No Substitute For Experience When Building A Warehouse

Building a warehouse seems like a pretty basic undertaking, right? At its core, a warehouse is four walls, a roof, and some dock doors. However, there are a variety of “little” things that can have a huge impact on how the facility operates.

That’s why choosing a designer/builder experienced in warehousing is so important when embarking on a new project. A builder with knowledge gained only by completing millions of square feet of work, will be best qualified to make recommendations on where to get the maximum benefit for dollars spent. There is no substitute for this experience.

A skilled builder of warehouses will discuss a variety of elements that can keep operating costs down, such as:

• Selection and placement of racking. This is the single biggest component governing the efficiency of a warehouse or distribution center. A company will never overcome an inefficient in-the-box design, which underlines the importance of selecting a builder/designer who can provide this valuable engineering support. Few builders can.
• Motion-sensor lighting. Reduces energy consumption by lighting only the spaces that are in use.
• HVLS fans. High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans move a great deal of air over a wide area, which helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Steel reinforced trailer pads. Constant dropping of trailers in the same spot tends to break up concrete over time. Steel reinforced pads help prevent such costly repairs.
• Super flat floors. This specialized concrete work is a prerequisite for taller racking. The benefit comes in being able to utilize the full cube space of the structure. 

There’s nothing basic about building a warehouse or distribution center. Since the efficiency of the facility is determined long before product arrives, it’s important to select a builder/designer who is highly experienced in such projects. They will be able to present further ideas to streamline operations, reduce overtime costs, and trim utility expenses.