Safety and Sanity During Self-Storage Construction: Creating a Site-Utilization Plan

When it comes to efficient and safe site management for a self-storage construction project, the creation of a site-utilization plan is a great first step. The objective is to form a blueprint for your development and document its progress, whether you’re renovating, adding a new structure or working on some other aspect of the property. Careful preparation can mitigate the disruptive effects of construction on daily operation while keeping everyone safe, from staff to contractors to customers and anyone else who spends time at the facility.

Customization is key when crafting this plan, as each self-storage project presents unique opportunities and challenges. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, it’s imperative to assess which elements align with your development’s requirements. For example, your site-utilization plan might include provisions for a construction dumpster, designated entrances and exits for contractors and equipment, concrete-washout stations, restrooms, material-laydown areas, drop zones, temporary fencing or jobsite trailers, visitor parking, and more.

When crafting your plan, first confirm whether the municipality has specific requirements to meet. Tailoring your approach to accommodate these ensures smooth project execution, compliance with regulatory standards and maximum efficiency.

Site Access

One of the most pivotal aspects of your site-utilization plan is access, as it affects all stakeholders, from self-storage owners and contractors to workers and the general public. It's essential to regulate facility entry and control all exit points.

When delineating entrances and exits, factor in the size of the property and any equipment that’ll be maneuvering around it. For instance, during a concrete pour, decisions hinge on whether to use corner pours or pre-poured elements coordinated by the general contractor (GC). In the former scenario, provisions for a concrete-washout station and measures to prevent runoff into municipal water systems are imperative. Conversely, the latter necessitates ensuring adequately sized entrances to accommodate heavy-duty trucks or crane deliveries.

Equipment, Deliveries and Materials

Every self-storage construction project requires the transport and use of equipment and the delivery of various building materials. They all need safe, accessible places to go; and your site-utilization plan should make those locations clear.

If your project involves concrete pours, for example, consider the logistical placement of trucks. The closure of traffic lanes, albeit costly, might be necessary. Please note, however, that this will be subject to municipal approval, especially on busy roads. It can be cost-effective to explore alternative routes for temporary storage or vehicle parking along less congested routes.

Deliveries demand meticulous planning, too. Designate a special area for these and ensure adequate space. If constraints arise, explore options for temporary delivery zones.

Similarly, evaluate the suitability of a material-laydown area. If space is limited, you may need to come to a contractual arrangement with your vendors to ensure material delivery takes place at a specific date and time, which can inflate your self-storage construction costs.

In all cases, situate your valuable equipment, deliveries and materials in a safe area free from potential harm to avoid accidents and costly losses. Always prioritize proactive measures to facilitate smooth operation and minimize business disruption.

Public Impact

Any potential impact your self-storage construction activity may have on the general public is a significant consideration. Building adjacent to a school or busy retail or residential area heightens safety concerns. Will your project block or disrupt the sidewalk, for example? The municipality may require you to install overhead site-walk covers to enhance safety. Also, consider nearby crosswalks, and make sure the trajectory of any heavy equipment or trucks is readily visible, particularly in pedestrian-traffic zones.

Don’t forget about the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Accessibility must be considered during project execution. If sidewalk closures will be necessary, you’ll need to plan for ADA-compliant alternatives, or you’ll have issues with permitting.

Parking also merits careful attention, especially in densely populated areas. Let contractors and other workers know where they’re allowed to park, and clearly communicate your expectations in this regard. To avoid having your team park in nearby neighborhoods, creating potential conflict with residents, consider providing a shuttle service or subsidizing parking fees to encourage them to park farther away. Proactive management of these concerns ensures smooth project execution and positive community relations, minimizing potential setbacks.

Finally, if your self-storage facility will be operational during the project, special consideration must be given to the impact on employees and tenants who access and use the site. For example, you might install temporary fencing to mitigate disruptions and enhance the customer experience.

Additional Safety Tips

Safety is paramount when creating a site-utilization plan for a self-storage construction project. By incorporating the following simple measures, you can further mitigate risk and maintain a secure environment that’s conducive to efficiency:

Sensible Workflow

Achieving optimal efficiency on your self-storage construction project depends on strategic coordination between your GC, subcontractors and any other workers on the site. One of the goals of your site-utilization plan is to map out a logical workflow for these players. However, it’s vital to acknowledge the dynamic nature of this plan and allow for fluid adjustments as circumstances evolve.

To expedite construction and minimize disruptions, consider taking a phased approach to your project, which will allow you to adjust as needs require. For example, as phase one progresses, space limitations may require you to relocate laydown areas and other key elements.

The utilization plan will also help you meticulously manage your timelines. You might explore opportunities to schedule construction during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on employees and customers. If it’s financially feasible, consider overtime work for noisy tasks, weighing the associated costs against the benefits of reduced customer and staff inconvenience. Check local regulations regarding overtime work permissions to ensure compliance.

Customization and Forward Thinking

There are many important factors to address in a site-utilization plan, whether it’s for new self-storage construction, or a facility expansion or renovation. The key takeaway is how very important it is to thoroughly assess the specific conditions of your property to ensure comprehensive and proactive strategizing.

Given the unique nature of each self-storage project, it’s essential to customize the plan to your development’s needs. Lean on your GC’s expertise and experience in this process, as a strong partner will have valuable knowledge to impart.

A thorough site-utilization plan can set up your self-storage construction project for success, helping you expedite completion and keep all stakeholders safe. By proactively addressing the above considerations, you can facilitate smooth project execution while minimizing business disruption and improving customer satisfaction.

Kiki McCartney is part of the pre-construction division at Spartan Construction Management, where she contributes to the success of front-end activities related to estimating, solicitation, bidding, risk mitigation and development before the company breaks ground on a new project. She has experience in commercial and residential real estate, multi-family and self-storage development, and facility management. To reach her, email [email protected].