A warehouse looks gigantic at first, especially before your business is all moved in. Warehouses are typically several thousand square feet and you might think that conserving space won’t be an issue in a building that’s that big. However, once your business is set up and operating, you might find that you’re beginning to run out of room– especially if your business has been growing. There’s a simple solution to this problem, so don’t go hunting for another warehouse just yet. Instead, look for a mezzanine.
What is a Mezzanine?
Essentially, a mezzanine is a way to utilize the overhead space in your warehouse. It is a large platform, usually made of steel, that you can assemble and dismantle inside your warehouse. It’s typically accessible by stairs, can increase your available space by a few thousand feet, and are a much less expensive option than purchasing or renting a larger warehouse in order to accommodate your business’s growth.
What Kind of Mezzanine is Right for Me?
There are a few different types of mezzanines, and the type that is right for you depends on your needs. First off, there’s the freestanding mezzanine system, which is the type that will add the most workspace to your warehouse. The freestanding system is a large platform that stands on its own and is easy to assemble. This is the best option for businesses that need some more floor space, whether it’s needed for office space, production, or even an additional walkway to get around the warehouse. Secondly, a rack-supported mezzanine is ideal for a business that needs more storage space. It’s a multi-level system that provides additional storage along with pallet racks. This is a great way to improve storage as well as providing more locations to load and unload product. Finally, the last type of mezzanine is a shelving-supported one. This type rests on existing shelving in order to create more storage space, usually for smaller items.
Are Mezzanines Safe?
The first priority for any business should be the safety of its employees, so you might be wondering how safe mezzanines really are. The good news is that there are plenty of safety features available, such as gates and fences to keep people from falling off the edge. You may need to purchase safety gates separately. There are, of course, weight limits. They are usually somewhere around 125 pounds per square foot, so you should exercise caution when stocking products on a mezzanine.
How Much Do They Cost?
Mezzanines are known for being easy, cost-effective options for expanding the space available to you in a warehouse, but how much are they exactly? The cost will vary depending on what type of mezzanine you decide to go with, but you can plan on approximately $20-$30 per square foot. You may also need to factor in the cost of hiring someone to help you install the mezzanine, and possibly the cost of setting it up if you’re using it for office space. When you make good use of the mezzanine addition, your business will run more efficiently and ultimately increased sales will be reflected. If budget is a concern, you can find companies that sell used mezzanines, which will cut down on your initial costs.
Is It a Permanent Addition?
Perhaps the biggest advantage of installing a mezzanine is that you can take it down or move it whenever you want or need to! If you decide you need more storage space on the west side of the warehouse and the mezzanine is installed on the east side of the building, it’s not too much trouble to move it over. If you’re renting your warehouse, a mezzanine is a great option because you don’t need to worry about getting permission from the owner to change the structure of the building. When you leave that building, the mezzanine will come down and the building will be in the same condition you leased it in.
Looking for a Warehouse?
Contact us for help finding the perfect warehouse! Schwarz Properties specializes in commercial and residential Property Management in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We lead the market for industrial and warehouse spaces for rent and our portfolio also includes retail space, restaurant space, residential, office space, and many more. Please contact Schwarz Properties at 336-625-6076 or visit our website.
