Office Space Rental in Raleigh: What to Know Before You
Did you know that, according to LendingTree, Raleigh, North Carolina, ranked No.1 among the 100 best metros in the US for starting a small business? If you've started a business here, you've already made a winning decision. Now, where will you run your business? If you are looking for an office space rental in Raleigh, NC we've put together this guide in hopes it helps as you conduct your search. Before you sign any contracts, here are the top things to consider.
What area of Raleigh do you want your office space rental to be in?
First and foremost, you'll want a general idea of where you'd like your Raleigh office location(s) to be.
The Loading Dock is a coworking environment with office and cowarehousing spaces available for rent at all three of our locations.
Our Beryl campus is at 3915 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC. It's conveniently located 10 minutes from North Carolina State University and 15 minutes from Cary.
The Dock 1053 campus is at 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC. It's conveniently located 7 minutes from North Hills and 7 minutes from downtown Raleigh.
The Wake Forest campus at 525 S White Street is in Downtown Wake Forest.
What are your office space rental needs?
Before you set up a tour around Raleigh, you'll want to have a few key questions about your needs ready to answer before you walk in the door.
Size of your team: Are you a solo-prenuer, a partnership, or a full-on team looking for office space in Raleigh?
Format: Do you want an open-concept or closed-concept office space rental? Do you want an office in a coworker's or corporate office complex?
Storage: How much storage space do you need?
Meeting Rooms: Do you need the ability to meet in person with clients or customers?
Time Frame: When do you need to move in?
Furnishings: Do you need it furnished with desks and chairs?
Length of Lease: Do you want a 6-month or 12-month lease agreement, or a long-term lease?
On-Site Clients: If you have clients who come to your space, do you need a reception or waiting area? What about meeting rooms, classrooms, or conference rooms?
Having the answers to these questions ready can make your touring process more efficient.
The Loading Dock has private offices for rent for 1-20 people. You'll have access to our conference rooms for client meetings. Office spaces are fully furnished, and we offer flexible short-term lease agreements of six and twelve months! We know businesses grow and change, so we want you to have flexible workspace rentals.
What Type of Lease Are You Considering Signing?
Navigating commercial real estate can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. If you are new to leasing office space in Raleigh, knowing about various types of agreements and what they mean is essential for anticipating costs. This is the first step in understanding how renting office space works.
1. Modified Gross Lease
Your Responsibility: Base rent + proportion of utilities or janitorial services.
Landlords Responsibility: Taxes, insurance, and sometimes major maintenance.
2. Full-Service (Gross) Lease
Your Responsibility: Flat Monthly Rent
Landlord Responsibility: All operating costs (utilities, maintenance, taxes, etc.).
3. Net Leases
1. Single Net Lease (N)
Your Responsibility: Base rent + property taxes
Landlord Responsibility: Insurance, maintenance, and repairs
2. Double Net Lease (NN)
Your Responsibility: Base rent + property taxes + insurance
Landlord Responsibility: Maintenance and repairs
3. Triple Net Lease (NNN)
Your Responsibility: Base rent + property taxes + insurance + maintenance
Landlord Responsibility: Usually nothing (just structural repairs or roof in some cases)
Once you find out what kind of lease agreement you're dealing with, you’ll want to clarify what items you’ll need to pay for concerning the space specifically. Some companies may advertise price per square foot but what other expenses are going to be separate from that number? We dive into these questions later in this article.
The Loading Dock offers Full-Service (Gross) Short-Term Lease Agreements, so you know exactly how much your office space rent will be every month without surprises.
Raleigh Office Space Rental Terms & Conditions Questions:
Now that you know about the general types of leases, here are the specific questions you should ask next!
Cost: What is your monthly cost, and what does it cover? How is this processed each month and on what day?
Additional Costs: Will you be expected to pay and arrange for utilities, cleaning, maintenance, or parking, renters' insurance, or is that woven into your monthly rent?
Deposits: Is there a deposit, and how much is it? What does it cover?
Penalties: What are the penalties for breaking the lease early, and what are your options if you need to?
Termination: How much notice do you need to give to terminate your office lease? Are there penalties for terminating early?
Escalation: Will my rent change over time?
Growth: If my business outgrows my space, what are my options?
Utility Connections and Transfers: Will you have to take time calling, arranging, and being present for utility hookups and transfers?
Insurance: Will you need business renters' or commercial liability insurance?
The Loading Dock offers Full-Service Leasing. Your monthly cost includes all utilities, maintenance, and parking. You can move into your private office space and get right to work! Each of our locations has a Community Manager who will answer your questions and make your transition as easy as possible.
Technology & Office Space Security Questions
Internet: Does the space have high-speed, secure internet and Wi-Fi? Do you have to have it set up, or is it already installed?
Security: Does the building have security personnel or cameras? Who can access the building?
Staff: Is there anyone on site?
Access: Do you have access on weekends, holidays, or after hours?
Accessibility: Is there convenient parking available? How difficult will it be for clients to find your office?
Printing: Does the space offer printing, or will I need my own printer?
Business Mail: Can I register my business at this address? Where is mail delivered? Where are packages delivered and stored?
All Loading Dock locations are staffed during regular business hours and are secured after hours. As an office space renter, you'll have 24/7 access, business-class internet, and unlimited black-and-white printing. Register your business at our address, and we will assign you a mailbox.
Office Space Rental Use Questions:
Signage: What are the business signage guidelines?
Interior Design Rules: What changes to the space are allowed? Paint, wall decor, etc.
Conveniences of Home: Is there a kitchen, running water, a microwave, a refrigerator for cold storage, a stove, or a dishwasher available?
Amenities: Is there a common area with access to coffee, beer, cider, etc.
Bathrooms: Are they convenient, and who keeps them clean?
Dog Friendly: Can you bring your dog to your office space rental?
Zoning & Permitting: Check the zoning codes with the local planning office before modifying a commercial space. Permits may be required for signage, electrical work, and renovations.
Each of our locations has conference rooms available for use. As a renter, you get a set number of free hours, and then each extra hour is discounted. We have a fully equipped kitchen for your use. Each office and cowarehouse suite has a spot to put your business name outside the door, and you are welcome to customize your space. Bring on the branding, cozy furniture, and photos! Plus, we are dog-friendly, so you won't have to worry about your dog during the workday.
Office Space Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning & Maintenance Services: Are professional cleaning services part of my monthly expenses?
Trash: Is there a trash service?
Repairs: Who's in charge of the cost of repairs? Who do we contact if there is an issue?
Common areas: Will I need to pay to help maintain common areas?
As part of our full-service agreement, we provide professional maintenance and trash removal services and handle repairs at Loading Dock locations so you can move in and get to work immediately.
Your ideal office is waiting for you! Sign up for a tour to view office spaces available at one of our locations today to slash your overhead and simplify your operations!
Our community managers are happy to answer any of these questions and help you feel confident about choosing the Loading Dock as the quick and painless way into your private office space in Raleigh.
If you don't need a permanent office, check out our office space by the day options.
