Convert Unused Space Into A Valuable Self-Storage Business
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As the costs associated with building a dedicated self-storage facility continue to rise, savvy investors are looking for opportunities to turn existing warehouses, retail units, factories and car parks into dedicated self-storage facilities.
The self-storage market is growing fast. Industry forecasters say it’s estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.65% between now and 2027.
But research shows that people are increasingly keen to find and use local self-storage facilities. A recent report from the Self-Storage Association shows that 86% of people would prefer to travel less than 30 minutes to their self-storage facility.
Ground-up developments in or around densely populated areas tend to be relatively inexpensive. Land is expensive. Materials and labour are expensive, and there are many moving parts to wrestle down, including the intricate manoeuvring required to obtain planning permission and connect your new facility to municipal utilities.
Converting an existing asset does away with all of these problems and could save you considerable money. They’re US-based, but Inside Self Storage says that the typical costs of a conversion range from $15 - $20 (or £12 - £16) per square foot, while the cost of ground-up development is pegged at or around $40 (or £32) per square foot—a considerable saving by any measure.
Dedicated Self-Storage Conversion Service
But self-storage conversions can be equally complex and demanding in their own right. That’s why we offer a dedicated conversion service for any large or small self-storage provider operating in the UK and further afield.
This customisable service covers anything from layouts and designs to modifying your asset, installing custom-built self-storage units, adding a mezzanine floor to increase lettable floor space, or installing external direct access units or forklift enclosures to store the type of goods that would not go indoors. Our self-storage construction services also cover areas like fire protection and lift shafts.
We’ll also look after the fine detail, such as fitting new locks and kick plates, carrying out any safety checks and sweeping up after ourselves so that when we hand you the keys to your new self-storage facility, you can swing into action straight away.
Case Study
Car Park Conversion to Self-Storage Facility
This was a complete conversion and change of use project, taking an existing car park…
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Tackling Complex Conversion Projects
Self-storage conversion projects often bring a unique set of challenges. The buildings (or assets) we convert are often burdened with odd or sub-optimal layouts. These awkward corners are hard to fill or have poorly positioned retaining walls that interfere with your ability to drop in a simple and well-optimised mix of units.
Buildings available for self-storage conversion may also have steeply-pitched roofs that eat into your lettable area – or uneven concrete floors that make it challenging to achieve the polished finish your target demographic is looking for.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way. Our self-storage fit out design team specialise in overcoming complex challenges and delight in being pushed to find an innovative solution to any layout- or finish-based challenges.
We’ve found novel ways of rearranging standard units to fill non-90-degree corners. We’ve become adept at balancing the need to maximise lettable floor space by providing good access in tight spaces and offering bespoke units to make the most of steeply sloping roof spaces.
Case Study
Self-Storage Facility Expansion
This project for a self-storage facility located in an older building involved multiple trades working…
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We’re Problem Solvers at Heart
Part of this problem-solving acumen is down to the breadth and depth of our experience. With over 45 years in the business, we’ve had hands-on experience with conversion-specific roadblocks.
Our experience has also taught us to implement the rigorous internal processes needed to ensure that we learn and grow from the problems we encounter, finding economical and scalable ways of solving them for our clients.
But it’s not all about our experience. Our ethos and philosophy also play a crucial part in allowing us to tackle complex conversion projects. A family-run business that takes pride in its ability to deliver impeccable results for any self-storage customer, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to provide efficient designs that maximise a given space.
We’re also dedicated to delivering best-in-class installations, drawing on a team of seasoned experts adept at turning warehouses, disused retail units or city-centre car parks into polished self-storage facilities capable of attracting the right clientele – and commanding the rates needed to drive continual growth.
A Proven Track Record
We’ve been called on to design and fit out facilities for some of the leading national and international self-storage brands, including Shurgard and Big Yellow. But we’re not another faceless provider focused on bidding for the biggest or most lucrative jobs.
We’re a local, family-run business still very much in touch with our roots. Alongside the prestigious clients listed above, we’ve also worked with many small- to medium-sized self-storage businesses.
Some of these businesses have been new ventures looking to start their self-storage empire by turning a disused car park into a 400-unit facility that’d meet the needs of their local community. Others have been established brands looking to expand their business by either reconfiguring an existing facility to increase storage capacity, or acquiring new facilities at a fraction of the cost associated with ground-up development.
Whatever the rationale, scope and focus, we’re proud to have worked on all of these projects, and we’re always looking to build new relationships with business owners in the UK. We built our reputation on the back of our excellent customer service and proven ability, traits that we’re eager to share with anyone looking to increase their market share in this post-Covid era.
Turnkey Design, Manufacture, and Installation Service
Working with us means accessing a wealth of domain-specific knowledge – and the drive required to see your self-storage conversion project through to completion. Irrespective of your starting point.
Our dedicated design team is well-versed in taking existing floor plans and working out how to transform your space into a thriving self-storage business. We know how to maximise a lettable area and provide an appropriate unit mix.
We also know how to design self-storage facilities that actually work in practice, providing ample access via wide, well-lit corridors that create an enticing atmosphere without depriving you of much-needed income.
Then there’s the manufacturing and supply side. Our unique self-storage partition system is called Uniscreen2000, which we’ve designed to be flexible, durable and modern.
Ideal For New Build and Remix Projects
Units can be manufactured in various sizes and configurations, with movable internal partitions that allow you to custom design your self-storage facility from the outset - or adapt and remix the layout of a self-storage facility as customer demographics change. You can add security mesh and kick plates, roller or shutter doors, smart-phone activated locks or any other mod cons. Everything is bright and attractive – available in various finishes to suit your branding.
We’re Not Afraid to Roll Our Sleeves Up
Assuming that your self-storage conversion will involve some remedial work, you’ll be pleased to know that our installation team can tackle big projects to support a fully-fledged self-storage business.
Ready To Start Your Self-Storage Conversion?
Get in touch with a member of our dedicated self-storage conversion team by filling in the form below. We’ll contact you to discuss your project and get the ball rolling.
