Managing Your RV and Boat Storage Project

By Mark Sherman 

Investing in toy storage can be a challenging opportunity that takes months of planning, construction and management. To be successful, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of what is involved in your project, start to finish.

Design and Engineering 

The first step to creating a successful RV and boat storage facility involves architectural design and engineering oversight. At this stage, an architect is responsible for drafiing the design, ensuring that it complies with local land-use regulations, zoning and building codes.

The design blueprint includes a detailed floor plan, the unit mix, office space, amenities as well as the overall appearance. A structural engineer must ensure that the facility is designed to withstand extreme conditions, such as strong winds, heavy snowfall and earthquakes.

Budgeting and Schedule Management

Along with facility design and budgeting, scheduling and proformas must be reviewed. This involves identifying the costs required to build the facility and setting up a comprehensive time frame for the project’s completion. At this stage, it is crucial to consider not only the direct construction costs but also indirect costs that might be involved in the project, such as permit fees, land surveying, environmental assessments, easements, utilities and department of transportation access.

Additionally, a project manager is responsible for creating a detailed construction schedule that outlines the main milestones of the project. The project manager should also allocate resources accordingly and monitor the progress of the project to ensure that the construction phase is on schedule.

Contractor Selection and Bidding Process

Once the design blueprint, construction budget and schedule have been finalized, it’s time to select your general contractor. You’ll want to find one with a strong reputation in the industry, because they play a critical role in ensuring the project’s success. A reputable general contractor should have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, managing expenses, creating solutions and avoiding change orders.

Once bids start coming in, you’ll want to ensure that all proposals contain a full scope of the services to be provided. Price, quality and expertise should be considered prior to making your selection.

Onsite Construction Administration

It is vital to have a well-qualified general contractor onsite to oversee the day-to-day schedule and quality workmanship. This requires regular site inspections, monitoring contractor’s work, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and addressing any unforeseen problems that might arise.

Creating a profitable, well-built RV and boat storage facility requires a systematic approach, from architectural design through the construction phase. The project manager must work closely with the architect, engineer and all contractors to ensure that the construction budget, schedule and design blueprint align with the project goals.

Engaging the appropriate parties and following the right steps are crucial to the success of any toy storage facility. By proactively taking the above steps, you can potentially reduce overall cost, minimize delays, mitigate risks and create a sustainable environment that efficiently serves your customers.

Mark Sherman is director of operations with S3 Partners. With 30 years of experience in operations management, real estate development and customer experience, Mark oversees business development, planning, project and client management for storage development and construction. Along with his team at S3 Partners, Mark helps manage and guide clients through every aspect of completing a toy storage project, from architectural design and engineering oversight, general contractor selection and onsite construction administration. For more information, visit S3 Partners website. 

Toy Storage Nation