by Josh Parker
Welcome to Part 1 of Self-Storage Construction Mistakes To Avoid. At Storage Authority, we've been around long enough to see some things done wrong. We offer extensive guidance to our franchisees so they can avoid these and many other mistakes. What we do is not the norm- it is better, by design.
Mistake 1. No planned space for snow removal.
Far too often we see initial designs with the fence right at the edge of the pavement, and no place for the plows to push the snow. At the end of a long stretch of pavement, move the fence back 20 feet- you'll thank me later.
Here is a bonus tip- extra space around corners where a plow has to make a turn. I've seen firsthand what plows can do to the roll-up doors around a tight corner. Give them space to maneuver if necessary, and the fewer turns they have to make the better!
Mistake 2. Installing 8ft wide doors, and 8ft eaves.
One can argue for 8ft wide doors, but you can't convince me that customers don't prefer the 9ft wide doors, especially on larger units where customers are trying to back in their vehicles. The same is true for your eaves. Sure you can get away with 8ft 4in eaves, but for just a little more, opt for 9ft eaves. The extra clearance makes a world of difference in making your units feel bigger and brighter.
Mistake 3. Installing bollards without bollard covers.
Do you need bollard covers? Yes. Here is why. If you don't have bollard covers, scraping and painting the bollards will cost you time and money every year, and buying bollard covers after the fact is expensive! Buy them on your initial build and have nice, attractive bollards from day one—no chipping paint and no maintenance.
Storage Authority offers guidance on all things self-storage- from finding land, development, design, construction, operations, sales & marketing- it is A to Z guidance and expert help from day one to infinity. I'd love to talk to you more about everything we do- so call or email me!
Josh@StorageAuthority.com 203-213-7438
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