Warehouse Mezzanine vs Warehouse Expansion: Which Costs Less?

Running out of space in your facility is an issue that many dealerships often face. Once the lack of space starts impacting productivity, inventory management, and growth, it can become an operational issue. With limited storage capacity, parts department managers start to look for other options. Building expansions and moving are always options, but they’re not the only considerations. Mezzanines and storage platforms offer dealerships a way to expand their storage capacity with unused vertical space. These are a fraction of the cost that a building expansion would entail and still offer dealerships the storage space they need.

It’s important to compare benefits, costs, and long-term goals before choosing where more storage space will come from.

When Parts Departments Start Running Out of Space

For parts departments, running out of space can gradually happen as inventory increases, new product lines are added, and customer demands increase. This can make it difficult for technicians to work efficiently and maintain an organized work space.

When space starts to become limited, it’s important that inventory doesn’t start moving to the floor or become over stacked on racking. This might be a temporary fix, but can cause safety hazards and reduce accessibility to inventory. With overcrowded spaces, it can be difficult to find items, may increase travel distances for technicians, and can make it hard to navigate areas. These inefficiencies can add up quickly, creating workflow challenges.

Dealerships often find themselves exploring solutions for finding more storage space. This can include expanding outward with an addition or by using vertical space within a facility with a mezzanine or work platform.

What is a Mezzanine?

A warehouse mezzanine, also known as a storage platform, is an elevated surface that is installed as a second floor in part of a facility. Mezzanines increase a building’s storage capacity by expanding up instead of out. This extra space can be used as storage space, office space, seasonal inventory overflow, and more.

A mezzanine uses the already available space within a facility, providing an alternative to a building expansion or a facility move.

The Cost of Building Expansion

Expanding a dealership can seem like the only option when space limitations become a problem, but this choice often requires significant planning, time, and investment.

A building expansion typically begins with site preparation, engineering assessments, and permitting requirements. Beyond the planning phase, warehouse expansions require building materials and infrastructure assessments. Costs for expansions can include concrete foundations, lighting, HVAC, electrical work, utility modifications, and more.

When building expansions take place, the construction can also interrupt operations, impacting traffic flow and causing dealerships to make workflow adjustments. With lengthy timelines, this process can take months or longer depending on the project scope.

Expanding a facility can provide a valuable long-term capacity but does require significant and careful planning, taking time and resources.

The Cost Advantages of a Mezzanine

When evaluating ways to gain floor space, dealerships find that mezzanines can offer a cost-effective alternative to a building expansion. Since a mezzanine is installed within an existing facility, it allows companies to increase their storage capacity without extending their building footprint.

In addition to mezzanines using space that already exists, these storage solutions also require less planning and can be implemented quicker than a building expansion. Since they’re installed within an existing structure, there are less considerations and interruptions to operations. In many circumstances, operations have little to no disruptions during the installation of a mezzanine.

These storage solutions provide scalable solutions without the cost and disruptions of a building expansion. For some organizations, this first option is worth exploring before deciding on a move or expansion.

Comparing Mezzanines and Expansions

With space constraint issues holding your operations back, it’s important to consider which option will be best for your dealership long term, a mezzanine or building expansion.

When Does a Mezzanine Make the Most Sense?

Both mezzanines and expansions increase storage capacity but are different when it comes to time and investment.

For automotive departments, mezzanines can provide dedicated space for tire storage, parts inventory, seasonal stock, and overflow materials while keeping frequently accessed items organized and readily available.

Dealerships that might benefit from an expansion more than a mezzanine might have limited ceiling heights, significant growth requirements, and building constraints.

Before deciding on a building expansion, it’s important to see how you can use your unutilized space. For some dealerships, mezzanines can offer a faster, cost-effective way to increase capacity, improve organization, and support future growth without the expense of a traditional expansion project.

FAQ About Mezzanines

Is a mezzanine less expensive than a building expansion?

Yes, a mezzanine is less expensive in most instances. These storage solutions require less construction, fewer materials, and shorter implementations times than a building expansion.

How much space can a mezzanine add?

The amount of space a mezzanine can add depends on our available vertical space and current layout of your facility. Mezzanines typically can add hundreds to thousands of square feet to your usable space.

Can a mezzanine be expanded later?

Yes, mezzanines are modular and can be modified or expanded as needs or workflows change.

Does a mezzanine increase warehouse storage capacity?

Yes, mezzanines increase storage capacity by using vertical space to create areas for storage, picking operations, offices, and production support areas.

How do I know if my warehouse needs a mezzanine?

Your warehouse may benefit from a mezzanine If you’re running out of storage space, storing inventory in overflow places, and are looking to add more items to your inventory without relocating or expanding your facility.

Are warehouse mezzanines permanent structures?

No, mezzanines are often free-standing structures that can be modified and relocated if facility requirements change.

Ready to Learn More About Mezzanines and Work Platforms?

These storage solutions can greatly benefit dealerships needing more space to store parts. Our St. Louis automotive expert is here to help, advising you on the best way to make the most of your space. Reach out to us here to let us know what’s going on in your facility, or talk to an automotive expert at 1-800-875-6201.