---
title: "Commercial Storage Units as an Investment: What to Plan Before You Build"
description: "Storage units are a simple building type with a simple business model: build once, rent many times. Steel suits them well, because the buildings are repetitive, low-maintenance and easy to extend. But the money is made or lost in the…"
url: "https://steelspan.co.nz/advice/commercial-storage-units-as-an-investment-what-to-plan-before-you-build/"
updated: "2026-11-09"
category: "Planning & Design"
---

# Commercial Storage Units as an Investment: What to Plan Before You Build

Storage units are a simple building type with a simple business model: build once, rent many times. Steel suits them well, because the buildings are repetitive, low-maintenance and easy to extend. But the money is made or lost in the planning, long before the first roller door goes up.

## Start with the unit mix

Who will rent the units? Households storing furniture, tradespeople storing tools and materials, small businesses storing stock and boat or caravan owners all want different sizes and access. A mix of small, medium and large units usually lets out better than all one size. Most storage developments we’ve built across New Zealand use two standard sizes: 3 m × 3 m units and 6 m × 3 m units (double the size). Owners then vary how many of each go on site to suit the local area and the demand they expect. We can build any size in between, and larger units such as 6 m × 12 m for small workshop use.

## Layout and access

- **Drive-up units**, each with its own roller door onto a driveway, suit trades and vehicles.
- **Internal units** off a corridor make better use of floor area and suit household storage.
- Leave driveways wide enough for trailers and small trucks to turn.

## Doors and partitions

Every unit needs a door that’s robust, secure and easy to use. Plan door sizes to suit the vehicles your tenants will use. Partitions can be as simple as steel cladding from floor to ceiling. Other options include timber and plywood, or plywood fixed over steel framing. What suits depends on how the units will be used. Larger, taller units used as mini workshops, or where tenants stack heavier goods, take more knocks from everyday wear and tear, so a plywood finish is often the more durable choice there.

## Security

Perimeter fencing, a controlled gate, lighting and CCTV are what tenants look for. Run conduit for power and data before the slab is poured.

## Fire separation

You don’t know what tenants will store, so fire design matters. Depending on size, layout and distance to boundaries, the rules may require fire-rated walls between groups of units or along boundaries. Get the fire design done early, because it shapes the layout.

## Build in stages

Many storage sites start with one block and add more as demand grows. Design the site plan for the full build-out, then build the first stage so later blocks match. One of our customers in Waipu put it this way: “The extension you supplied to our storage complex matches the existing units perfectly.” (Ralph, Waipu)

## Consent, zoning and tax

- Storage units are commercial buildings, so expect building consent, and check the zoning allows the activity.
- New commercial buildings can qualify for Investment Boost, an immediate 20% tax deduction. See our Investment Boost post, and confirm with your accountant.

## Why steel suits storage

Steel doesn’t rot, warp or attract pests, which protects tenants’ goods and keeps maintenance down. Standard bay sizes repeat efficiently, which keeps costs under control as you grow.

## Talk to Steelspan

Show us your site and how many units you have in mind, and we’ll help you plan the layout and stages. Use our Easy Shed Quote or call 0800 787 726.