Self-Storage Metal Buildings

Self-storage is one of the most profitable commercial real estate asset classes, with typical cap rates of 6-9% and operating margins of 60-70%. A well-located facility in Georgia can achieve $8-14 per square foot in annual gross revenue. Construction costs of $30-50/SF mean most facilities reach breakeven within 2-3 years of stabilization.

A competitive facility typically needs 200-500+ units across a mix of sizes. A common unit mix is 40% 10x10, 20% 10x15, 15% 10x20, 10% 5x10, 10% 10x30, and 5% climate-controlled premium units. The right mix depends on your local market -- we recommend a feasibility study before breaking ground.

In Georgia, climate-controlled units command 30-50% premium rents and have higher occupancy rates. Georgia's heat and humidity create real demand for climate control. A mix of standard and climate-controlled units is the safest approach. Multi-story climate-controlled buildings maximize revenue per acre in higher-cost land markets.

Plan for 2-5 acres for a competitive single-story facility (200-500 units). Multi-story climate-controlled buildings can achieve the same unit count on 1-2 acres. Minimum lot depth is typically 200 feet to accommodate drive aisles and building footprints. Zoning is the first thing to verify -- many commercial zones allow storage by right.

A typical self-storage project takes 4-8 months from permit to certificate of occupancy, depending on size and complexity. Single-story drive-up buildings are the fastest. Multi-story climate-controlled buildings take longer due to interior systems. Many developers build in phases -- starting with 50-60% of planned capacity and expanding as occupancy grows.