For many growing businesses in North Vancouver, securing a private office is a major milestone. It signals success, stability, and a new chapter of expansion. However, the path to that office usually involves a fork in the road: signing a traditional commercial lease or choosing a private office within a flexible workspace like West Quay Offices.
On the surface, a traditional lease might seem like the standard progression. But when you look closer at the financial structures—specifically the “Triple Net” lease—the picture changes.
Here is a breakdown of why savvy business owners in Lower Lonsdale are moving away from rigid commercial contracts and choosing the all-inclusive model at West Quay.
The Myth of “Base Rent” (Understanding Triple Net)
When you look at a commercial real estate listing, you might see a price per square foot that looks attractive. This is usually the Base Rent. However, almost all commercial leases in North Vancouver are Triple Net (NNN) Leases.
In a Triple Net lease, you pay the base rent, plus your share of the building’s three main operating costs:
- Real Estate Taxes
- Building Insurance
- Common Area Maintenance (CAM) (This includes landscaping, lobby lighting, elevator repair, management fees, etc.)
The West Quay Difference: At West Quay Offices, the price you see is the price you pay. There are no NNN fees, no surprise CAM adjustments at the end of the year, and no property tax bills landing on your desk. Our pricing is transparent and predictable, allowing you to forecast your cash flow with 100% accuracy.
Capital Expenditure vs. Turnkey Readiness
Signing a traditional lease is just the beginning of your spending. You are often renting a “shell.” Before you can send your first email, you face significant Capital Expenditures (CapEx):
- Fit-out costs: Painting, flooring, and installing partitions.
- Furniture: Buying desks, ergonomic chairs, and filing cabinets.
- Infrastructure: Wiring the server room, installing WiFi access points, and setting up security systems.
The West Quay Difference: Our private offices are turnkey. We have already made the heavy investments in Herman Miller ergonomic furniture, 4,500 Mbps fiber internet, and secure access control. You don’t need a construction budget; you just need your laptop. You can move in on a Monday morning and be fully operational by your first cup of coffee.
The “Agility Gap” (3-5 Years vs. Flexible Terms)
Traditional landlords typically demand a 3 to 5-year commitment to secure a lease. In today’s fast-moving economy, predicting where your business will be in five years is difficult.
- If you grow too fast: You are trapped in a space that is too small.
- If you need to downsize: You are stuck paying for empty space you don’t need.
The West Quay Difference: We align our terms with the speed of your business. Whether you need a month-to-month arrangement or a 6-month term, we offer the flexibility to scale up or down as your team evolves. If you hire two new employees, we can move you to a larger suite without penalties or legal headaches.
The Administrative Burden
In a traditional executive office, you are the office manager. The internet is down? You call the provider. The coffee machine is broken? You fix it. The washrooms need cleaning? You manage the janitorial contract. This takes valuable time away from your core business.
The West Quay Difference: We are your facility management team. We handle the utilities, the cleaning, the gourmet coffee stocking, the reception services, and the IT security. We handle the logistics so you can handle your business.
At a Glance: The Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Triple Net Lease | West Quay Private Office |
| Commitment | 3–5 Years (Rigid) | Month-to-Month / Flexible |
| Pricing Model | Base Rent + NNN + Utilities | All-Inclusive Flat Rate |
| Furniture | Purchase Required (High CapEx) | Included (Sit/Stand Desks & Ergonomic Chairs) |
| Internet | You set up & pay monthly contracts | Enterprise-Grade Fiber Included |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Included |
| Meeting Rooms | Build your own (occupies expensive sq ft) | Access to fully equipped tech-enabled boardrooms |
| Amenities | Purchase your own coffee/tea | Complimentary beverages & lounge access |
The “Upfront” Capital Traps
These are one-time cash outlays required before you even start working.
| One-Time Expense | Traditional Lease Cost Estimate | West Quay Cost |
| Legal Fees (Lease Review) | $1,500 – $3,000+ (Standard in BC) | $0 (Simple Membership Agreement) |
| Deposit | 2–3 Months Gross Rent | $500 |
| Office Furniture | $2,000 – $10,000+ (Desks, Chairs, Filing) | $0 (Furnished with Ergonomic Chairs/Desks) |
| Network Cabling/IT Setup | $500 – $2,000 | $0 (Plug & Play) |
| Signage & Branding | $500+ | $0 (Directory listing included) |
| Tenant Insurance Policy | $500 – $1,000 / year upfront | Simplified (Ask for details) |
| TOTAL STARTUP CASH | $5,000 – $16,000+ | $500 Returnable Security Deposit |
The Verdict
A traditional lease forces you into the business of property management. A private office at West Quay Offices keeps you in the business of your business.
For established professionals in North Vancouver who value time, financial predictability, and a premium environment, the choice is clear.
| Flexibility vs. Liability | Traditional Lease | West Quay Offices |
| BEST FOR | Large corporations (30+ staff) with dedicated facility managers and 10-year plans. | Agile teams, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need cost certainty. |
| THE REALITY | You are in the business of Office Management. You manage the cleaners, the internet provider, and the repairs. | You pay one flat bill. We handle the rest. You are in the business of Your Business. |
