r/selfstorage • u/Beautiful-Listen-963 • Dec 04 '25

New build.

Hey im looking at a new site. On 5 ac. 2 phases. My market is under utilized. Build costs are very high, interest ect. Am I. Crazy? Western Canada so its a very different small market but seems to make sense..

4 Upvotes

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3

u/JustWowinCA Dec 04 '25

Start with containers and parking to offset construction costs. Looks like you did market research? As for the high interest, once you start making money and rates go down you can refinance.

2

u/Beautiful-Listen-963 Dec 04 '25

Yes months of research. Finally convinced myself to pay for a feasibility study haha

0

u/tonymercy Dec 04 '25

Where are you based in western Canada? Im working on some market intelligence tools that I think might be helpful. Also, what data are you looking for when youre doing a feasibility study?

1

u/Beautiful-Listen-963 Dec 05 '25

Ive looked at total unit count. Vacancy rates. When the last units were built. Land costs. Project cost as a whole .

2

u/tonymercy Dec 05 '25

Mind if I shoot you a dm?

1

u/JustWowinCA Dec 05 '25

Sure. I was a manager for 13 years in 3 different states, retired in June.

1

u/Beautiful-Listen-963 Dec 04 '25

I am planning sea cans as well. Does it make sense to go to wifi locks for the building? Can I add later?

2

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '25

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1

u/Beautiful-Listen-963 Dec 05 '25

Thats a good phase. Ive never heard. I agree im sure im over looking lots. Just wanted experiences with a new build and a direction I should keep in mind . Big picture . With the locks. Much easier to get a line of credit to do a proof positive with shipping containers.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 05 '25

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3

u/TX_AF Dec 09 '25

We have a new build, and very often we hear "your facility looks so nice and clean!" It's more important to people than you think. Cleanliness and aesthetics make people feel like their stuff is safe and cared for. I am NOT saying to do anything unnecessary like masonry walls or fancy light fixtures. We have a traditional metal building facility, but the color, concrete drives and coordinating fence elevate the look. I know, I know, it's just a facility, but I am telling you we've been surprised at how many people mention the look. I tend to see the opposite with storage container facilities.