Finding a new office space is one of the most significant business decisions you'll make. Much like apartment hunting, walking into an office space without a plan can feel overwhelming - or worse, you miss critical red flags that only become apparent after you've already signed.
The solution? A structured office space checklist that covers what your agent won't tell you. This guide walks you through five essential steps every business must complete during an office space walkthrough - whether you're evaluating a private cabin, a coworking desk, or an entire floor of offices.
What to Check Before Signing an Office Space?
Before signing an office space, check location, connectivity, layout, and amenities to ensure it fits your team’s needs. Also review lease terms, scalability options, and hidden costs to avoid issues later.
Benefits of Using a Checklist When Viewing an Office Space
A structured office space checklist is not just a convenience - it is a competitive advantage. Here is why every business, from a two-person startup to a 200-person enterprise, should bring one to every office viewing:
- Save Time: You can brief the office manager in advance so they prepare the specific areas you need to inspect.
- Fair Comparison: Standardised data from each office place you visit makes shortlisting far more objective.
- Start Early: Some facilities need advance notice to demonstrate power backup, HVAC zoning, or security systems. A checklist prevents wasted visits.
- Negotiate Better: Arriving with a checklist signals you are a serious, informed buyer - and gives you documented leverage at the negotiating table.
- Time Efficiency: A structured visit covers everything in one trip, eliminating the need for return visits to check things you forgot.
The 5-Step Checklist to View an Office Space
Step 01: Check Layout and Size
The layout of your office space determines how your team moves, focuses, and collaborates every single day. An open-plan floor suits collaborative cultures; private cabins suit confidential or deep-focus work. Never just count desks - think about where your headcount will be in 12 to 18 months.
- Does the floor plan match your current headcount and projected 12-month growth?
- Are there distinct zones - collaborative areas, quiet focus pods, and formal meeting rooms?
- Is natural light adequate throughout all workstations?
- Is the layout wheelchair-accessible and compliant with disability regulations?
- How many people can the space comfortably seat without feeling cramped?
- Can partitions or interior walls be reconfigured as the team scales?
- Is there adequate storage - personal lockers, filing cabinets, server room?
Step 02: Test Technology and Utilities
Poor internet, unreliable power backup, or inadequate HVAC can damage productivity within days of moving into your new office space. Technology infrastructure is the invisible backbone of every modern workplace and one of the most commonly overlooked items during an office space walkthrough.
- Test live internet speed on your phone using speedtest.net - target ≥100 Mbps for small teams, ≥500 Mbps for larger groups
- Ask about backup power (UPS, diesel generator) and automatic switchover time
- Check mobile signal strength (4G/5G) at multiple points across the floor
- Confirm HVAC zoning - can individual zones be temperature-controlled independently?
- Are there sufficient power outlets and USB charging points per workstation?
- Is structured cabling (Cat6 or fibre) already installed, or is it a raw shell?
- Is there a dedicated IT helpdesk or on-site IT support team?
Step 03: Inspect the Building Safety
Building safety is non-negotiable. Before you commit to any office place, verify that the building meets statutory requirements and that your team will be protected in any emergency. This step is consistently underrated - yet it is the one most likely to create legal and insurance exposure if skipped.
- Is there a valid Fire Safety Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) on display?
- Are all fire exits clearly marked, unobstructed, and illuminated?
- Are smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers regularly serviced?
- Does CCTV cover all common areas, entry/exit points, and lifts?
- Are access control systems - key card or biometric - fully operational?
- What is the documented emergency evacuation procedure?
- Is there 24/7 on-site security personnel?
Step 04: Review the "Hidden" Features
Every office space has features that are not immediately visible on the brochure - but they significantly affect day-to-day working life and total occupancy cost. This is where most tenants are caught off-guard, particularly with maintenance charges, parking fees, and service charges not included in the headline rent.
- Is dedicated on-site parking available, and what is the monthly cost per bay?
- What exactly are the monthly building maintenance charges?
- Is there a cafeteria, pantry, or quality dining options within walking distance?
- Are daily cleaning and housekeeping services included in the rent?
- What is the after-hours access policy - is the building open 24/7?
- Are there noise restrictions or operational hour limitations in the lease?
- Is there a staffed reception and visitor management system at the entrance?
Step 05: Evaluate the Amenities
Amenities elevate an office from merely functional to genuinely attractive - for your team and for clients. They play a direct role in talent attraction, employee retention, and the impression you create when a visitor walks through the door. When reviewing shared amenities, always distinguish between what is included in the rent and what carries an additional charge.
- How many meeting and conference rooms are available, and what is the booking system?
- Is there a professional reception team to greet and manage visitors?
- Are pantry, kitchen, or café facilities available on-floor or within the building?
- Is printing, scanning, and mail handling included in the package?
- Are there wellness amenities - gym, shower rooms, or dedicated quiet zones?
- Is there a mother's room, prayer room, or accessibility facilities?
- Are there event or networking spaces for town halls or client functions?
Serviced Office vs Traditional Office Space: Full Comparison
Understanding the difference between a serviced office and a traditional lease is fundamental to your office space decision. Here is a detailed side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Serviced Office (Avanta) | Traditional Office Space |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lease term | Monthly rolling to multi-year | Typically 3–9 year lock-in |
| Upfront capital required | Low - deposit only | High - fit-out + deposit + stamp duty |
| Internet & IT included | ✔ Yes, enterprise grade | ✘ Arrange and fund separately |
| Reception & front desk | ✔ Fully staffed | ✘ Recruit and manage yourself |
| Meeting rooms | ✔ Included / pay per use | ✘ Fit-out and furnish yourself |
| Cleaning & maintenance | ✔ Fully managed | ✘ Tenant's full responsibility |
| Scalability | Easy - add desks or upgrade suite | Difficult - requires new lease |
| Brand customisation | Limited to suite fit-out | Full architectural control |
| Monthly cost predictability | ✔ Single all-inclusive bill | ✘ Multiple variable utility bills |
| Speed to move in | Days to weeks | Months (fit-out required) |
| After-hours access | 24/7 key card access | Depends on building policy |
Avanta Office Space Locations & Pricing
Avanta operates premium business centres across Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. All centres include high-speed internet, reception services, meeting room access, and 24/7 security in a single monthly fee. Below is a guide to current availability:
| City | Business Address | Office Type | From (per seat/mo) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Statesman House, Connaught Place | Private Office / Coworking / Virtual | ₹12,000 | Available |
| New Delhi | Barakhamba, 14, KG Marg, Barakhamba, New Delhi, Delhi | Private Office / Virtual Office | ₹10,000 | Available |
| New Delhi | Eros Corporate Tower, Nehru Place | Private Office / Virtual Office | ₹12,000 | Available |
| New Delhi | Saket, adjacent to Select Citywalk Mall, Pamposh Enclave, District Centre, Sector 6, Saket | Private Office / Virtual Office | ₹10,000 | Available |
| Gurugram | Park Centra, near, Delhi - Jaipur Expy, Block A, Sector 30, Gurugram | Private Office / Day Pass | ₹9,000 | Limited Seats |
| Gurugram | MGF Metropolis Mall, Metro station, near Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Sector 28, Maruti Housing Colony, Gurugram | Managed Office | ₹11,000 | Limited Seats |
Find Avanta Offices Near You
All Avanta business centres are located on metro lines in prime commercial districts - giving your team easy commutes and clients a prestigious address.
Avanta Business Centres: Delhi NCR
| Connaught Place, New Delhi | Nehru Place, New Delhi | Cyber City, Gurugram | MG Road, Bengaluru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001 | Eros Corporate Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 | DLF Cyber City, Phase II, Gurugram, Haryana 122002 | 6 Lal Bhadur Shastri Rd, Halasuru, Bengaluru 560008 |
| 🚇 Rajiv Chowk Metro | 🚇 Nehru Place Metro | 🚇 Cyber City Metro | 🚇 Trinity Station Metro |
How to Evaluate Location & Pricing
When shortlisting an office place in a city like Delhi, Gurgaon, or Bengaluru, location is as important as the four walls. Consider these factors alongside the per-seat cost:
- Metro Connectivity: Proximity to a metro station dramatically affects employee punctuality and recruitment appeal. Offices near Rajiv Chowk or Cyber City consistently attract stronger talent pools.
- Client Perception: A Connaught Place or Nehru Place address carries instant credibility with enterprise clients. Factor this into your cost-benefit calculation, not just the rent.
- Growth Runway: Choose a provider who can accommodate you as you scale. Avanta's centres allow teams to expand from a single desk to an entire floor without changing their office address.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right office space does not need to be stressful or uncertain. With a clear, structured office space checklist, you will walk into every viewing with confidence - knowing exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and what red flags to walk away from.
The best office place is one that serves your business today and can flex with it tomorrow. It should protect your team's safety, enable their productivity, reflect your brand, and respect your budget - all at once.
Use this guide as your anchor for every office space walkthrough you conduct - whether you're evaluating a single cabin or an entire floor of offices in Delhi & Gurgaon.
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