Navigating the Design-Build Construction Process: A Guide for First-Time Self-Storage Developers and OwnersNavigating the Design-Build Construction Process: A Guide for First-Time Self-Storage Developers and Owners

The design-build construction process can be exhilarating yet daunting for first-time self-storage developers and owners. However, effective collaboration, strategic planning and meticulous management go a long way toward making it as smooth as possible. This guide will help industry newcomers understand and navigate this method confidently and effectively.

Christian Rodrigue

January 27, 2025

5 Min Read
People sitting around a table covered with blueprints and a small model of a building on top

The self-storage industry is booming, with downsizing trends, urbanization and population shifts driving increased demand. For many commercial real estate developers, this presents an exciting opportunity. But venturing into the sector to build your first facility can also be daunting.

A common approach to self-storage development today is the design-build method in which design and construction responsibilities are combined into a single contract, thereby streamlining communication between stakeholders and reducing the project timeline. Unlike the traditional design-bid-build approach, this integrated process fosters collaboration between owners, architects, engineers, contractors and consultants from the very beginning. It ultimately helps the development team minimize misunderstandings, control costs and improve efficiency.

If you’re new to self-storage or design/build construction, this article outlines key steps and considerations to help you navigate the process confidently and successfully. Let’s examine the three critical elements of this method: effective collaboration, strategic planning and meticulous management, all of which improve your chances of a positive outcome.

Effective Collaboration

Assembling a skilled design-build team is one of the most crucial steps in development. The success of your project depends on experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of self-storage facilities. These should include:

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  • General contractor: This person should have strong industry experience and will help you choose the other members of the team. The right partner will also have a network of reliable subcontractors and suppliers to streamline construction.

  • Architect: This professional won’t only design your self-storage facility, they’ll help you navigate the zoning process, which can be complicated and confusing.

  • Civil engineer: They’ll address site issues like grading, stormwater management and utility connections, ensuring compliance with regulations.

  • Consultants: Consider engaging self-storage experts for input on unit mix, operational workflows and facility features that enhance customer experience, such as automated entry systems or drive-up unit access.

When building your team, conduct thorough due diligence by reviewing their portfolios, checking references and confirming that all members are licensed, insured and experienced in self-storage. They must also be good communicators, as open and ongoing dialog among members is key to aligning goals, resolving challenges and delivering a successful final product.

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Strategic Planning

Once your self-storage development team is in place, the next step is to create a comprehensive plan and secure buy-in from all parties. This serves as a roadmap of the construction process from start to finish.

Start by defining your vision for the project using unit-mix analysis, supply-and-demand trends and other market data as a guide. You can outsource the collection of this information to a firm that specializes in self-storage or gather it through your own on-the-ground research.

Next, establish a realistic budget that covers land acquisition, design fees, construction costs, permitting, utility connections and contingencies. Allocate 5% to 10% to the latter to help address unexpected expenses like delays or price increases.

Now you and your team are ready to sketch a detailed timeline. It should outline key milestones such as design completion, permitting, groundbreaking and final inspections. Breaking the project into phases allows for easier progress monitoring and proactive problem-solving. When setting deadlines, factor in potential delays like inclement weather or zoning issues. The idea is to create a buffer that keeps the timeline realistic and achievable.

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The last planning step is to clearly define the scope of work. Document all specifications including the unit layout, construction materials and building features to ensure alignment among all stakeholders.

Important: Regularly review and update this plan! Periodic check-ins with your self-storage development team keeps everyone united and enables prompt resolution when issues arise. A strong strategy ensures smooth execution, mitigates risks and keeps the project on course for successful completion.

Meticulous Management

The construction phase is where your vision begins to take shape, but it requires close supervision to stay on track. Regular communication with your design-build team is essential to maintain alignment on timeline, budget and quality. Schedule frequent site visits to inspect progress and ensure everything is following the approved site plans. These check-ins will allow you to address discrepancies early, preventing larger issues down the line.

Hold regular meetings with your self-storage development team to discuss milestones and resolve challenges. Review detailed progress reports, which should clearly outline completed and upcoming tasks. They should also disclose potential risks, for example, delays, material shortages or labor issues, before they negatively impact the project.

Change management is crucial. Unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, market fluctuations or site issues may require adjustments to the design or scope. Document any revisions and assess their impact on the timeline, budget and overall goals before approval. Keep detailed records to ensure transparency and maintain control over the project’s direction. Active monitoring minimizes risks, ensures quality and guides your self-storage facility toward successful completion on time and within budget.

The design-build process requires teamwork, strategic planning and careful management. As a first-time self-storage developer or owner looking to transform a vision into a thriving business, it’s important that you assemble the right team, but also that you conduct proper research and follow best practices. With expert guidance and a solid plan, you’ll be prepared to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. The end result will be a beautifully crafted facility that meets customer needs and financial goals.

Christian Rodrigue is senior project engineer at Spartan Construction Management LLC, a Golden, Colorado-based self-storage development firm that offers construction, design, due-diligence and entitlement services. Over the last three years, he’s overseen numerous projects while building high-performing teams that complete them on time and under budget. He’s delivered more than 200,000 net rentable square feet of self-storage. You can reach him at 207.831.9006 or [email protected].

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