Leasing commercial space in Calgary can be challenging. Your choice of just how much space will depend on a host of factors as there can be a variety of issues that will impact your decision. Your business could encompass as anything from a small consulting firm or retail store, to a huge accounting firm or factory with storage or numerous shipping/receiving bays.
Office Space Considerations
Some of the decisions you will need for an office based business will revolve around the following:
• Number of employees – An office manager needs to consider the not only the current number of employees they have on hand, but should also try and predict how many they will have on hand for at least the next two years.
• Work Stations – You will have to factor in the size of each work station your employees use and what type of office concept you have in mind. Each work station will require specific office equipment for their position. Will some of the more senior management require office space? How large an office space will they be assigned or require?
• Other Office Related Space – Along with your employees, you will also have to determine how much space will be used for supplies, filing cabinet storage, data storage areas, and reception and waiting areas, along with meeting and interview spaces.
• Accessibility – Managers will also have to decide on how accessible there location is relative to their customers or clients. Additionally, you will need to give thought to parking availability for both your employees and clients.
Retail Store Commercial Space
Retails stores often follow a relatively simple formula to help you decide how much space you need.
• Sales per Square Foot – The most basic means to determine how much space you will need for a retail space in Calgary is to figure out your sales per square foot which can be researched according to your market data.
The formula is based on:
Sales Volume(Your sales projections) ÷ Sales per Square Foot(Industry standard) = Selling Space
• Extraneous Space – Additionally you will also have to determine how much additional space you will need for bathrooms, stock and other storage space, staff lunch area or changing area, workroom and possibly office space you will need on top.
Industrial Space
When choosing a commercial space for an industrial or manufacturing business, you will have to consider the following requirements:
• Square Footage – The amount of available square footage is crucial. You will have to give thought to placement of machinery and work stations, shipping and receiving, supply and inventory warehousing, offices and equipment, first aid, repair area, restrooms, staff lounges, reception area, and any other relevant components to your business.
• Parking and Access – You will have to be able to have transportation route access for your products, and for both your customers and employees. Additionally, you will need space to park company vehicles and perhaps a service bay for vehicle repairs or maintenance.
• Zoning – Your industrial or manufacturing space must comply with all local, provincial and federal safety regulations and municipal zoning by- laws.
Photo by Dwonderwall
