How to Choose a Building or Location?

Below is a list of factors that you should explore when choosing a location to establish your business.

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• Assess needs of business:
  • type of building (building specs),
  • operational needs,
  • branding needs,
  • financial limitations,
  • etc.
• Zoning
• Sufficiency of office, building, facility:
  • build out,
  • parking,
  • storage,
  • state of repair,
  • expansion ability,
  • lighting, HVAC, electrical, communications internet/phones,
  • security,
  • etc.
• Costs
  • renting or purchase,
  • utilities,
  • tax rates & incentives,
  • Employee wage rates,
  • other expenses,
  • etc.
• Is the area accessible to customers?
  • walk-ways,
  • public transit,
  • traffic density and flow,
  • safety,
  • etc.
• Are there complimentary businesses (or competitors) in the area?
• Is the location operationally efficient:
  • shipping,
  • deliveries,
  • available workers,
  • parking customer/employee,
  • etc.?
• Does the location fit the business brand or image?
• Landlord characteristics:
  • attitude,
  • willingness to negotiate the lease,
  • etc.