SSSE’s core values are Fun, Integrity, Drive, and Others-First. As part of our commitment to Others-First, we strive to educate our investors, partners, and the general public about self storage. The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. This Frequently Asked Questions page is to serve as preparation for anyone interested in learning more about self storage and SSSE. The opportunities come when you sign up for SSSE’s investors list or buyers list by clicking the links in our menu bar. We hope to be lucky enough to work together.

If there are any questions that you have that are not answered below, please contact info@ssse.com

Self Storage, Underwriting, Finance, Research Steven Wear Self Storage, Underwriting, Finance, Research Steven Wear

How much does a drive up self storage facility cost to build?

The cost to build a non-temperature controlled, drive-up self storage facility is going to be one of the cheapest ways to build self storage, only more expensive than portable units. Self storage is primarily made of steel and concrete, with steel being a highly traded commodity susceptible to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and economic events. As a result, the cost to build any type of self storage can vary greatly from location to location, month to month. As of the time of this writing, we have seen the cost of non-temperature controlled, drive-up self storage range from $40 to $60 per square foot. Decisions like compacted gravel vs. asphalt vs. concrete for drive aisles will increase prices. Temperature controlled, drive-up self storage is increasingly popular but is more expensive because of the HVAC systems, increased utility costs, and the loss of rentable square footage for utility closets. The trade off is the potentially higher rental rates that temperature controlled units garner. Renters often like drive-up units because of the convenience of being able to load and unload directly at the unit opening.

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