Want your home to sell faster and for more money?
Investing in portable storage buildings is quickly becoming one of the best things homeowners can do to increase value. Best of all? Most buyers won’t even think to look for them.
Allow me to explain…
Buyers these days expect storage space. Gone are the days where a garage sufficed for storage needs. According to the America at Home Study, better closets/storage was ranked #4 on what home buyers would pay more money for.
That’s right…
Simply by adding quality metal buildings and portable storage solutions to your property, you can create massive appeal overnight. Not only do these additions offer storage, but they can be used for so many different purposes unlike a garage.
In this article you’re going to learn:
- Why Buyers Care About Storage Space
- How Much Value Will Storage Buildings Add?
- Portable Storage Building Considerations
- Tips to Increase Your Storage Building Resale Value
Why Buyers Care About Storage Space
Here’s the truth.
These days buyers care about storage more than anything else. It just makes sense if you think about it.
Statistically speaking… One third of Americans rent self storage units. That means millions of people are paying extra every month just to have some additional storage space.
If your home came equipped with some of that storage space why would they pay more money when they could buy your house?
Don’t forget…
Portability storage buildings are great for keeping:
- Clutter out of your garage
- Garden tools protected from the elements
- Equipment organised and easy to find
- LARGE items that can’t go anywhere else
Buyers these days want neat, tidy and organised homes. Having a storage building shows them your property can hold everything they own without looking messy.
How Much Value Will Storage Buildings Add?
Ok so how much value does a portable storage building actually add to your home?
Let’s dive into the numbers…
Real estate agents and appraisers commonly estimate a storage building can increase property value by 1-5%. For example, on a £300,000 home that could be an extra £15,000 just for adding a storage building.
Hold up.
I’m not just talking about how much this improves your appraisal value. I’m talking about how this makes your home more attractive to buyers.
Imagine two homes. Same floor plans, same exterior and one has a large storage building while the other does not. Which home sounds more appealing to you?
Buyers will be able to visualise
Not only that but think of all the different things your average storage building could be used for.
Workshop
Home office
Seasonal Storage
Gun Safe
The list goes on.
When you have a storage building on your property you aren’t just limited to showing off storage. You can appeal to any buyers “want” by changing the purpose of your storage building.
Portable Storage Building Considerations
When it comes to portable storage buildings, not all structures are created equal.
Let me explain…
In order for your storage building to increase value, it actually has to fit the criteria of what most real estate agents consider an “improvement”. If your structure is not seen as an improvement, it will not increase your homes value.
So what makes a storage building an improvement?
Check these things off your list:
Material: Metal buildings have been known to last longer and hold their value better than wood structures. Check to make sure your storage building is made of quality materials.
Foundation: Don’t get me wrong, if you bought your portable building comes without a foundation. However, if you want this to add value to your home it’s recommended to add a foundation.
Matches Home: This one is pretty simple. If your storage building looks like it matches your home’s colours and style, it’ll come off as an expansion of your home versus an eyesore.
Right Sized: Remember, bigger isn’t always better. Make sure that your storage building isn’t taking over your property. Most buyers will want to see that they still have ample space to work with in the backyard.
Before you buy…
Make sure you check your local building codes and permit requirements before buying and installing your portable building.
Last thing you want is to go through all of this just to find out you needed a permit to place it on your land.
Tips to Increase Your Storage Building Resale Value
Putting a storage building on your property is only half of the battle.
Here’s how you can ensure you get the most out of your storage building once you buy it.
Believe it or not, placement of your storage building can make or break your homes appeal. You want to place your storage building somewhere that it’s usable but doesn’t take away from the beauty of your home and land. I recommend placing your storage building in the back corner of your property.
This way it’s still accessible, but you won’t lose your front lawn.
Another huge thing that will increase the value of your storage building is maintenance.
Keep in mind…
You want your buyers to know that you took care of this storage building just as you did the rest of your home. Take the time to show your buyers you care about your belongings by keeping your storage building maintained.
Maintenance Tips
- Pressure wash your exteriors
- Inspect locks and doors annually
- Ensure proper drainage around the foundation
- Reapply paint or treatment as needed
- Keep your interior organised
Staging your storage building is another thing you don’t want to overlook. When showing your home to potential buyers, make sure you stage your storage building just like you would the inside of your home.
Properly label shelves or containers so buyers will know exactly what your storage building was used for. You’ll be amazed at how organised portable buildings make you feel.
One more tip…
Make sure you save any permits you may have obtained when installing your storage building as well as any warranty information you were provided.
When it comes time to sell, having these documents will not only assure your buyers that your structure is up to code. But it’ll give them confidence that you didn’t cut any corners when placing it on your property.
Final Thoughts
Portable storage buildings are by far one of the best investments you can make when it’s time to sell your home.
They not only provide a solution to a problem every single buyer has they also allow you to get creative. Use your storage building to stand out from other sellers.
Here’s a recap of what you need to do:
- Get something you know will last (metal buildings)
- Make sure it has a foundation
- Matches the style and color of your home
- Keep up with maintenance
- Save all documentation for your buyers
Increasing your homes value with a portable storage building is an easy task if you know what you’re doing. Don’t settle for the typical tips to create value. Put time and effort into your storage building and watch it pay off when it’s time to sell.
It’s your ticket to selling your home for more money and faster than your neighbours.
