Bringing an attorney in when looking at business locations is a wise decision. Many upcoming business owners think they have everything under control and that they do not need to consult an attorney. Even if this is true, there are four specific benefits you can enjoy if you get some advice. The location of your business is going to help determine how successful the company is, so you should take the process of finding a location seriously. No precaution will be a waste when it comes to your new business.
1. Make Better Decision
Looking for a location is more complicated than just finding somewhere that is accessible and appealing. There are legal restrictions and technical considerations you should keep in mind. An attorney can help you keep track of these complicated restrictions and fill you in on everything you need to be considering. First of all, you need to decide whether you want to lease or purchase the property. Each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. An attorney can explain the differences and make a recommendation based on your situation and plans for the future.
Additionally, there are zoning laws that restrict what kind of business can be in any location. Landlords or real estate sellers are not responsible for knowing if your business is allowed to operate in this location. Before you make a commitment, make sure you are making the right decision.
2. Understand Contract Negotiations and Clauses
After you have found the right location, it is time to set up an agreement with the owner of the property. Never let a landlord tell you the contract is final or not up for negotiations. You can always make changes and, in fact, you should make sure the agreement meets all your needs. An attorney can help make sure you get what you need from the contract. You may have even already told the landlord what your needs are and he or she simply said to write them up so they could be incorporated in the agreement. An attorney can write these clauses in a way to ensure there is no confusion. If you still need to make negotiations, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf. The best way to ensure your contract meets all your needs is to have an attorney fight for these changes.
3. Know What You’re Getting Into
Regardless of whether you are leasing or purchasing, you are going to have to sign papers, and you should thoroughly understand them before you sign. The best way to have a complete understanding of the papers is to have an attorney review them. An attorney will be able to tell you if there is anything in the agreement that does not line up with your expectations. If you are using a real estate agent, you should also get an attorney to review that contract. Essentially, an attorney can make every contract you need to sign easier for you to understand and warn you of any strange requirements. Contracts are always complicated, so having an attorney to review any papers you are given to sign will help you make understand the entire process.
4. Move Forward
You have found the perfect location for your business, made changes to the contract and signed it, and are ready to start setting your company up. Where do you begin? You need to make sure your business is completely compliant with the ADA and that any number of other requirements are met. An attorney can provide you with a checklist and offer advice on the best way to meet all these requirements in the most cost effective way possible. Since you are just starting out, you want to be sure that your business starts on the right foot.
Start searching for reputable attorneys in your area to get the help you and your business need.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.