Updated–10/3/2025
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.
Construction Design and Costs
Toy Storage Nation advocates for Class A storage development to ensure long-term return on investments. “If you’re going to build a toy storage facility, you might as well do it in the most profitable way possible,” explains Toy Storage Nation President Amy Bix. To qualify as a Class A site, a facility must at least feature the following four elements:
- Paved surfaces,
- Gate technology,
- Perimeter fencing, and
- Covered units (fully enclosed or canopied).
“If you don’t build a Class A facility,” continues Bix, “chances are great that someone will build a facility with premium features to compete with yours in the near future, drawing away your tenants. So, avoiding Class A design up front because of costs can end up costing you more in the long run.”
Storage structure types range from open parking lots to premium condo-style storage units, and costs vary widely, according to Sarah Swingler of MakoRabco, who provided the following information.
- Open Parking–offers minimal protection and is increasingly less popular.
- Canopy Storage–consists of a roof with open sides, offering basic coverage from the elements. Structural costs average $9-$14+ per square foot, while turnkey costs range from $36+ per square foot.
- Three-Sided Canopies–offer additional coverage with side and end walls, costing $3-$5 more per structural square foot than standard canopies.
Fully Enclosed Units–premium units that are basically private garages, offering maximum environmental protection and security. These cost $56+ per square foot, including door packages.- Condo Storage–high-end units equipped with amenities such as climate control, electricity and wash buys. They may be rented monthly or purchased outright by tenants, often to create “man caves.” These units cost $72+ per square foot.
(Photo: On Solid Ground RV & Boat Storage, Edgewater, Fla.)
“While these are ballpark numbers for construction, costs can vary greatly from region to region, with weather and seismic considerations to keep in mind,” explains Swingler. “Hurricane winds and heavy snow loads will impact design and material as well as costs, too.”
(Editor’s Note: Please be aware 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.
