Building A Commercial Warehouse: Things To Keep In Mind
Commercial warehouses are a necessary part of many businesses. They provide a place to store inventory, equipment, and other necessary items.
The global warehousing and storage market attained a value of $428 billion in 2020.
If you are thinking about building a commercial warehouse, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. This blog post will discuss the most critical factors for a warehouse building.
What are Commercial Warehouses?
An Adelaide warehousing company explains that a commercial warehouse is a storage facility where businesses keep their products and materials. They are usually large buildings with high ceilings, loading docks, and wide doors to accommodate trucks.
Components of a Commercial Warehouse
1) Level Foundation
The first step in constructing a warehouse is to create a level foundation. The ground should be compacted and level before any construction can begin.
If you're constructing the godown on an existing concrete pad, you'll need to check for cracks or other damage. It's vital to have a solid foundation that can support the weight of the building.
You also need to consider the type of flooring in your warehouse. A concrete floor is ideal, but if you're going to have heavy machinery or forklifts in your warehouse, you'll need to reinforce the floor with steel mesh or rebar.
If you're not using an existing concrete pad, you'll need to pour a concrete slab. The size of your warehouse will dictate the thickness of your slab. For example, a small warehouse will need a four-inch-thick slab, while a large one will require an eight-inch thick slab.
After you've poured the concrete, you'll need to wait for it to cure before continuing with construction.
2) Walls
Next, you'll need to build the walls of your warehouse. The type of material you use will depend on the climate and the purpose of your warehouse. For example, if you're going to store food, you'll need to use a material that won't rot or attract pests.
Some of the best materials are explained below:
a) Metal
Metal warehouses are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and low maintenance costs. They can be made from steel, aluminum, or even corrugated metal panels. The key is to ensure the warehouse is appropriately insulated to protect your inventory from extreme temperatures.
Steel is one of the popular choices because it's strong, durable, and low maintenance. It's also fire-resistant, which is an important safety consideration.
Steel is resistant to corrosion because it can be coated with various materials, including zinc. Hence, they are an ideal choice for coastal warehouses.
b) Concrete
If you want a warehouse that will last, you must ensure a solid foundation. That means pouring concrete footings and walls at least eight inches thick. You should also use steel reinforcement bars, or rebar, in the concrete for added strength.
c) Wood
Wooden warehouses are less common than steel ones, but they can be just as durable if built correctly. The key is to use high-quality lumber and treat it with a waterproofing agent.
d) Masonry
When building a commercial warehouse, you will need to use masonry. Masonry is a construction method that uses bricks or stones. This type of construction is solid and can withstand heavy loads.
3) Size and Functionality
When considering the size of your commercial warehouse, you need to think about how the space will be used. Will it be for storage, production, distribution, or all three? Once you have an idea of the primary function of your warehouse, you can begin to map out what kind of space you will need. Additionally, you need to consider things like racking, aisle widths, and mezzanine levels when planning the size of your warehouse.
The next thing to think about is the functionality of your commercial warehouse. It goes hand-in-hand with size, but it also encompasses loading docks, office space, restrooms, and break rooms. You need to ensure that your godown is the right size and has the right features to support your business.
If you keep these three things in mind, you will be on the right track to setting up the perfect commercial warehouse for your business.
4) Cost
When constructing a commercial warehouse building, you need to figure out the cost of materials, labor, and permits. The project's cost will also depend on the size and complexity of the build.
You will also need to factor in the cost of running the warehouse once it is built. It includes the cost of utilities, insurance, and property value.
Final Thoughts
Commercial properties need to be built to accommodate the type of business moving in. If you take the time to plan and build a commercial warehouse that suits the needs of your business, you'll be able to avoid a lot of headaches and wasted money down the road.
