By Toy Storage Nation
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re a brand-new developer just speculating on building an RV and boat storage facility. It’s a great idea, knowing that most areas of the United States have a pent-up demand for this emerging asset class. But before you take another step forward in the process, review the basics of what you need to know most about developing toy storage: construction costs, timeline for building and, lastly, some hints to avoid making the most common mistakes.
What’s It Going to Cost? 
The cost of building an RV and boat storage facility varies depending on the type of construction. According to Self-Storage Ninjas, the cost per square foot for enclosed boat and RV units ranges from $55 to $65. For canopy boat and RV units, the cost per square foot ranges from $30 to $35. Multi-story. climate-controlled units can cost anywhere from the 90s to the low hundreds per square foot.
Mako Steel estimates that a high-end storage unit facility with 60,000 to 80,000 rentable square feet will cost $45 to $65 per square foot to build. A single-story storage facility costs between $25 and $45 per square foot to construct, while a multi-story storage facility costs between $42 and $70 per square foot.
Successful RV Storage Business suggests that developing a simple outdoor storage facility that is fully fenced, with asphalt surface, security equipment, etc., can cost around $15 per square foot. Installing steel canopies for covered parking can cost an additional $30 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type of structure.
Please note that these are rough estimates and the actual cost of building an RV and boat storage facility can vary depending on several factors such as location, size, materials used and other factors.
How Long Will It Take?
The time it takes to build an RV and boat storage facility depends on several factors such as the size of the facility, the type of construction, and the location. According to Self-Storage Ninjas, the construction of a high-end storage unit facility with 60,000 to 80,000 rentable square feet can take up to 12 to 18 months. A single-story storage facility can take between 6 to 9 months to construct, while a multi-story storage facility can take up to 18 to 24 months to complete.
However, the construction time can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the availability of materials and the weather conditions. It’s important to consult with a professional contractor to get a more accurate estimate of the construction time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
According to Inside Self-Storage, there are several mistakes to avoid when building an RV and boat storage facility:
- Poor location: Choosing a location that is difficult to access or not visible from the road can make it hard to attract customers.
- Inadequate security: Failing to provide adequate security measures such as cameras, alarms, and fencing can lead to theft and vandalism.
- Insufficient lighting: Poor lighting can make it difficult for customers to access their vehicles and can also increase the risk of theft and vandalism.
- Inadequate drainage: Failing to provide proper drainage can lead to water damage to vehicles and can also create safety hazards.
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup and can cause damage to vehicles.
- Inadequate space: Failing to provide enough space between vehicles can make it difficult for customers to access their vehicles and can also increase the risk of damage to vehicles.
It’s important to consult with a professional contractor to ensure that your RV and boat storage facility is designed and built to meet your specific needs and requirements. The best advice is to work with a well-established construction company, one that has been building RV and boat storage facilities for several years. They can provide you, by experience, numerous examples of what they’ve learned about building the most successful site possible.
