One of the most anxiety-producing steps in self storage investing and development can be figuring out the right mix of unit sizes (and types) to build. There are so many factors that go into this decision from the size of your land, to your location, demographics, competition, budget, and more.
The most reliable means to determine the self storage demand for your facility is by engaging in a market feasibility study that will look at customer demographics and competitive landscape. These two elements are key when developing your self storage business plan and determining what types of self storage to build and what rates you can charge. See our latest blog on self storage site plans.
In today’s economy, Forge is seeing many of our customers adding in Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) along with traditional storage. PEMBs provide incredible versatility, reduced construction time, and weather-resistant properties. They are especially well suited for storage facilities. See our blog, “Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings – An Investment Alternative.”
With PEMBs, the modular design provides a diverse amount of customizable design options. PEMBs can be designed with a variety of precise configurations to suit various needs within the same storage facility. Storage facilities, especially those that may include boat, RV, or vehicle storage often require wide open floor plans with a variety of custom, convenient entrances for larger inventory. With modular floor plans and versatile customization options inside and out, mixing PEMBs with Standard Self Storage is a perfect solution for any storage facility project.
Pre-engineered metal buildings help ensure the longevity and ease of maintenance of any storage facility due to their durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions, seismic activity, mold, and pests. The naturally resilient steel used to construct a pre-engineered metal building will never warp, rot, or attract pests like wood-eating insects. The galvanized steel framing system is also treated with a moisture-resistant coating, which makes it impervious to rust and corrosion. This coating is also applied to the wall panels and roofing, preserving their color and making them more resistant to weather, dirt, and other damage as well.
Many PEMBs are designed with energy efficiency in mind. These buildings can accommodate insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and sustainable building practices, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs over the building’s lifespan.
With the components of the building pre-engineered off-site, storage facility construction time can be greatly reduced. While each component is manufactured according to precise factory regulations, your general contractor can carry out all the necessary steps to prepare the construction site. This may include demolition, laying the foundation, installing plumbing and other utilities, and more. Since these phases of the project can be completed simultaneously, the overall timeline of storage facility construction projects is reduced.
Because PEMBs are manufactured offsite, the manufacturing process reduces labor costs, material waste, and construction time, leading to overall lower project costs. With a reduced construction time, using a pre-engineered metal building for a storage facility construction project can also reduce the overall cost of the whole operation. Once the steel framing system has been manufactured and delivered to the construction site, PEMBs can be erected faster and more efficiently, dramatically reducing on-site labor costs.
With over 15+ years in the industry, Forge Building Company IS the Steel Building Expert. We have contributed to the success of over 500+ self-storage projects. The team at Forge is ready to provide insight and guidance as to “Best Building Practices” when it comes to developing or expanding facilities. Forge has a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in planning, design, engineering, construction, and project management.
Through strategic planning and prudent decision-making, Forge developers can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities to create successful self storage facilities that deliver value to investors, tenants, and the community alike.
When you choose Forge, you are choosing quality, reliability, and innovation every step of the way. With the company’s proven track record of delivering superior results, you can trust Forge Building Company to bring your vision to life with precision, efficiency, and unmatched expertise. Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your next project to new heights and success.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of construction and development, the demand for efficient, durable, and cost-effective solutions continues to soar. Enter pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) – a game-changer in the industry. A pre-engineered metal building system is a building that is constructed with a steel frame system that supports a metal roof and wall panels. They are pre-designed to adhere to precise dimensions in a factory, then the building components are brought to the site in completely knock down condition (CKD), and finally, they are fixed/jointed at the site and raised with the help of cranes.
An efficiently designed pre-engineered building can be lighter than the conventional steel buildings by up to 30%. Lighter weight equates to less steel and potential price savings in structural framework.
PEMBs have revolutionized the construction landscape across various sectors, including agriculture, recreational sports facilities, warehouses, aircraft hangers, community centers, storage warehouses, and more. These structures offer a plethora of benefits that make them an ideal choice for developers, investors, and owners.
There are countless benefits of using pre-engineered metal buildings, including:
Cost efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of pre-engineered metal buildings is their cost efficiency. These structures are typically more affordable to construct compared to traditional building methods—the streamlined design and manufacturing process of PEMBs results in reduced construction time and labor costs. Additionally, the durability and low maintenance requirements of metal buildings translate to long-term cost savings for facility owners. Pre-engineered metal buildings are resistant to pests, rot, and corrosion, reducing the need for frequent repairs and upkeep. This translates to lower maintenance costs and enhanced durability over the lifespan of the facility.
Speed of construction: Pre-engineered metal buildings take almost half the time of a traditional construction project to build, saving you time, labor, material, and money. Time is money, especially in the world of construction.
Design: Many owners interested in pre-engineered metal buildings are looking for a structure with an open, extensive interior space. There are endless options for the design of pre-engineered buildings, both inside and out. Modern advancements in technology and construction techniques have made it possible to customize PEMBs to meet specific aesthetic and functional requirements. Whether you envision a sleek and contemporary structure or a more traditional look, pre-engineered metal buildings can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Structural integrity: Pre-engineered metal buildings are renowned for their strength and resilience. Constructed from high-quality steel, these buildings are often more reliable, durable, and resistant to extreme weather conditions, seismic activity, and other environmental factors.
Sustainability: Pre-engineered metal buildings are inherently eco-friendly due to their recyclability and energy efficiency. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, making it an environmentally responsible choice for building construction. Furthermore, the energy-efficient design of metal buildings helps reduce energy consumption and operating costs over time. These structures are tightly sealed, require less insulation than standard buildings, and can be designed with roofing that deflects the sun’s harsh rays.
Flexibility of expansion: PEMBs can be easily expanded in length by adding additional bays. Also, expansion in width and height is possible by pre-designing for future expansion.
So how do PEMBs compare to conventional steel buildings? Here’s the basics1.
| Properties | Pre-Engineered Steel Building | Conventional Steel Building |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Weight | Pre-engineered buildings are, on the average, 30% lighter because of the efficient use of steel.
Secondary members are light weight roll formed “Z” or “C” shaped members. |
Primary steel is hot rolled “T” sections which are, in many segments, heavier than what is actually required by design.
Secondary members are selected from standard hot rolled sections which are much heavier. |
| Design | Quick and efficient design since PEMB’s are mainly formed by standard sections and connections design, time is significantly reduced. | Each conventional steel structure is designed from scratch with fewer design options available to the engineer. |
| Construction Period | Average 6 to 8 weeks | Average 20 to 26 weeks |
| Foundation | Simple design, easy to construct and light weight. | Extensive, heavy foundation required. |
| Erection and Simplicity | Since the connection of compounds is standard, the learning curve of erection for each subsequent project is faster. | The connections are normally complicated and differ from project to project resulting in increasing the time for erection of the buildings. |
| Erection Time and Cost | The erection process is faster and much easier with very less requirement for equipment | Typically, conventional steel buildings are 20% more expensive than PEMB. Erection process is slower and extensive field labor is required. Heavy equipment is also needed. |
| Seismic Resistance | The low weight flexible frames offer higher resistance to seismic forces. | Rigid heavy frames do not perform well in seismic zones. |
| Overall Cost | Price per square foot may be as low as by 30% than the conventional building. | Higher price per square foot. |
| Architecture | Outstanding architectural design can be achieved at low cost using standard architectural details and interfaces. | Special architectural design and features must be developed for each project which often requires research and thus resulting in higher cost. |
| Future Expansion | Future expansion is very easy and simple. | Future expansion is more tedious and costly. |
| Safety and Responsibility | Single source of responsibility is there because the entire job is being done by one supplier. | Multiple responsibilities can result in the question of who is responsible when the components do not fit in properly, insufficient material is supplied, or parts fail to perform particularly at the supplier/contractor interface. |
| Performance | All components have been specified and designed specially to act together as a system for maximum efficiency, precise and peak performance in the field. | Components are custom designed for a specific application on a specific job. Design and detailing errors are possible when assembling the diverse components into unique buildings. |
The benefits of pre-engineered metal buildings are undeniable as an investment alternative. They can be built and adapted to suit a wide variety of applications across a variety of industries. Investors and individuals who are looking to build or expand can capitalize on incorporating a PEMB given the economic advantage of investing in a structure that takes less time to design, produce, erect, and maintain.
Pre-engineered metal buildings prove their worth from day one, providing companies and professionals with many opportunities for expansion and growth. They are also expandable and easily customized to meet the needs of a growing business across various industries. New sections can be bolted onto any side. If a section of the building is damaged, repairs can be performed easily, often using replacement parts from the original manufacturer.
Construction time, labor costs, and material costs are more predictable with a pre-engineered metal building system than with conventional construction. Components are manufactured and shipped from a controlled site, so there are fewer labor and human error costs to consider.
If this is a solution you’d like to consider, talk to the steel building experts at Forge. We’d love to help with your next project.
Reference
1. The Constructor. (n.d.). Retrieved from theconstructor.org: https://theconstructor.org/building/pre-engineered-steel-building-components-difference-advantages/37187/
