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What to Consider Before Investing in a New Flex Storage Facility
Kevin Weaver founded Tristate Buildings with a simple idea: getting the space you need shouldn't be a headache.
More than 35 years later, that idea still drives how Tristate works. Kevin and his crews have built ag buildings, horse barns, commercial buildings, custom garages and more across the mid-Atlantic. Along the way, Tristate became known for going bigger than most builders will, with buildings up to 100 ft wide and 30 ft tall.
Kevin talks the way he builds. He's direct and doesn't hide the details. He'd rather tell you the real cost up front than surprise you halfway through a job. That's why every Tristate building comes with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and a detailed quote before any work starts.
- Flex storage facilities house a mix of commercial uses under one roof, including contractor shops, light manufacturing, warehousing, storage, and offices.
- Post-frame construction is a strong fit for flex storage because it’s faster to build, costs less, and allows open interiors you can divide and rearrange over time.
- Before you build, decide who your tenants will be, how big the facility needs to be, and which features will set it apart.
- Higher ceilings, good insulation and HVAC, office options, and security features help attract and keep tenants.
- Choosing the right builder matters most. Look for commercial experience, design guidance, and a solid workmanship warranty.
Space. Every business owner needs it, and every good commercial real-estate investor knows it.
But what kinds of commercial buildings are best to buy into? The answer, of course, depends on your market. However, there is one type of structure that offers an incredible amount of flexibility when it comes to producing a healthy ROI.
So if you’re an investor looking to round out your commercial portfolio, this article is for you. You’ll learn about the unique benefits of flex storage facilities, why they might be perfect for growing your rental offerings, and a few things to consider before making the investment…
As well as how to do it at a lower price point than you might think.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Flex Storage Facility?
Flex storage facilities are buildings designed to accommodate a wide range of commercial uses in the same structure. These properties can house anything from contractor shops to manufacturing spaces, storage, warehousing, and even service-based offices, all in a single building.
Because of the flexibility of these structures, flex storage solutions are becoming increasingly popular among business owners looking to grow. And investors love them as well. Because often, these structures can be built using a technique that’s both fast and affordable: post-frame construction.
Why Post-Frame Buildings Are Perfect for Flex Storage
Post-frame buildings are built using large support posts around the perimeter of the building. Sometimes called pole barns (because of their prevalent use in the agricultural world), this building style has a few unique advantages because it doesn’t require interior support walls or extensive framing.
Here are a few benefits of post-frame buildings:
1. Quicker Build Times
Post-frame construction is less labor intensive (and can therefore be built faster) than traditional steel or block construction. This means a quicker return on your investment in business productivity and/or rental income.
2. Lower Storage Unit Construction Cost
Since post-frame structures require fewer materials and less labor to build than stick-built or steel frame buildings, they can often be constructed at a significantly lower cost… without sacrificing durability or performance.
3. Flexible Interior Space
Without the need for load-bearing interior walls, post-frame buildings make it easy to create large spaces that can be divided, combined, or rearranged over time to meet your tenants’ needs.
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What to Consider Before Investing in Flex Storage Buildings
Due to the unique benefits of post-frame flex commercial storage facilities, investors are turning to them in increasing numbers as a way of meeting the market’s need for flexible commercial spaces.
If you think this might be a solid choice for you and your future tenants, here are a few things to consider before typing “storage builders near me” into Google.
1. What Type of Tenants Will You Serve?
Tenant profile shapes everything in flex storage design. Will your ideal tenants want larger bays with roll-up doors and space for trucks? Will they need finished office spaces to meet with clients? How about climate-controlled storage spaces to secure their products?
2. What Size Facility Do You Need?
Building size depends on a few factors, including land, budget, and market demand. The good news is that when choosing post-frame construction for your flex storage solution, you can easily expand later. Just plan your layout accordingly and be sure to understand your options up front.
3. What Features Will Set You Apart?
Commercial storage facilities don’t need to be bland. In fact, a big, plain box simply won’t cut it anymore.
So instead of minimalism, think about your tenants. What kind of amenities will they want? How can you best serve them in their new space? Here are a few examples. If you need more, be sure to reach out to a reputable post-frame contractor with experience in commercial structures. Or, you can ask your customers!
- High ceilings for racking and overstock storage
- Quality insulation and HVAC for year-round comfort
- Office space options for meeting with customers
- Security features to help protect their investments
All of these (and more) can easily be added into a post-frame facility. You just need a clear image of your clients’ goals and a builder who cares about serving those goals.
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4. Who Will Build It?
This may be the most important part of all. Why? Because there’s a lot of buyer’s remorse in the construction industry…
But there doesn’t have to be.
A reputable post-frame builder will be highly experienced in structures of all types, including flex storage facilities. Look for someone who can help with design guidance, who understands the evolving needs of a space like the one you’re creating, and who can offer sound workmanship guarantees.
Need some help with finding the right contractor? Check out The Top Five Reasons for Buyer’s Remorse in Post-Frame Construction. It’s a free PDF that will teach you how to vet prospective contractors so you can make a solid choice for your business.
Thinking of Investing in a Commercial Flex Storage Facility?
If you think a new flex storage unit construction project might be right for your commercial portfolio, reach out to Tristate Buildings today.
Tristate Buildings has been in post-frame construction for over 35 years, and in all that time, we’ve learned a lot about bringing client visions to life and providing them with their absolute dream building.
So give us a call for a highly detailed quote, absolutely free. And if you decide to go with us for your build, know this: you can count on a lifetime workmanship warranty that covers every inch of your new building.
So don’t let opportunity pass you by.
Reach out for your free quote today.
Financing Your Dream Building
Finding the right contractor can mean the difference between getting a building you love and spending a bunch of money on a project you later regret. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be a difficult decision.
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