Things You'll Need:
- Furniture Equipment Office Supplies
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Step 1
Estimate how much square footage your office will need by considering the number of employees who will be working in the office as well as any extra space you will need for office equipment. Be sure to include extra space for a break room, kitchen, reception and storage areas.
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Step 2
Develop a budget for the costs associated with opening an office. A relatively simple spreadsheet is all you will need, but be sure to include costs such as office supply purchases and furniture. Also make sure you include the commission you will pay to the commercial property broker, which is generally 7 percent to 10 percent of the first year's rent.
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Step 3
Contact a commercial real estate broker such as CB Richard Ellis to help you locate office space. Be sure to explicitly state how much square footage you need and what type of office you are opening. The commercial real estate broker will have access to a wide range of property types and will be able to tailor a property search to meet your specific needs.
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Step 4
Purchase necessary office furniture, including desks, chairs and any other items you may need. There are a wide range of companies that specialize in selling affordable office furniture.
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Step 5
Purchase or lease office equipment such as computers, printers, bookbinding machines and copy machines.
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Step 6
Contact the local utility companies to establish power (heat, air conditioning), telephone and Internet services. The service providers may have to come to the office to hook up telephones and activate service.
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Step 7
Acquire the necessary office supplies, such as paper, pens and printer ink. You can purchase supplies from a distributor such as W.B. Mason or from Staples.com.
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Step 8
Develop an emergency evacuation plan for your office and purchase any safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. Work with the building's property manager or superintendent when developing evacuation procedures.
