Tag: commercial relocation

Understanding an Office Lease

Posted on April 5, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation

Know the Fundamentals of a Commercial Office Lease.

If you are shopping around for an office space, chances are you are serious about signing a lease. Whether you are a seasoned veteran and you have signed multiple commercial leases or this is your first office lease, it’s good to have a fundamental understanding of commercial office leases. Below you’ll find a few of the basics of an office lease that might concern you when negotiating. Addressing them early on will ensure you are left with no surprises when you sign.

Type of Lease

Knowing what type of lease you are signing is essential to renting an office space. Because there are various types of office leases, knowing which type you are dealing with will be helpful when budgeting. Below are a few types of leases you’ll come across when office hunting.

  1.  Full Service Lease – This type of lease is all-inclusive for you as the lessee. The landlord pays for all expenses including the taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs. This lease is easy to manage as the lessor because you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay each month.
  2. Triple Net Lease – This lease type is the most common and leaves the lesser to pay for the base rent, plus all of the property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. It requires more involvement and greater responsibility.

Business Restrictions

Commercial lease may restrict what type of business you can have at a certain location. Landlords or city ordinances may restrict the commercial property you want to lease to certain businesses. It’s important to know from the beginning if you can use the property for your type of business. Restrictions you may find include restrictions for restaurants, retail, and medical facilities.

Common Areas

For spaces you may be sharing with other tenants, you’ll want to find out what the commercial lease states about common area maintenance requirements. Knowing how much you’ll be charged for the upkeep of public spaces and what percentage you are responsible for when damages occur will help you to avoid any unforeseen costs.

Maintenance

The commercial lease will state who is responsible for maintenance. Once again, you’ll want to know what costs you are responsible for when repairs or improvements are needed. Will you be responsible for paying when the air conditioning unit fails? Also, do you want to be responsible for repairs or improvements so you know it will be completed in a timely manner? Negotiating the maintenance details in the commercial lease will improve your renting experience.

Signs

As a business, it’s important to label your company to clients and potential clients as part of your advertising. Although it may not seem like a big deal, being able to put a sign outside the building with your name on it is important to your business. Make sure you discuss this part of the commercial lease so you know about any restrictions on signage.

Commercial property leases are complex bindings between the lessor and lessee that will determine how positive of an experience you have while renting a space. Knowing some of the fundamentals of the lease will help you improve your office search and help you to know what you’ll want to negotiate for when you are ready to sign. Be sure to get a real estate lawyer for protection and full understanding of commercial leases. Always remember that commercial leases can be negotiated.

Large Office Move

Posted on March 15, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Office Furniture

Coordinating a large office move can be stressful and time consuming. There is a lot to plan and many matters to consider. You need to worry about what day to start getting items together, how to unload when you get to the new office, and how to continue operations during that time. The Quality Group can ease your stress with your large office move by coordinating and executing the entire process. With our proven relocation formula that provides a seamless transition, we will move your large office with precision and efficiency.

We dedicate our resources to your large officeEquipment

No office is too large for The Quality Group to relocate. Our consultants start each move by determining the size of your relocation and what equipment will be needed to ensure your office is moved safely and securely. Our large inventory and many resources allow us to move your items in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. When we move your large office, all of our resources are dedicated to you until you are comfortably settled into the new place.

No Cost Surprises

Your large office may have hundreds of pieces of equipment that need special attention during a move. This may bring you to worry about the cost of the move increasing as it progresses, but that doesn’t have to be the case. We use our expertise and outside resources to anticipate challenges. When you move with The Quality Group, you get our not-to-exceed pricing principle, which means we try our hardest to refrain from adding unexpected fees. We tell you the expected price upfront and work within the quote.

Effective Process

Our proven process delivers an efficient move with little to no down time. Our consultants assess your large office and coordinate our three teams to create an efficient move with no wasted time. We provide a relocation plan specific to your large office needs and factor in everything, even the weight capacity of the elevator, to deliver you your ideal customized move. Our process leaves you with no worry, as we organize and plan the entire process based on when you want to be in the new office.

Additional ServicesWe offer additional services during your large office move

Your new office is obviously going to be different than your old office. It will have a different number of rooms, different dimensions, and a different flow. You might be unsure as to how you want your new furniture to be arranged or if you even want it anymore. If you don’t want the hassle of deciding how to arrange the furniture, leave it to the Quality Group. We can optimize and organize your new large office based on your needs or manage your furniture until you decide. We can provide new furniture customized to your office or store your furniture that you are unsure what to do with. Let us know how we can help and we will provide you with exactly what you need.

The Quality Group can move any sized office, from 1,000 to 400,000 square feet and beyond. We can relieve your moving stress and relocate your business into the new office with a customized plan so you can focus solely on your business. Your relocation doesn’t have to be stressful when you move with The Quality Group.

What to Look for in a Commercial Mover

Posted on March 8, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation

After making the difficult decision to move your business to a new office, you have to find the best company to help get your there. There are a lot of moving companies out there, and not all offer the same services and provide the same quality of move. When you’re choosing your perfect moving company be sure to consider the following must haves in a moving company.

   Insurance

Finding a moving company that is insured is very important. You’ll want to make sure your moving company insures your equipment for a range of possible risks during transit or while in storage. This protection will give you peace of mind during relocation.

Estimate Cost

Hidden fees and tacked on costs are common occurrences when dealing with some moving companies. Find a company that lists all costs and be sure to inquire if packing, cleaning, and supplies are included in the estimate. Some companies like The Quality Group operate on a not-to-exceed pricing basis and build every step into their move plan when estimating a relocation. This prevents you from incurring unexpected costs and going over your budget.

Employees

The employees at a moving company will be the key to a good or bad move. Hire a moving company that staffs in-house personnel. In-house employees are more invested in their job than subcontracted employees and will take more care of your furniture and equipment when packing and moving it on and off the truck. Hiring a company that invests in their employees will result in a better moving experience for you.

 

Equipment Care

The proper care of your computer equipment, electronic devices, and data wiring structure is essential during a move. These items are often easily broken and damaged due to their make-up. Finding a moving company that has experience moving sensitive equipment is essential, as it requires extra attention. Look for a company with the necessary experience and packaging supplies to safely relocate your equipment. If you have specific instructions for the care of certain equipment, call a moving company like The Quality Group who listens and adheres to special requests.

Service 

If you are looking for a minimal-involvement moving experience then you’ll need to find a moving company that offers a full-service move. The Quality Group offers a start to finish moving experience that includes the planning, managing, and execution of your move so the only thing you have to focus on is your business. Find a company that helps you through every step of the moving process, even the cleanup of your old office.

 

Picking the right relocation company for you and your office doesn’t have to be a hard decision when you know what to look for. One that is worth their salt will help you through every step of the moving process to ensure your move is worry free. Your new office is not far off so consider each must have and choose your perfect moving company.

Data Backup During a Move or Company Relocation

Posted on February 23, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation

For any modern company, an important part of office relocation is ensuring that you have secure and up-to-date backup for your data. Studies have shown that 60 percent of companies that lose their data are out of business within 6 months and a full 90 percent are out of business within two years of a total data loss.  It’s easy for data to suffer loss or damage during a move, so it’s important to take preventative measures by having a data backup in place to minimize risk, and ensure that your data is protected during the moving process.

There are different options for you to consider when deciding on how to keep a backup of your data. Consider both options and choose the best for your company, or use both for extra protection.

Having your crucial data backed up before a move or relocation is a must.

Quality Group can store your data off site.

Storing Your Data Off Site

Keeping it away from the move is a great option. You should ask your internet service provider if they can recommend a good data storage center.

 

 

 

Using the Cloud to Store Data Store your data in the cloud.

The Cloud is a popular and inexpensive storage facility often used by companies. It’s also easy to restore, and can be automatically updated from any location with internet access.

After you choose how you will back up your data, you will need to plan further. These plans will likely feature an IT Test, and planning for any accidents.

IT Test

When you are organizing your relocation, include a test plan to make sure all your critical equipment is working correctly and to check that nothing has been damaged in the move. This needs to be done when everything is on site, and before your staff arrives, to minimize disruption.

Planning for Accidents

Having a plan set in case of disaster is important as well. Any modern business is extremely dependent on equipment and phones so it is important that they’re working. Failing to have a workable backup plan could cause your business to suffer.

Planning and executing these different steps will take different amounts of time, depending on individual business. Taking these essential steps allows you to make your move much smoother.

Pick a moving company with experience in moving data infrastructure.

Whether you have a back up plan in place or not, it is vitally important that you chose a company who has vast experience in moving data infrastructure. This doesn’t just mean a company like the Quality Group, who is insured but also one who can minimize down time in addition to data loss. When you are ready to move into your new office it’s important that data is not only kept safe but also that you have no operational down time.

If you would like to find out more about how the Quality Group goes above and beyond to protect your data, please give us a call today.

The Quality Group Takes Care of Your Furniture Needs

Posted on January 12, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation, Office Furniture

Here at The Quality Group, we take care of your furniture during your move, no matter what stage of its life cycle it’s in.  We make sure all your furniture needs are taken care of so there is no extra work for you.

Recycle

We donate unwanted furniture You’ve taken a look around the office and noticed that your furniture is not what it used to be. It has some scuffs and scrapes, it’s a little out of date and not all of it even matches anymore.  With the move coming up, you decide to throw out the old and bring in the new. The problem is you don’t know what to do with the old. The Quality Group however, knows exactly what to do with your old furniture and they will even do it for you.

When your office moving date arrives, The Quality Group will take the furniture you no longer want and donate it to Habitat for Humanity, on your company’s behalf. You get to free up your space for new furniture without extra work, and Habitat for Humanity gets to use your old furniture for a good cause.

Store

It’s come to your attention that you don’t quite know where to put some of the office furniture in the new office. The new office has a different layout and while you’ve discussed where it can go, you’re still not quite convinced. You don’t want to put it there yet and you don’t want to get rid of it yet either.  Not to worry, during your dilemma, The Quality Group can store your furniture until you are ready to make a decision. Once you’ve decided, just let The Quality Group know and they will help you carry the decision out.

Sell furniture

We sell you furniture perfect for your new officeYour company doesn’t have any furniture for the new office you are moving into because of the different space requirements.  You can’t have your clients sit on cardboard boxes when they come to visit and you can’t expect your employees to sit on them either.

If your new office is going to be looking bare, then let The Quality Group know during your move. They will consult with you about your furniture needs and make suggestions from their assortment of office furniture that they sell. They will ensure that everyone in the office is happy and comfortable with the new furniture.

Furniture is one of the biggest things to worry about during a move, whether you are getting rid of it, keeping it or even if you are unsure about what to do with it. Whichever stage you find yourself in with your furniture during your move, The Quality Group is happy to help.

Considering Moving your Office? Read this first.

Posted on December 10, 2015 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

You’ve been in your current office for quite a while. You’re comfortable there and know all the tricks to avoid the traffic to get there. Everything is set up perfectly, but lately you’ve noticed a few things that may be a problem in the future. It’s a tough decision deciding whether or not you should move to a new place, so when making that decision consider the following factors.

 

Your lease

youroffice_lease

Open office for lease

If your lease is expiring soon, then it’s time to review your options. Research current market conditions and look around for different pricing options. You might find something more suited to your company for a lower price and if your lease is up for renewal it will be the perfect time to make the switch. Talk to a real-estate agent who is an expert in your marketplace to help you figure out what’s available.

 

Square footage

youroffice_sqft

Blue prints of office space

Your office is a defined space. You want your office to look full, not sparse, and definitely not overflowing.  If you look around and find there are empty corners or your employees are competing for space, it might be time to look elsewhere. Make a note of rooms not being used or that are being used to serve multiple functions, then decide whether your office still meets the requirements it did when you first moved in.

 

Location

youroffice_location

Better office location in the center of town

If clients are constantly asking to meet at a mid-point for appointments, you might have a problem with the location of your office. Convenience can be a major aspect that your clients consider when doing business with you, especially if your business requires a lot of face-to-face meetings.  Consider the prospect of moving closer to your business partners and clients when debating a move.

 

Employee accommodation

youroffice_employees

Happy employees with their own work space

If you have big accounts that are requiring additional employees to maintain and are being hampered by your current office, you should consider packing up and moving your office elsewhere.  Your office should never impede the growth of your business and staying in an unsuitable office space will cause chaos you can live without.

 

While you may feel comfortable in your current office space, it may not be the best space for you and your company. It’s not an easy decision and will take serious thought, but remember to consider the factors above and to look into all your options.

Here’s What to Know When You’re Looking for a New Office Space

Posted on November 24, 2015 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

It’s time. You’ve outgrown your current office space and are in the market for a new one. There’s a lot to do and a lot to plan for, but don’t worry, as your commercial move experts; we’re here to give you some guidance to help you along the way.

High rise buildingTouring new office spaces can be time consuming, so it’s best to prepare in advance, map out where you want to visit and get all of your questions in order. After all, this is a big step for your business and you need to make sure all of your bases are covered.

First things first: research. Look online, drive around or talk to a commercial real estate agent to help you find your new business’ home. You need to think about several things while you research. How much space do you need? How much do you want to spend? And, where do you want your new location to be? Ask these questions, and more so that you can be sure you’re making the correct decision for your business’ move.

After you figure out your requirements for your new office building, you’ll need to go on tours of the potential spaces.  Before the tours, make a list of must-haves and keep track of them as you tour each building, that way you can easily weigh your options when your day is complete. While on the tours, whether you’re with the current owner of the building, the landlord or a commercial real estate agent, it’s important to have questions ready.

It’s also important to keep in mind the price of the building that you were originally told. While on your tour of the building, take note of anything that might need constant maintenance and ask about the maintenance charge you’ll incur each month. You don’t want to end up paying more than you originally intended.

You also need to have an open mind as you tour. You don’t want to completely shut out a building just because it doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for.  Remember, not everything is permanent. Paint and décor can be changed, and if you’re up to it and the cost is right, you might even be able to knock out some walls to make it the perfect space. The options are endless; so don’t immediately rule anything out. Explore your options because you never know how perfect the space might turn out to be for your business.

Moving is an exciting time for your business, but it can also be a little stressful. Our best advice is for you to plan ahead, do your research and keep an open mind.

 

How to Create an Office Moving Plan

Posted on November 17, 2015 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

In office relocations, there are a lot of moving parts, literally. How do you keep track of them? The truth is, it’s tough and you’re going to need all hands on deck, but with these few small suggestions, moving can be a little easier.

A ruler sitting on a blue printTo ensure a safe, smooth and overall excellent move, you’ll need to have a plan of action. This plan should help you map out your goals for the move, help you prioritize what needs to get done and also help you delegate tasks to your employees. Having an action plan will also help you critically think about your move and problem solve ahead of time.

To begin your moving plan, look at what your big goal for the relocation is. What’s your budget and timeline? And although you don’t want to think about this, you need to ask yourself what problems could potentially occur. That way, you’ll be better prepared if and when problems arise. Figure these things out so you have them in writing and can stick to them, and not forget what you originally intended.

Once you have your big goals planned out, it’s time to get down to smaller more detail-oriented goals. These are small tasks that need to get done at any point during the move. It could be cleaning out the break room fridge or creating an email to blast out to customers notifying them about your move. Whatever the tasks may be, and no matter how small, write them down so you can make sure even the tiniest details are covered.

A man presenting in an officeThe next part of your move plan should be to assign tasks to various employees. Whether you break the tasks up for teams of employees, or individuals, make sure to delegate all tasks with a timeframe in which they are to be done. If you give more than one task to a group of employees, make sure to tell them the order of importance the tasks should be completed, that way your move can be streamlined and everything gets done on time.

This move action plan will take some time and thought, but at the end of the day, and at the end of your move, you’ll be happy you did it. It forces you to think about every last detail and every potential problem, that way nothing that comes your way will surprise you.

You’re Moving. Here’s How to Break the News to Your Customers:

Posted on November 10, 2015 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Your business has the best regulars. They come in at the same time every week and you get to small talk with them. You feel like they’re a part of your business’ family, and well, they are. Loyal customers like that are hard to come by, and once you have them, you don’t want to let them go. That’s why you’re nervous about telling your customers about your business’ move coming up in a few months. You’re worried they won’t want to make the drive out to your new location. We have some tips on how to deal with this situation, so you won’t have to worry about losing your regulars.

A woman typing on a laptopFirst, tell your customers. Don’t avoid it. It’s better to get it out in the open as soon as you can. Who knows, they might love that you’re moving somewhere new because a new space could mean more perks for them. New services, new technologies, new menu, and a whole new space could be just as exciting for your regulars as it is for you. Moving means you’re growing, and that should make your loyal customers, especially those close to you, happy for you.

It’s also important to keep them in the loop of your move. Keep them updated throughout your moving process. If the office will have different hours one day because your touring your new building, tell them, don’t let them show up and figure that out for themselves. Create a weekly or monthly email blast to go out to a list of your customers. Let them know the schedule of moving events and give them your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you when you’re not in your office.

These customers aren’t just any customers. They’re part of your business’ family, and some of them may have been with you since the very beginning. Thank them for that by sending a hand-written thank you note with a coupon for their next purchase at your brand new location. Not only will they appreciate the kind gesture, you’ll be sure your loyal customers will be in line to come see you at your business’ new home.

Breaking the news about your move should be one of the last things on your mind that you’re worried about. Follow these simple tips so you can ease your mind, and get back to planning your office relocation.