Your business is growing and bursting at the seams: you've got employees stacked literally on top of each other and can't figure out what to do … ever thought about moving offices?

The first step is to determine, of course, how much you can afford and how much space your really need. For example, you have to think beyond current boundaries and figure out how many offices, workstations, conference rooms and storerooms you'll need in a new arrangement.

The bottom line, or cost, is probably the largest concern - as it should be. The Building Owners and Management Association rates office space by location, appearance and costs with an alphabetical system. "Class A" space is the most desirable because it is located in a good part of the selected geographic area, is a building that has many amenities and often costs more. The national average in 1998 was $18.18 per square foot.

CPA firms and other businesses should feel comfortable engaging a real estate broker to help them with the transaction. Check sources carefully and go with a space that will more than accommodate your needs for the long-term.