Communications Wiring

Another consideration that's important for many businesses these days is having modern phone and other data lines available to the business. When you're considering a specific space, ask the agent or the landlord for information about communications wiring, such as whether the space is connected to a fiber optic network or is wired for DSL or a T1 line (high-volume Internet connections). Also, find out to whom the landlord has sold the rights to the risers (wire conduits) in the building. A commercial landlord cannot enter into exclusive contracts with a single telecommunications provider such as MCI or AT&T. However, to bring in another provider of your choosing could be expensive.

Electricity and Air Conditioning

Besides high-tech communications wiring, don't overlook plain-old electrical power as an important consideration in choosing a business space. Make sure that any space you're looking at has enough power for your needs, both in terms of the number of outlets in your space and the capacity of the circuits. If you'll be running machinery or other electricity-hungry equipment, find out from the landlord how much juice the circuits can handle and whether a generator is available during power outages. Also, if you'll keep sensitive computer equipment at your office, ask the landlord how many hours of air conditioning are included in the terms of your lease, and negotiate longer hours if necessary.

Parking

Adequate parking is another common need for many businesses. If a significant percentage of your customers will come by car and there isn't enough parking at your chosen spot, it's probably best to look elsewhere. In fact, the city planning or zoning board might not allow you to operate in a space that doesn't have adequate parking.

Zoning Rules

Finally, the location that you choose needs to be legally acceptable for whatever you plan to do there. A certain spot may be good for business, but if it's not zoned for what you plan to do, you're asking for trouble.

You should never sign a lease without being sure you'll be permitted to operate your business in that space. Your city planning or zoning board determines what activities are permissible in a given location. If your zoning board has a problem with any of your business activities, and it's not willing to work out a way to accommodate your business, you may have to find another space.