist for Assessing an Office Space in Kansas City

Once you have found a few office spaces to seriously consider, there are a few things you should look into before going any further in the process. Here are some suggested items to put on your checklist, as outlined in the article “HOW TO: Choose the Right Office Space”:

Space and layout. Take the time to lay out a mock version of how you would want your office space to work. Does your design work in this particular space? This exercise serves the dual purpose helping you evaluate whether this will be enough space and visualize how you will actually operate in a space – how you will divide it, how it might need to be modified, and how it fits the style of your business.
Room for expansion. If you anticipate growth during the term of your lease, it is important to talk to the landlord about what your expansion options are in the event that you outgrow your original space.
Decorations and modifications. Find out in advance how much you can do with the space, both in terms of bigger build-outs and simple decor choices, such as painting the space or putting things on the walls.
Sound. It seems oddly specific, but be sure to check out the acoustics of a space, both whether it is too echoey inside and what kind of outside noise seeps in.

Make sure to make and use a checklist to really evaluate a space before you sign a lease!

If your business wants to calculate square footage needs, give a commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 for some help!

4 Tips for Securing the Best Overland Park Office Space For Your Business

If you’re a new business hoping to lease an office space for the first time, there are a few steps you can take to break down this process and make it a little less overwhelming. Here are a few tips for finding and leasing the space of your dreams, as suggested in the article “How To Find & Lease Retail Space,”

#1 Determine Your Budget

The most important thing to do before you even start looking for a space is to determine your budget, because this will help you narrow down your options from the start. You do not want to start your search by looking at spaces that your business will not be able to afford.

#2 Calculate Your Space Needs

If you can come up with a basic idea of how much office space you need – an estimate within about 250 square feet – this will also really help you narrow down your options.

#3 Compare Your Options

Now that you have your general parameters, it is time to find around five spaces that you know would work for your business. Don’t limit yourself to just one space, give yourself these options and then you can compare compare the details more closely. Some important factors to consider are the size, cost, and location of the space.

#4 Negotiate the Lease

Once you have found a space that best suits your needs and budget, it is time to begin negotiations. This can be a tricky process, so you might consider seeking expert help to make sure you get the best possible terms.

Leasing a space can be an involved process, but a good place to start is by keeping these main steps in mind!

If you need to calculate square footage needs for your business, give Kathy Woodward at DDI Commercial a call at 913-685-4100.

3 Questions Small Businesses Should Ask About Office Space in Kansas

Once an entrepreneur gets their company up and running and begins to experience success, the next big challenge is finding an office space from which to conduct their work. It is a big commitment for small businesses and there are many important factors to consider, such as the location and whether or not renting an office space will eat up all your profits. Here are three questions to ask yourself when starting the search for your first office space, as outlined in the article “Office Space – The First hurdle for any Entrepreneur”:

#1 Can I afford it?

Obviously one of the most important things to consider when looking at an office space is the cost. Look at traditional office spaces as well as unconventional spaces, such as plug-and-play options, sharing a space, or subleasing. Do not fall into the trap of overestimating the growth your company will experience, which could really cost you in the long run. Be prudent and only rent exactly as much space as you think you’ll need. To avoid getting locked into something, try to negotiate for shorter lease terms, such as a one year lease with an option to extend to three years or rent adjacent space if your business experiences a growth spurt. Don’t forget to factor into your budget the cost of utilities and maintenance. You can never be too careful when making sure that you fully understand all of the charges you will be responsible for and planning for them in your budget– and of course make sure that everything is documented in your lease.

#2 What is the best location?

The location you choose might often be dependent on your budget. It might be in your best interests to rent an older space in the suburbs of the city, rather than a new space or office downtown–but make sure this does not interfere your customers or clients reaching your business. Another factor to consider is convenience for employees. Can they make it to that location? Is it safe and secure? It is important to your employees will be reasonably happy in your new space.

#3 How much space do we need?

When considering how much space your business needs, consult your business plan. Look at your total number of employees or your projected number of employees if you’re anticipating growth and new hires and plan space according to this number. To maximize your use of a small space, consider having mobile workers or flexi seating. Perhaps your employees can cut down on space and equipment by working from their own laptops or working from home some days.

Consider these three questions if you’re thinking about moving into your first office space!

If you’re trying to calculate square footage for your business, give a DDI Commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100 and we can help you determine how much space your business needs!

3 Ways To Cut Office Space in Overland Park Costs

The goal of every prospective tenant is simple: to find the best office space for their budget. In order to achieve this aim, the tenant has to understand what constitutes office space costs and how to handle these costs effectively. Another important aspect of this equation is seeking professional advice throughout the leasing process, which helps tenants – especially those new to the commercial real estate market – to make solidly informed decisions. Here are three factors to consider when trying to understand the bottom-line cost of an office space, as suggested in the article “Office Space, If You Only Do Three Things”:

#1 The Location

One of your top priorities should be to thoroughly search the market for the most cost efficient but visible locations. Remember that location will have an effect on both your rent and the cost of labor. These kinds of costs will vary greatly based on the market or a property owner’s situation. It is important to thoroughly evaluate a marketplace go to make sure that you will be satisfied with the office you choose and to let landlords know that they have competition for your tenancy.

#2 The Lease

The next step in managing costs for your office space is the actual lease transaction. Make sure that all of your objectives are met by the lease and work on negotiating favorable terms with an eye on current market conditions. Sometimes great deals are available in unexpected places with a solid negotiation strategy. In poor markets, landlords often are more willing to offer concession packages or flexible terms to put tenants in their buildings. Look for ways to create leverage and take advantage of market conditions by doing research and considering your timing.

#3 The Layout

Finally, it is important to remember the effects of design and construction on your costs. You want to position yourself to be as in control of these processes as possible. Build out costs and office space efficiency can be major contributors to the cost of an office space. Consider ways that you can do more with less space by taking the time to evaluate the most efficient design for your space and the most cost-effective construction options to save yourself significant costs in the long run.

Professional Expertise

The process of achieving cost efficiency in an office space requires professional help. In the leasing phase a broker or tenant representative can help you identify an ideal space and negotiate a favorable lease. For projects revolving around the design of your space, having an architect or space planner in your corner can help you make decisions about build outs based on space efficiency strategies. During the actual buildout process, working closely with a construction manager can also result in you getting exactly what your business wants for the best price. Consider also the possibility of legal counsel with experience in real estate to help you finalize a lease contract.

Acquiring a good lease for your business takes a lot of time, research, and planning. It is important to identify exactly what your major expenses are going to be and seek the proper guidance to help you manage these expenses. Taking the time to do this legwork before signing a lease can help your business’s finances in the long run.

If you are interested in business space for rent in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100. We can also help your business calculate square footage needs so that you know the size and kind of space that your business requires. Call us today to set up a tour or talk about how we can help design and office space to meet your business’s needs!

How to Calculate Square Footage for Your Office Rental Space

One of the most exciting, but potentially stressful parts of renting an office space is planning the space. It is important to know exactly what your requirements are for a space before signing a lease. If you rent too much space, you will be depleting financial resources for space you don’t need, but if you rent to little, your office will feel crowded and your business won’t have room to grow. Here are a few simple ways to determine how much office space is right for your business, as suggested in the article “How Many Square Feet Do I Need for my Office?”:

Number of Employees

If you have a more administrative staff, you might look for a space that is 60-100 square feet, but if you have a more C-level staff, you might need a space that is 250-400 square feet. In addition to considering how many employees you have, you will want to think about the supplies and equipment that each employee requires, as well as any space you might need for visitors.

Storage Space

Don’t forget to plan for any storage space you might need. You can save a lot of space by putting documents on external hard drives, but you will probably still need a few file cabinets, plus some space for a server, office supplies and employee’s belongings, such as coats in the winter.

Common Space

Consider common spaces such as reception areas, break rooms, conference rooms, and restrooms. Plan for that ahead of time, so that you do not find yourself without a place for employees to eat lunch or a place for customers to sit and wait.

Growth

If your business has been doing very well, consider the possibility that you may need to expand into more space in the near future or hire more employees. Try to either plan ahead for that office space or talk to your landlord about a lease clause that will allow you to expand into more space on the property if you need to.

Be sure to take the time to plan ahead when considering how much office space your business needs! Remember that too much space can be a financial drain, but too little could potentially hold your business back from achieving maximum growth.

If your business is interested in commercial space for rent in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100 and we can help you figure square footage, discuss potential office space layouts, and even set you up with tours of spaces!

3 Reasons Why Negotiations for an Office Space in Overland Park Fail

Successful negotiations require preparation and a clear idea of what your business needs, but they also demand a certain amount of flexibility. If you are unable to work with the other party to reach something you can both be satisfied with, you might find yourself unsuccessful in your negotiations. Here are a few reasons why negotiations can fail, as described in the article “Develop Negotiating Skills”:

#1 Refusing to Recognize the Other Party’s Perspective

It is important for both parties to understand the viewpoint and limitations of the other side. For instance, a landlord might be limited by finances, and thus cannot provide a certain service or rent below a certain rate. The key is to listen well. Ask your landlord questions to get an idea of their attitude towards certain things and where they can be flexible. Your goal in negotiations should be to get a feel for the parameters of the other party, and then after putting yourself in their situation, to convince them to listen to your side. You can then craft a lease keeping in mind what each side is really able to agree to.

#2 Too Much Confidence

Being overly bold and demanding could potentially ruin a good deal for both sides. For instance, a tenant whose presence is valuable to the landlord (they are an anchor tenant or are good in some capacity for the surrounding tenants) approaches a landlord to ask for a rent reduction because their sales have been low recently. However, an overly confident landlord might decide to part ways with this tenant and rent the space to another business, causing a lot of headache for them and not benefiting the property as a whole. The landlord could have decided to agree to lower rent for a short amount of time with increases scheduled as sales went up.

Likewise, a tenant could demand too much from a landlord, thinking that the landlord has no other options. For instance, a tenant might want to be allowed to break a lease if a certain other tenant leaves, but the landlord might know that this anchor tenant might not be renewing their lease and thus unable to make that agreement. Know what you need to insist on, but if you are really interested in a space, also keep in mind what might drive the landlord to spare themselves the headache of difficult negotiations and work with a tenant who might provide different benefits to the property.

#3 A Win-Lose Mentality

One easy way to sabatoge a negotiation is to treat it like a competition. A negotiation is not a win-lose situation; in the most successful kind of lease, both sides are able to meet their objectives. Instead of trying to get as much as you can out of a landlord, approach the process as a collaboration and determine where you can be flexible in helping a landlord get what they need. It is a give and take—the more you can offer them, the more they are willing to help you. In this approach, it is inevitable that you might have to give up a little, but this might ultimately be the best road to an overall good deal and a strong tenant-landlord relationship.

Good lease deals are born from an ability to understand the other side’s perspective, a willingness to help the other party achieve their goals as much as you can, and an overall attitude of collaboration and teamwork in crafting the perfect lease.

If your business is interested in learning more about office suites for rent in Overland Park, give us a call at 913-685-4100. We can help you calculate square footage and work with you to determine other office space needs, such as what amenities you need and the best office layout for your business. Give us a call today to discuss spaces or set up a tour!

Factors for a Small Business to Consider When Trying to Calculate Square Footage

When looking for an office space, it is crucial to consider the growth of your business and whether a smaller or bigger space would be the best fit for you at this point. In order to make this decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of big versus small spaces. Here are a few factors to consider if you are thinking of going small, particularly if you are a new business, as suggested in the article “How to Think About Your Square Footage Needs”:

Smaller office costs – The benefit of getting a smaller office is obvious—less cost. If a new business owner has to close their doors, they will not be hurt as bad financially as if they had pursued a larger, more expensive space.
Space needs – If you are a newer, smaller business, you might just need less space to accommodate a smaller amount of equipment and a lighter staff.
Lease length – While it is wise to start small, many small business owners also like to start with a short term lease, such as only one or two years, which allows for the possibility of moving or expanding if your business grows within the next few years.
Pitfalls – There is always the possibility that your business grows quickly and becomes too large for your space. Often landlords also charge a slightly higher cost per square foot for shorter term leases in order to compensate for the cost to them of having to find a new tenant after a short period of time.

If you are thinking of renting a small space, make sure you know all of the pros and cons of that option!

If you are interested in office space in Kansas, give a commercial real estate broker in Overland Park a call at 913-685-4100!

Costly Mistakes in Overland Park Office Space Leasing and How to Avoid Them

Making a mistake on a commercial real estate lease can be a major financial setback for your business. Here are a few common mistakes tenants make and some tips for avoiding these mistakes, as suggested in the article, “The Eight Mistakes Tenants Make When Leasing Office Space“:

Mistake #1: Entering negotiations unprepared. Often tenants do not know exactly how much space their business will need when they enter negotiations, and could wind up with only 12,000 SF when they actually needed 15,000 SF.

Solution: Have an architect do a space program to determine exactly what size office space you need. Many architects will do this for free as a favor to a good broker. Working with a broker might also help you avoid this problem, because they will raise questions that you might not have considered, such as what floor load capacity you need or if you have any unique telecom needs.

Mistake #2: Not thoroughly inspecting documents. It is important to brace yourself for a lot of paperwork when you begin the process of negotiating a lease. An extremely common tenant mistake is not carefully reviewing all of the documents they sign. Landlords are trying to make a profit on the lease, and while their terms may be legal, they might not necessarily be fair or designed to help your business. It is also important to double check to make sure that the property is zoned for what you need and that your landlord is conforming to safety codes.

Solution: The obvious way to avoid these issues is to carefully go over your entire lease and any other documents, possibly with legal help to ensure that you avoid pitfalls you might not be aware of. One small thing you can do to avoid a potential major expense is hiring someone to inspect the HVAC (heat and air conditioning) unit in your office space before signing a lease. Often landlords will claim it is working without actually having it checked. If the unit is not working and you take possession of the space without knowing, it could cost you quite a bit of money down the line to repair.

Mistake #3: Overpaying on rent. Often tenants rush into agreeing to a rental rate without investigating what tenants at similar properties pay, and they end up paying way more than the going rate. Be familiar with the commercial real estate market in an area before beginning to negotiate your lease.

Solution: This kind of knowledge is very basic to commercial real estate brokers, so consider hiring them if you want to minimize the potential for mistakes. They can help you figure out what an appropriate rental rate is, as well as what kind of security deposit you should expect to pay—and they will save you some time by doing all of this research for you.

Do not allow yourself to be put in a position of financial stress because of leasing mistakes. Begin the process prepared and seek help when needed to get the best possible lease for your business!

If you have questions about how to calculate square footage for your business’s needs, give a DDI Commercial real estate broker in Overland Park a call at 913-685-4100!

5 Expenses to Budget for When Relocating to a Kansas City Office Space for Lease

Once you have decided that you need to relocate to a new office rental space, take some time to carefully plan your budget so you know where you stand going into negotiations. Here are a few office space expenses you might consider, as seen in the article, 5 Expenses to Budget For Before Finalizing Your Office Space Lease:

Proof of Financial Stability. Landlords typically need to see some sort of proof that you can afford to pay rent. This might be in the form of profit/loss statements, balance sheets, or 2-3 years of personal tax returns.
Deposit and rent for the first month. The security deposit, which is equal to one month of rent, and your first month’s rental payment are both usually due on the day you sign your lease. With this in mind, make sure that you ask potential landlords what will be due on the signing date so you are not surprised by any extra cost.
Insurance. The landlord might have insurance on the building itself, but you will have to acquire general liability and property insurance.
Technology. Landlords usually do not pay for things like your phone lines and data cabling, so make sure you get a few quotes on installing these necessities before signing.
Costs for additional services. This might include the cost of movers, furniture, new business cards, printing and copying services, internet, phone, etc.

There are many expenses to consider and budget for when looking for an office space, but these basics are a good place to start.

If you are at the point where you need someone to help you calculate the square footage your business will need, give a DDI Commercial real estate broker in Kansas City a call at 913-685-4100!