As a chiropractor, you require a specific type of medical office that offers sufficient space, maneuverability, and amenities for accommodating your practice.
Your office space is your professional home, where you’ll spend countless hours. Therefore, selecting an office is one of the most important choices you’ll make as a practice owner.
If you’re searching for a new physical location for your chiropractic practice, take the time to thoroughly research your options and hold out until you find a great fit.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss the essential aspects of finding and renting a medical office that caters to your requirements. We’ll review helpful tips for navigating each phase of the process, including:
- Determining your needs
- Setting a budget
- Researching available options
- Evaluating the office space
- Negotiating the lease agreement
- Finalizing the agreement
By following the steps outlined below, you’ll find an office space that fits your needs and budget and supports the growth of your chiropractic practice.
Determine Your Needs
Consider these factors while you determine your requirements for a physical space:
- Number and size of treatment rooms (you need a minimum of 1,000 square feet of working space)
- Amenity needs, such as electrical supply and outlet requirements
- Size of the waiting area and office space
- Location and transportation accessibility (safe and convenient routes and entries from local roads)
- Number and quality of parking spots
- Mobility accessibility (handicap entrances, safe walkways, etc.)
Furthermore, decide whether or not you’re shopping for a space that accommodates your present needs only, or if you want a space that offers room for growth. Moving into a new space may create an opportunity for shared-space partnerships with other chiropractors or even with other business owners.
As you decide on your needs, write them down. Having your priorities written down will help you stay objective and focused when visiting potential rental locations.
Set a Budget
Before beginning your search for an office, decide on a budget. To figure out what you can afford, consider your projected revenue vs expenses and consider what amount of debt you’re willing to carry on a short-term or long-term basis.
Research Available Options
When you’re ready to search for a medical office for rent, browse your region’s online directories and real estate listings. You may choose to work with a broker who specializes in commercial listings or medical practice transactions. You can also contact local real estate offices to request lists of available office space rentals.
When you find a space that you’re interested in, schedule a visit through the landlord’s real estate agent.
Evaluate the Office Space
When you visit a rental location, evaluate it against the list of priorities that you previously compiled. Try to remain objective and unemotional, resisting the urge to quickly say “yes” or “no” to a space.
Ask plenty of questions and check on the condition of essential features like flooring, HVAC systems, and electrical systems. Consider whether or not any repairs or renovations are required and whether or not you would be responsible for the costs.
Negotiate the Lease Agreement
In your lease negotiation, be sure to note any issues with the space that don’t match the advertised description. For example, measure the square footage to confirm that the listed amount is accurate. Unusable square footage should not be counted toward the total.
Next, review the lease agreement carefully. Consider the price, terms, length, and conditions to be negotiable. The landlord will likely be willing to adjust the price or terms to meet you halfway.
Additionally, make sure that the lease includes agreeable renewal terms. Negotiating renewal terms helps you know what to expect when the lease term ends, protecting you from unreasonable changes to the agreement or from the sudden loss of your space.
If you have uncertainty about any aspect of the process, hire a lawyer to review the lease agreement before you sign.
Finalize the Agreement
Finalizing your rental agreement involves signing the lease, making the necessary payments, and obtaining the keys. Allow time for this process to move more slowly than expected since there are always lots of last-minute details to take care of.
Get Your New Chiropractic Venture Off on the Right Foot
Are you preparing to take the next step in your chiropractic career? Aligned Mentoring for Chiropractors can help you move forward confidently.
At AMC, we help chiropractors achieve the practices they’ve always dreamed of. To learn more, contact AMC today.
