Whether it’s due to transitioning between homes, divorce, downsizing, retirement, decluttering or storing extra vehicles, more and more people are renting self storage units.
How to construct the most cost-effective storage facility
The number of self storage facilities continues to grow substantially across North America—some statistics indicate the size of storage space has more than tripled since 2015—with revenue rising into the billions. Due to this growing demand, construction of self storage facilities could be a viable market worth pursuing. When constructing storage facilities, builders should consider how to construct the most cost-effective project for their customers. Budget and cost, space and design, and energy efficiency are top priorities.
Size and Space
The layout of the property, facility size, unit size and types (conditioned or nonconditioned), and the project’s budget all come into play when designing a facility. Determining long-term plans and potential expansion at project onset is an important consideration, as well. Metal buildings may be custom designed and expanded in any configuration imaginable, offering tremendous flexibility and value for self storage facility owners.
When it comes to the various sizes and conditions required for a self storage facility, pre-engineered metal building systems offer virtually limitless design options
Location and Needs
The geographic location is important to consider when designing a facility. The location’s climate is also a factor when determining whether to offer conditioned storage units. For example, facilities in metropolitan areas are more likely to offer larger units most beneficial to commercial customers as well as renters, with the capability to store equipment and inventory. Protecting the unit’s contents from excess heat or cold will be especially important to customers.
In rural settings, homeowners are more likely looking for extra space to declutter their homes and store valuables on a temporary basis. In this case, the facility’s owner should take traffic patterns and visibility into consideration when choosing its location.
Design
When it comes to the various sizes and conditions required for a self storage facility, pre-engineered metal building systems offer virtually limitless design options. Storage facilities have evolved from plain, basic structures, to being architecturally interesting buildings that better fit in with the surrounding community’s aesthetic. A mix of elements such as vibrant wall panels, insulated metal panels, masonry, stone or glass helps achieve the desired effect. Your customers’ vision can be reality.
Colors and Panels
Although color options are abundant when designing a building, most decisions are focused around cost and energy efficiency. Standard paints are durable and affordable while offering many colors from which to choose from. To increase energy savings and promote cooler interior spaces, builders can look at metal wall and roof panels that utilize cool coatings. These cool coatings—a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) paint—provide high-performance durability and energy efficiency. When paired with insulated metal panels, this technology helps HVAC systems not have to work as hard, thus saving energy and money.
Climate Control
Ensuring items inside storage units remain in excellent condition is vital when constructing a self storage facility. A climate-controlled building is a great solution to protect customers’ belongings from pests, or extremes in temperature and humidity.
Insulated metal panel systems are attractive, lightweight yet durable, and energy efficient by design. These panels provide for a better insulation system, regulating heat, cold and moisture inside each unit—at a higher cost. For builders working within a limited budget, choosing as little insulation as possible is key. An option is to leave the walls uninsulated, while insulating the roof with blanket insulation. This allows for an economical solution that is more erector friendly.
Constructing a successful storage facility involves marrying products and designs that offer the best value and outcome, while keeping everything safe. When it comes to value, energy efficiency and design options, pre-engineered custom metal buildings are an ideal, high-performance solution for the self storage industry.
Kimberly Imm is marketing specialist at Nucor Building Systems, Waterloo, Ind. To learn more, visit www.nucorbuildingsystems.com.
