1. Know how much space you need before you look for an office. Lease terms typically range from three to five years, and you don't want to be caught short of space if you grow.
2. Determine which services and amenities are most important to you. The fewer you need, the more leeway you will have to negotiate the price of the lease. Business centers typical offer fewer amenities than do executive suites.
3. Closely examine the lease, and get legal help if necessary. Ask questions of the owner and yourself: Are cleaning, maintenance and insurance included? Is there enough on-site parking? Are there extra charges for phone calls through the building's switchboard, faxing, Internet access and clerical support? If the heating/cooling system goes out, does the building owner have provisions to fix it quickly?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Costs per month may be based on how many people will work in your office space or on square footage to accommodate a certain number of workstations. The rule of thumb is 175-250 square feet of space per person.
• Premium offices may offer IT infrastructure, videoconferencing and other technology services.
• To downplay the presence of other companies in the building, owners may restrict tenants' signage.
• You can reduce your costs by sharing space with another business.
• If you anticipate going through business changes, take a shorter lease.