How Much Value Can a Mezzanine Floor Add to Your Business?
Starting with limited space and then suddenly running out is a common growing pain for business across the UK. A knee jerk reaction is to consider traditional expansion or even relocation to a larger unit. In reality, these options are disruptive and expensive in both money and time.
There is however a third option, a mezzanine floor. This creates valuable space by looking up rather than out or elsewhere. The perfect solution to many businesses problems but how much value does it actually add? The answer lies not only in the square footage gained but across several areas.
In this guide we will be looking at the true business impact of a mezzanine floor and how to calculate it’s ROI.
Beyond Extra Space – The Hidden Benefits
A mezzanine floor is more than just “a platform in the air.” When installed correctly it becomes an integral part of your office, warehouse or production facility. It can deliver benefits that impact key areas across your operation:
- Potential for future flexibility – Mezzanine floors can be reconfigured, extended, or even relocated as your company grows. This provides you with flexibility without long-term commitments.
- Operational efficiency – Decrease downtime when moving to external storage facilities by keeping all storage on-site.
- Improved workflow – Utilise the mezzanine floor to create distinct areas which can assist workflow.
- Better brand image – Impress customers, stakeholders or potential investors with your tidy, organised space.
Calculating the ROI: What to Measure
When evaluating the value of a mezzanine floor, it should be assessed against the cost and disruption of either relocation or conventional expansion. When performing these calculations, key metrics include:
- Cost per sq ft vs moving cost – Example: A mezzanine at £10-15 per sq ft is usually substantially less expensive than moving to a bigger building.
- Payback period – If additional stock capacity generates an extra £5,000 per month, and the mezzanine cost £50,000, the investment pays for itself in ten months.
- Revenue enablement – Can you introduce a new product line, serve more customers, or shorten lead times because of the added space?
- Avoided costs – Relocation can mean you incur agency/legal fees, increased rent, and additional weeks of operational downtime. These can all be avoided utilising a mezzanine floor solution.
An Example in Practice
Our work with BBS Plumbing & Heating Supplies shows exactly what’s possible when you think up instead of out.
We partnered with BBS to complete 4 projects across Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare. These 4 projects totalled to gain BBS over 5,500 sq ft of additional space utilising bespoke mezzanine floor solutions. All of this was completed without relocation or being overly intrusive to operations.
The results of the partnership?
- Increased stock across every branch
- Increased warehouse organisation
- Futureproofing and flexibility of use
- Time and cost vs traditional expansion or relocation
By looking up rather than out BBS were able to unlock unused height within their existing building. BBS were able to keep up with the growing demands of the business, streamline operations and invest in growth with confidence.
How to Maximise Your Mezzanine’s Value
To get the best ROI, treat the mezzanine as a long-term business asset:
- Design for flexibility – Plan for future expansion or changes in usage.
- Incorporate future features early – Including lighting, gates, lifts, and shelving from the get-go will save you time and money later.
- Ensure compliance – Complying to building regulations from day one can save you expensive retrofits or potential fines.
Common ROI Killers to Avoid
Even a great idea can underdeliver if it’s not executed properly. Avoid the following points:
- Underestimating your future growth, it may be worth doubling the size (and cost) of your mezzanine now to avoid bottle necks further down the line.
- Choosing inadequate load capacity for intended use. It’s important to do your research (we can help you) and fully understand what load capacities mean.
- Ignoring workflow design in the layout chosen. Workflow in almost all workplaces is important, ignoring this is detrimental to productivity.
- Overlooking safety and building regs early on. The last thing you’d want after installing a mezzanine floor is dismantling it immediately.
Try Our Free Mezzanine Floor Enquiry
People often overestimate the time and effort that goes into receiving a quote. All we need from you is a small bit of contact information, what you’re using the floor for and approximate size. Once you have submitted this on our handy contact form, we usually get a quote back within the next 3-4 working days.
Conclusion
A mezzanine floor is more than just additional space; it’s a strategic investment that can pay for itself quickly. If you’re in the market to expand, without the upheaval of moving, get in touch today and discover what a mezzanine could do for your business.