Self storage is one of the most commercially disciplined sectors in UK construction, but it's often underestimated. The operators (Big Yellow, Safestore, Shurgard, Lok'nStore and a growing field of regional players) know their numbers to a level of detail that few other clients match. Net lettable area, sq ft per door, rate per sq ft per week, days from PC to first let, cost per door fitted out: these are the metrics that drive every design and procurement decision.

Our preconstruction work reflects that discipline. We test the layout against the operator's standard product to identify lettable area gains and losses, run partitioning and door procurement options against rate cards rather than headline costs, and stress-test the programme against the operator's revenue model, where every week of earlier opening is real money. We pay close attention to the elements that the standard product treats lightly: the reception and office area, accessible WC provisions, security and CCTV integration, EV charging where the site allows. These are where preconstruction effort usually pays back hardest. We also flag the compliance items that are unforgiving in this sector: Approved Document B compartmentation, sprinkler or alternative protection strategies, and fire service access to constrained urban sites.