What should I be asking?

[H B]

What is the most important things I should be looking for when checking out office space?

What should I expect from the leasing company?

Ex. when you lease, are you responsible for plowing snow?

Also, if I find a space that is one big room, I was thinking I could get a thick curtain to partition if off from the reception area. This is only if I get a space just for me. Would you as a client feel secure in a set up like that? No one would come in or out of the office while that client is there. But that would give me a space to do my paper work, ect. while the client is undressing/dressing.

Thanks!!!!!!

 

[Champion]

What should I be asking?

What is the most important things I should be looking for when checking out office space?

EVERYTHING!!

Ask a TON of questions. (I'm just going to free flow with stuff off the top of my head ... so get ready...)

What is the snow removal procedure? It should be the landlord's responsibility, but sometimes not. If they take care of it when does it happen? If it snows overnight and you have a client at 10am will the snow be removed by then?

Who covers maintenance? Is there emergency maintenance?

How much are you allowed to change the space? Can you paint? Are you allowed to hang things on the walls?

What about 'common' areas like bathrooms/hallways? Who cleans them? How often? When do they get cleaned? (You don't want to be working on a client while the cleaning crew is going crazy outside your door).

Trash removal? Who is responsible and how often?

What type of exterior signage are you allowed?

Is the building properly zoned for massage/bodywork? (I once found the perfect space for a clinic only to find out the zoning would not allow me to do bodywork there.)

Who is responsible for utilities? Heat? Hot water? A/C? Electricity? If it is your responsibility, how are the meters separated to ensure that you are paying for only your space and usage?

What is the parking like? Is there plenty of lighting at night? How secure is the area? What about building security?

Then, of course, some basics ... Is this a year lease? Two or three year lease? Month to month? What about early termination? Can you sub-let if something happens to you? Can you sub-let if you just want to share your office when you are not there? Is there a yearly rent increase? Is there any type of maintenance fee? What is required for first month move-in?


I'm stopping here. I hope that gets you thinking.


I like the idea of the separate area for you to do some paperwork. Just be very careful in how you set it up so that the client feels they have 100% privacy in getting on and off the table. A simple curtain might not give the most solid boundary for some people to strip down and hop on the table. But I am a huge proponent of physically leaving the room to give the client the necessary physical and mental space that he/she needs before and after a session.


Hope that gets your wheels turning a bit.

Brian

 

[eunice]

Here's another question to ask, from my personal experience:

"Is that restaurant next door that's not open right now actually a BAR???"

In other words, ask about the noise level. Ask the other tenants around your space about the noise level (don't take the landlord's word for it).

About the curtain, I don't think it would dissuade me from coming to you if I really loved your work. However, I would feel uncomfortable, even behind a curtain, if you were in the same room with me as I disrobed and got on the table. I have a similar set-up in my office, with a room divider to separate reception and treatment areas. When my client is getting on the table I do actually leave the room for a few minutes. Seems to work pretty well for me.

Best of luck to you. I know you must be really excited!

Emily

 

[sdumpsinp]

Sounds crazy but I recently found out that I should have asked "are you going to pay the power bill or will you wait until its disconnected to do so?"

Serioulsy, I have ran into this twice now. If you get any vibes the landlord may be desperate or on shaky grounds for money themselves....run!

Maybe a credit ap for the landlord is a good idea. Who knew??

 

[hippos_in_love]

Utilities included - if not have the utilities in your name! - also ask for statement of previous use, bathroom share - who cleans? (I don't suggest you share a bathroom if possible... the other person never cleans it!)


I have my office separated by a large dresser that has a mirror on top. I then attatched the curtain rod across it at the top... no one has complained so far! It took me a long time to figure out what to do, but it worked for me! I have pictures on my website if you want to see it...

http://www.Rockland-Massage.com

 

[shootscuz23]

Good suggestions so far, I'd also add

May I sublet the space to another bodyworker?

How long have your other tenants been here?

How quickly is the response time for repairs or emergency needs?

As for a curtain - I'd feel better as a client with some type of screening rather than a freeflowing curtain even if it does go to the floor. I think leaving the room is the best thing but a nicely screened off area is a good compromise.