In this week’s episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast, James Shepherd sits down with Austin Scroggs of TruSteel Buildings to break down one of the biggest decisions operators face: build new or buy existing. With construction costs, timelines, and financing all in flux, the conversation offers a clear-eyed look at when new construction can actually cost significantly less—and when buying an existing facility still makes sense.
Austin explains that while buying an existing property provides immediate cash flow, new construction often comes with a much lower upfront investment—sometimes as much as 50% less—because you’re not paying a premium for stabilized income. The tradeoff, of course, is time. New builds require patience, planning, and a clear understanding of local zoning, setbacks, fire codes, and insulation requirements before ever closing on land.
A major theme of the episode is preparation. Austin stresses the importance of evaluating land before purchase, conducting feasibility studies, and showing lenders—or investors—a fully thought-out business plan. From traffic counts and competitive rates to build timelines and expansion potential, the more detail operators bring to the table, the easier it becomes to secure financing and avoid costly mistakes.
The conversation also walks through the practical realities of building: typical timelines for engineering plans, fabrication, delivery, and installation, as well as how thoughtful design choices—like door width, bollards, layout, and even color schemes—can reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve curb appeal. According to Austin, attention to detail during construction can make a measurable difference in performance once the facility opens.
Ultimately, the episode reinforces that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to build versus buy. The right path depends on your capital, timeline, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. For operators willing to plan carefully and play the long game, new construction can be a powerful way to scale efficiently.
For a deeper look at self storage development, financing strategies, and operational planning, tune in to this week’s episode of the Self Storage Insight Podcast and explore tools designed to support new builds at ccstorage.com.