Weve all heard the old adage not to judge a book by its cover, but in self-storage, first impressions can make or break the sale. As the storage market continues to mature, client perceptions are irrefutably connected to success.

Todays renters are educated to storage options, have shopped around and expect to feel confident their belongings will be safe in your facility. The hallway and its appearance play a large role in that comfort level; design and production are where it all starts.

Design and Production

First, a hall system must meet criteria demanded by building officials and code administrators along with local codes of compliance. Usually codes reflect the height of the hall with respect to the sprinkler system or fire-suppression system. As a rule, systems must be a minimum of 18 inches below the sprinkler head, but always check with the local fire marshal for specific codes in your area.

Second, the facilitys unit mix should be designed to optimize the percentage of rentable square footage while maintaining a good flow in the building. Larger units should be close to entrances because renters will be making more trips to and from the vehicle to store their belongings. Plus, traditionally bigger, heavier itemssuch as beds, refrigerators and other appliancesare carted to these units.

Halls leading to larger units should be designed with as few turns and intersections as possible without sacrificing rentable square footage to make movement around the facility easier for tenants. Chamfering intersection corners is helpful for maneuvering carts and minimizing damage to walls.

Including extra space at loading and unloading areas of the facility is critical. Without it, customers get frustrated and hall systems will suffer in the process. Minimizing transport problems for renters protects your halls from dents and dings.

Third, the cosmetics of halls make a difference. Bright lighting offers warm illumination, creating a safe and comfortable feeling for tenants walking down long enclosed hallways. Pale colors on walls reflect more light both in corridors and within units. Soffit systems in the hall are an additional light source. Plus, they offer a finished ceiling look thats more visually friendly than the industrial ceilings in some buildings.

Engineering Options

Hallways are designed in two ways, depending on the desired look and personal preference.

Flush hallway system: This design is constructed of typically 1-foot, flat wall panels with header panels above the door. Flush hallways give a very clean finish and deflect lots of light, but they can tend to show damage more quickly than the corrugated option.

Corrugated hallway system: Corrugated panels are installed vertically. Headers are constructed of the same panels and run horizontally with a trim package. This system deflects some light, doesnt show damage as quickly as flush hallways, and is usually more cost-effective to construct.

Roll-up or swing doors can also affect customer comfort. Using all roll-up doors keeps halls free of obstructions, even when doors are open. Although door manufacturers build 180-degree swing doors to avoid blocking halls, not every customer swings them open all the way. Roll-ups keep halls clear and allow tenants full view of foot traffic, eliminating the worry that someone could be standing on the other side of the door. Maintaining a clear view for the security system at all times maintains a safe atmosphere.

Hallways play a big role in meeting basic tenant needs of safety, brightness and efficiency. Designing with the customer in mind will play a large role in the success of any new facility. 

Rob Hadden is the international marketing manager for Janus International, a Temple, Ga.-based manufacturer of third-generation self-storage doors and hallway systems. For more information, visit www.janusintl.com.