Each option has advantages and trade-offs. Self-storage construction from the ground up gives you more control and customization, while buying may get you to market faster. The right decision depends on your budget, timeline, business goals, and risk tolerance.
In this blog, we’ll break down both sides so you can choose the path that aligns with your vision and bottom line.
Before diving into details, it helps to understand the general pros and cons of building versus buying. These points form the foundation of a more in-depth comparison.
Building a facility from scratch means starting fresh, which comes with control and customization that many investors value.
Purchasing an existing facility offers the advantage of immediate operations and a known performance history, though it may have limitations.
Each option has its own set of variables. Let’s examine how they compare on the most important fronts.
When you build self-storage from scratch, you get a blank slate. This allows you to tailor every element of your facility to current market demands.
Building from the ground up lets you integrate features that boost operational efficiency and attract today’s self-storage customers.
Today’s top-performing storage facilities are designed with features like:
Buying an older facility often means inheriting design limitations or outdated layouts. With a custom build, you avoid retrofitting and maximize revenue per square foot from the beginning.
Start with a fresh design for your facility with Atlantic Coast Construction Group.
Let’s talk about money. Building new can require more capital upfront, but that doesn’t mean it’s more expensive in the long run.
Cost considerations go beyond the sticker price. It’s important to evaluate how much your investment will yield over time, not just what it costs to get started.
Custom facilities also qualify for updated appraisals, allowing you to maximize financing potential based on improved income projections.
Where you choose to build or buy matters; a prime location will often determine the speed of lease-up, pricing, and long-term value.
Your approach to location will differ depending on whether you build or buy. One offers total freedom, the other, faster entry.
Ultimately, building self-storage allows you to plant your flag exactly where you see the most potential.
Customer expectations have changed. People want security, convenience, and professionalism when they choose a storage facility.
Today’s tenants expect features that improve convenience, safety, and access. A new build allows you to meet those expectations from the start. Older facilities may lack these features or require expensive upgrades to implement them. Designing your facility ensures you can deliver the experience modern renters expect.
No investment is without risk. Understanding the challenges of each option can help you mitigate surprises.
Buying an existing facility can come with challenges that affect profitability and performance, especially if due diligence is lacking.
Building involves timelines, permitting, and market shifts. Knowing the risks upfront helps you plan more effectively.
Thorough due diligence helps reduce these risks on both sides. Partnering with experts is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
If speed is a priority, buying is generally faster. But that doesn’t always mean better. Speed is an advantage when buying, but scalability and optimization often favor those who build.
If you’re investing for long-term income and equity, the timeline to build may be worth the wait.
New developments may offer tax advantages or better financing structures than existing facilities. With the right planning, building can unlock financing opportunities and tax advantages that significantly boost your long-term returns.
Buying also has benefits—especially for SBA loans or value-add plays—but the financial upside of building can be much greater.
Despite the benefits of building, there are still good reasons to buy an existing facility. While building has many benefits, there are situations where buying a facility is the smarter short-term strategy.
Buying can be a great way to start, especially if you plan to build later and use your first investment to learn the market.
It comes down to your priorities. Do you want a quick start with known cash flow, or are you looking to create a future-proof asset with maximum earning potential?
If you’re in it for sustained growth and future resale value, building offers key advantages in design, efficiency, and branding. In a competitive market, newer facilities often win on convenience, professionalism, and pricing power.
When you build self-storage, you need a construction partner who understands your goals and brings real-world experience to every phase. At Atlantic Coast Construction Group, we’ve helped businesses plan, design, and build high-performing facilities from the ground up.
From site selection and permitting to construction and completion, our team supports you every step of the way.
https://www.atlcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Understanding-the-Basics-of-Self-Storage-Facility-Design.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ACC-Logo-White-BG.jpg Abstrakt Marketing2025-06-18 09:07:032025-06-18 09:07:08Understanding the Basics of Self Storage Facility Design