Self-Storage Estimating Services

We take off the current unit mix and flag any assumptions. If the mix changes, we can revise the takeoff quickly because our model is built on unit types. We recommend providing the latest unit-mix table with each revision so we can update door counts and partition runs. Changes to the mix often affect door count and partition LF, which are the largest cost drivers. For example, shifting from 10x10 to 10x20 units reduces the total door count but increases partition LF per unit, changing both Division 08 and Division 09 costs. We also track any impact on corridor lengths and MEP rough-in.

Most projects return in 24–48 hours after we receive a complete plan set. Rush service is available if your bid deadline is tighter. The turnaround depends on the completeness of the drawings and the size of the project. We will confirm the schedule when we receive your plans. For a multi-story climate-controlled building with complex MEP systems, we may need an additional day to verify coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP sheets. If drawings are incomplete, we will note the missing information and provide a preliminary estimate with allowances.

Yes. We separate the takeoff by building type because the wall, roof, and HVAC assemblies differ. Climate-controlled areas require HVAC, insulation, and often sprinkler coverage, while drive-up areas typically have none of these. This separation gives you a clear cost comparison between building types. For example, a climate-controlled floor will include Division 23 (HVAC) and Division 21 (fire suppression) costs that a drive-up building may not have. We also account for different door types: insulated roll-up doors for climate-controlled units versus standard roll-up doors for drive-up.

Yes. If you are a subcontractor bidding only partitions and doors, we can provide a focused takeoff with LF of partitions, SF of gypsum board, and EA of doors by size. You receive the same CSI-organized format with sheet references, so you can price your labor and material directly. We include partition types (e.g., 3-5/8 in metal studs with 5/8 in gypsum board) and door schedules with sizes and quantities. We also flag any fire-rated partitions that require special detailing, such as shaft wall assemblies or smoke seals.

We read the fire protection plans and specifications to determine coverage. In climate-controlled buildings, sprinklers are typically required in corridors and office areas, and sometimes in storage areas depending on the code and commodity classification. We count heads and measure pipe runs from the plans. If the plans are unclear, we flag it as a scope gap. We also check for NFPA 13 requirements such as sprinkler spacing, obstruction rules, and water supply capacity. For multi-story buildings, we verify standpipe and fire pump requirements if applicable.

We use RSMeans data adjusted to your ZIP code for material and labor pricing. This gives you a cost that reflects your local market. We also apply waste factors as separate line items so you can adjust them to your purchasing practices. The estimate is delivered in Excel and PDF. For example, we might list gypsum board waste at 10% and roll-up door waste at 2%, each as a separate line. We also include unit costs for specialty items such as fire-rated doors and hardware, based on RSMeans or recent vendor quotes if provided.

Yes, if civil plans are provided. We measure drive aisles, parking, turning radii, and utility runs. We convert pavement sections to SY and CY or TON. We also check fire apparatus access requirements, which may require a heavier pavement section. Site work is a significant cost driver for storage projects. For example, we take off asphalt pavement by section (e.g., 2 in surface course, 6 in base), concrete curbs and sidewalks, storm drainage structures, and sanitary sewer lines. We also note any retaining walls or grading quantities if shown.

We count devices from the security plan, such as cameras, keypad entry, and access control, and add rough-in conduit and wiring. These items often appear as notes on the electrical sheets. If the security plan is not provided, we flag it as an exclusion and recommend an allowance. We also include conduit and wiring for devices, and note any requirements for power at gate operators or call boxes. For climate-controlled buildings, we verify that security devices are compatible with the HVAC and lighting control systems.

Yes. Conversions require careful review of existing conditions, including slab capacity, ceiling height, and utility capacity. We take off demolition, new partitions, doors, and MEP upgrades. We also note any structural modifications needed to support the new layout. Existing drawings may be incomplete, so we recommend a site visit if possible. For example, we check if the existing slab can support loaded forklifts or if it needs reinforcement. We also verify that the existing electrical service can handle additional lighting and HVAC loads, and that the roof structure can support new HVAC units.

You receive an Excel estimate organized by CSI MasterFormat division, a PDF version for distribution, a marked-up plan set showing measured areas and counts, and a unit-mix reconciliation table. Waste is shown as a separate line. We also include sheet references for traceability. The marked-up plans highlight partition runs, door locations, and equipment counts. The unit-mix reconciliation table cross-checks the unit count and sizes against the door schedule and partition takeoff, so you can see where quantities tie out.

Yes. Multi-story buildings typically use structural steel with elevated slabs. We take off steel tonnage, deck, elevated slab concrete and reinforcing, and stairs or elevators. HVAC and sprinkler coverage are also included for climate-controlled floors. We check the structural framing plan against the unit-mix plan to ensure bay spacing matches. For example, we verify that column grid lines align with demising walls to avoid costly transfers. We also account for slab openings, elevator pits, and stair pressurization if required.

We use the model codes as a baseline but always recommend confirming the adopted edition and local amendments with the local building department. Local amendments can affect fire access, energy efficiency, and parking requirements, which change quantities. If you provide the local amendments, we can incorporate them into the takeoff. For example, some jurisdictions require additional insulation in climate-controlled buildings, which increases wall and roof assembly costs. Others may require fire sprinklers in all storage areas regardless of commodity classification, adding to Division 21 quantities.

Yes. Developers send the unit-mix plan, structural sheets, and MEP drawings, and we return a CSI-organized estimate in Excel and PDF with a marked-up plan set. We separate climate-controlled area from drive-up units, measure partition runs in LF, and count hollow metal doors from the door schedule. Most projects return in 24–48 hours, with rush available. Pricing is ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor from RSMeans data.

A bid-ready estimate organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with quantities and a unit of measure on every line. We take off Division 03 concrete slab and foundations, Division 05 metals, Division 09 finishes, Division 10 specialties, Division 13 special construction, Division 21 fire suppression, and Division 26 electrical. Each line carries a sheet reference so you can trace it back to the drawing. Addendum and RFI items are flagged so you can price the current bid package.

Yes. If you only need a self-storage bid takeoff, we can deliver quantities without pricing: partition LF, hollow metal doors by size, standing seam metal roof SF, roof trusses by count, and concrete slab CY. That takeoff feeds your own pricing or a subcontractor bid package. We can also price it fully with ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor. Tell us which deliverable you need when you send plans.