Photo: Signs that indicate it’s time for a toy storage facility refresh or remodel.
By Mark Sherman
How Can S3 Partners Help You Renew Your Facility?
When it comes to storing RVs, boats and other large toys, the need for a safe and secure storage facility is essential. Not only do these items require reliable protection from the elements and potential thieves, but they also need a place to provide easy access and plenty of room for maintenance. As such, an RV and boat storage facility should provide adequate space with amenities along with features like drive-through units, tight security measures and convenient payment plans.
However, even with all the benefits of an RV and boat storage facility, there may come a point when it’s time for a refresh or remodel. Here are signs to watch for that could mean it’s time to make some updates.
Aging Infrastructure
The most obvious sign is if the physical structure of the toy storage unit is showing its age. This could include signs of weathering such as peeling paint, rusting metal, chipping wood, or crumbling mortar or concrete. Additionally, any visible cracks in walls or floors can be telltale signs of aging-out structures that may need to be either reinforced or replaced entirely with modern and more reliable materials.
Another indicator that your toy storage unit requires a freshening up is if you notice any moisture damage inside the unit. Moisture damage can appear in many forms, from mold and mildew to weakened surfaces due to water permeation. These types of issues are often caused by poor construction practices that can lead to inadequate ventilation or lack of proper waterproofing measures around windows and doors. If you do notice moisture damage within your toy storage unit, you should take immediate steps toward fixing the problem before it escalates further and causes significant structural damage to your facility.
Facility Equipment
In addition to assessing the physical structure of your toy storage unit, you should also examine any equipment that’s installed within, such as air conditioners, heaters, lighting systems, etc. These sorts of appliances can cause electrical problems if they are not maintained properly over time; for instance, frayed wiring may present a serious fire hazard if left unchecked. Additionally, older components may no longer meet current safety standards; therefore, replacing them with newer models would be beneficial in terms of both cost savings and enhanced safety features.
Outdated Amenities
Speaking of facility equipment, let’s not forget about outdated amenities for the facility as a whole. Toy storage facilities are the ultimate in convenience, allowing customers to store their RVs or boats safely and securely. However, if the amenities don’t keep up with customer demands, it may be time for a refresh. For instance, features like interior storage, covered storage spaces, dump stations, wash bays, water, propane, ice or on-site maintenance options can make a huge difference in the satisfaction of your customer base. If these amenities are not available at your facility, it could be time to consider making some upgrades.
Security Concerns
It’s important to consider whether your current security measures are adequate for keeping boats and RVs safe within your facility. As technologies evolve over time, so too must security protocols; for example, outdated cameras may not provide sufficient coverage at night or during other times when there might be an increased risk of theft or vandalism within the facility itself. Investing in updated equipment such as motion sensors with night vision capabilities and monitoring will tighten up security and protection against potential intrusions while also allowing you to quickly respond should an incident occur in real time.
Overall, it’s essential that owners regularly inspect their facilities both internally and externally for signs of aging or possible moisture damage from poor construction practices; additionally, older technology should be replaced with newer tech whenever possible in order to maximize energy, efficiency, as well as maintain compatibility with current safety standards. Finally, investing in updated security hardware provides peace of mind by providing extra assurance against potential intruders while also helping store owners respond quickly during emergency situations where every second counts towards reducing loss from theft or vandalism incidents.
Ultimately, knowing when it’s time for a refresh or remodel can go a long way in helping you maintain a successful RV storage facility. As such, it’s important to pay attention to the signs and make necessary updates as soon as they become apparent. With proper maintenance and regular updates, you can ensure that your tenants have a safe and secure storage solution for their large toys in the years to come.
Mark Sherman is Director of Operations at S3 Partners, a trusted advisor in the RV, boat and toy storage industry banking on decades of experience and knowledge. Whether you’re thinking about building a new facility or adding toy storage to an existing storage business, S3 Partners is interested in collaborating to help you achieve success. No matter the size of your project, company advisors strive to keep costs down and maximize your investment. For more information, visit s3.partners.
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